How the Life Sciences Industry is Evolving: The Need for Advanced Material Solutions
GRP – Meeting the Demands of a Changing Industry
The life sciences industry, encompassing pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemical manufacturing, is experiencing a period of rapid evolution. Driven by globalisation, shifting consumer preferences, and increasing regulatory requirements, companies are investing heavily in expanding, retrofitting, and constructing new state-of-the-art facilities. These infrastructure projects must balance complexity, safety, and sustainability while maintaining stringent compliance with industry regulations.
To meet these demands, advanced material solutions are essential. Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is emerging as a superior alternative to traditional materials like steel and concrete, offering unparalleled benefits in durability, safety, and cost efficiency. At Relinea, we specialise in providing cutting-edge GRP solutions tailored to the needs of the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, helping businesses future-proof their operations.
Trends in Pharmaceutical & Chemical Facility Construction
1. Stringent Regulatory & Safety Requirements
Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing facilities operate in highly regulated environments. Strict health, safety, and environmental standards dictate the materials and structures used within these buildings. Traditional materials, such as steel, often require regular maintenance and coatings to prevent corrosion, particularly in environments exposed to aggressive chemicals. GRP, by contrast, offers inherent chemical resistance and requires little to no maintenance over its lifespan, making it an ideal choice for these facilities.
2. Sustainability & Carbon Footprint Reduction
Sustainability is at the forefront of modern construction efforts, and businesses within the life sciences sector are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact. Traditional materials like steel and concrete are energy-intensive to produce and transport. In contrast, GRP requires 75% less energy to manufacture than steel and 50% less energy for transport and assembly. By integrating GRP into facility design, companies can significantly lower their carbon footprint while benefiting from a durable and long-lasting material.
3. Increased Focus on Workplace Safety
Safety in chemical and pharmaceutical plants is paramount. With 35% of all major workplace injuries caused by slips and trips, ensuring safe access points and walkways is a crucial consideration. Relinea’s GRP solutions feature industry-leading slip-resistant surfaces, providing enhanced protection for employees in high-risk environments. Additionally, GRP is non-conductive, making it ideal for facilities with sensitive electrical installations.
4. Cost-Efficiency & Long-Term Value
Budget constraints and cost-efficiency are critical factors in industrial construction. While steel structures may have a lower initial cost, they require ongoing maintenance due to corrosion and degradation. GRP offers a significantly lower life-cycle cost, with a lifespan exceeding 50 years and minimal maintenance requirements. The lightweight nature of GRP also reduces installation costs, eliminating the need for heavy lifting gear and specialist equipment.
Why GRP is the Ideal Material for Life Sciences Facilities
Chemical & Corrosion Resistance
GRP is inherently resistant to aggressive chemicals, making it perfect for environments where exposure to harsh substances is unavoidable. Unlike steel, which can corrode over time, GRP retains its integrity even in the most challenging conditions, ensuring long-term performance.
Lightweight Yet Strong
GRP is 75% lighter than steel while maintaining a high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows for easier handling, transport, and installation, reducing both time and labour costs. Additionally, its lightweight nature minimises structural load, making it an excellent option for retrofitting existing facilities.
Customisable & Versatile
Every facility has unique requirements, and GRP can be tailored to meet specific needs. Whether it’s access platforms, handrails, flooring, or trench covers, Relinea’s bespoke GRP solutions can be designed and fabricated to integrate seamlessly with existing structures.
Fire Retardant & Non-Conductive
In chemical and pharmaceutical facilities, fire safety and electrical hazards are major concerns. GRP is available in fire-retardant grades, enhancing safety in critical areas. Additionally, its non-conductive properties make it an ideal choice for electrical installations and environments where static discharge must be minimised.
Case Study: CERN Chemical Flooring Project
One of the most significant applications of GRP in the life sciences industry is its use in highly specialised environments such as CERN’s chemical processing facility. Relinea was tasked with designing and installing a false floor system that could withstand exposure to aggressive chemicals for up to eight hours a day. Using a high-grade resin GRP support system, we provided a corrosion-resistant, durable flooring solution that met CERN’s rigorous standards, ensuring long-term functionality and minimal maintenance requirements. Read More here.
Future-Proofing the Life Sciences Industry with Relinea
As the pharmaceutical and chemical industries continue to evolve, the need for advanced, sustainable, and cost-effective materials has never been greater. GRP is proving to be a game-changer in facility construction and refurbishment, offering unmatched benefits in durability, safety, and efficiency.
At Relinea, we are committed to helping businesses navigate these industry shifts with innovative GRP solutions that stand the test of time. Whether you are upgrading an existing facility or embarking on a new build, our expertise in GRP design, fabrication, and installation ensures you have a reliable, long-lasting, and future-proof solution.
Talk to the experts:
With over 18 years experience in working with GRP, our team has a deep understanding of our customers challenges, and the expertise and specialist knowledge to design bespoke GRP solutions.
Call us today on 02894470010, email info@relinea.com or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you.
