GRP Products for Industrial Strength and Long-Term Performance

In demanding industrial environments, safety, durability, and longevity are more than just nice-to-haves — they’re essential. Whether you're managing a manufacturing facility, a warehouse, or a public-facing infrastructure project, selecting the right materials can make all the difference in long-term performance and compliance.

That’s where GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) comes in. GRP has become the go-to solution across the UK for organizations seeking materials that withstand the harshest conditions — from chemical exposure and foot traffic to extreme weather. Known for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio, non-corrosive nature, and anti-slip surface, GRP is a future-proof investment for any site that demands safety and resilience.

At Zalwan Ltd, we specialize in supplying a complete range of industrial-grade GRP products, designed to help you upgrade safety, meet compliance standards, and reduce maintenance costs over time. From stair tread covers and grating panels to decking strips and tactile paving — our GRP solutions are built to perform under pressure.

In this guide, we’ll explore the full range of GRP products available, the benefits of using them in industrial environments, and how Zalwan Ltd can support your site’s performance with long-lasting, compliant safety solutions.

Why Choose GRP for Industrial Applications?

Strength & Durability Compared to Traditional Materials

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) has fast become the modern alternative to steel, timber, and aluminium in industrial settings — and it’s easy to see why. While metal may rust and timber may rot or warp, GRP stands strong against harsh chemicals, weather conditions, and heavy foot traffic. Its high load-bearing capacity makes it ideal for walkways, platforms, and high-use areas, without the worry of deterioration over time.

Unlike metal, GRP is non-conductive and non-sparking, making it a safer option in environments where fire hazards or electrical equipment are present. It delivers the toughness you need, without the safety risks you don’t.

Long-Term Cost Efficiency & Corrosion Resistance

One of GRP’s standout features is its natural corrosion resistance — even in wet, salty, or acidic conditions. This makes it an ideal solution for factories, food processing plants, chemical facilities, and outdoor infrastructure exposed to the elements.

By reducing the need for regular maintenance, repainting, or replacements, GRP offers long-term savings that go far beyond its initial cost. It’s not just a safer choice — it’s a smarter investment.

Safety Compliance with UK Regulations

Workplace safety isn’t optional — and GRP products help you stay compliant with a wide range of UK safety regulations. Whether you’re adhering to the Health and Safety at Work Act, Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), or building regulations, GRP solutions such as stair tread covers and tactile paving support legal compliance while visibly improving site safety.

Key GRP Product Types for Industrial Environments

GRP Stair Tread Covers – Anti-Slip & Retro-Fit Safety

GRP Stair Tread Covers are a must-have for improving stair safety in industrial and commercial buildings. Designed to retrofit over existing concrete, metal, or timber steps, these covers instantly add an anti-slip surface that greatly reduces the risk of slips and falls — especially in wet or oily conditions.

At Zalwan Ltd, our GRP stair tread covers feature a hard-wearing quartz grit surface, offering exceptional slip resistance even in high-traffic areas. They’re ideal for factories, warehouses, public transport stations, and more. Plus, with easy surface fixing, installation takes minutes — not hours.

GRP Grating – Ideal for Platforms & Walkways

GRP Grating is the backbone of many industrial flooring systems. It provides a strong, corrosion-resistant platform that’s ideal for mezzanines, access platforms, catwalks, and walkways. Unlike steel grating, GRP won’t rust, is lighter to handle, and doesn’t require hot works during installation — making it safer and more efficient to install.

Whether you need moulded or pultruded grating, Zalwan Ltd can supply GRP panels in various sizes, thicknesses, and load ratings to suit your application.

GRP Decking Strips & Flat Sheets for Versatile Use

When you need a quick, effective way to upgrade walkways, ramps, or decking areas, Anti-slip Decking Strips and flat sheets are a smart choice. They’re perfect for wooden decking that has become slippery over time or for concrete ramps that need a safety upgrade.

Our GRP Flooring Flat Sheets are available in a range of colours and grit grades, allowing you to meet both aesthetic and safety requirements. Installation is as simple as screwing or bonding them in place — giving you an instant anti-slip solution with minimal downtime.

Enhancing Site Safety with GRP Solutions

Stair Nosing Covers for Trip Prevention

Trips on stair edges are one of the most common causes of workplace accidents. GRP stair nosing covers provide a simple but powerful upgrade to stair safety. These profiles highlight step edges while adding a durable, slip-resistant surface — particularly helpful in areas with poor lighting or wet conditions.

At Zalwan Ltd, our stair nosing covers come in high-visibility colours like yellow and white, helping you comply with building regulations and health & safety standards with ease. They can be installed on virtually any surface, making them a go-to safety measure for public buildings, warehouses, and industrial sites.

Explore Stair Nosing Covers for the workplace and industrial sites.

Surface-Mounted Tactile Paving for Public Compliance

Tactile paving is more than a safety upgrade — it’s a legal requirement in many public settings. Our surface-mounted GRP tactile paving provides vital cues for visually impaired pedestrians, especially near crossing points, stairs, and railway platforms.

Unlike traditional concrete options, GRP tactile tiles are lightweight, fast to install, and extremely durable — making them ideal for retrofitting onto existing surfaces. Zalwan Ltd supplies tactile paving that meets UK accessibility standards, ensuring you stay compliant while improving public safety. See Surface-mounted Tectile Paving for ensuring your safety.

Slip Resistance Ratings Explained (R Ratings & PTV)

When it comes to safety, numbers matter. GRP products are tested for slip resistance using either the Pendulum Test Value (PTV) or R Ratings. For example:

• PTV ≥ 36 (in wet conditions) is classified as low slip potential
• R13 rating (DIN standard) indicates maximum slip resistance

All anti-slip GRP solutions from Zalwan Ltd are tested to exceed UK standards, making them ideal for areas exposed to moisture, oils, or heavy use.

Protect your workplace with certified GRP Products for UK Standards.

Choosing the Right GRP Product for Your Project

Comparing GRP vs Metal vs Timber

When selecting materials for industrial use, it's essential to understand the long-term impact of your choice. While metal may offer strength, it’s prone to rust and often requires costly coatings and ongoing maintenance. Timber, on the other hand, is vulnerable to rot, wear, and slipping — especially in outdoor or damp conditions.

GRP outperforms both. It’s non-corrosive, non-conductive, and offers excellent strength without the weight or upkeep. GRP also delivers unmatched slip resistance, making it the safer choice for high-traffic environments, walkways, and stairs.

Installation Tips for Industrial Sites

Installing GRP products is refreshingly simple. Most items — from stair tread covers to decking strips — can be surface-mounted using standard fixings like screws or adhesives. This reduces downtime and avoids the need for specialized tools or hot work.
Key tips:

• Always install on clean, dry surfaces
• Use stainless steel screws for corrosion resistance
• Add contrasting nosings or edge markings for enhanced visibility

Zalwan Ltd provides guidance and accessories to make your installation seamless — whether it’s a retrofit project or a new build.

Customisation & Sizing Options with Zalwan Ltd

No two sites are the same, which is why we offer cut-to-size options on most of our GRP products. Whether you need extra-wide stair tread covers or specific panel dimensions for grating, we’ve got you covered.
You can also customize:

• Colour (e.g. yellow for high-visibility areas)
• Grit grade (standard or coarse)
• Thickness and profile shapes

With Zalwan Ltd, you’re not limited to off-the-shelf — you get GRP that fits your project perfectly.

FAQs

Q: What is GRP and why is it used in industrial environments?

A: GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) is a composite material made from plastic and fine glass fibres. It’s widely used in industrial environments due to its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and non-slip surface — perfect for harsh or high-traffic areas.

Q: Are GRP products suitable for outdoor use?

A: Absolutely. GRP is UV-stable, weatherproof, and resistant to rot or rust — making it ideal for outdoor walkways, staircases, ramps, and platforms.

Q: Do GRP products meet UK safety and slip resistance standards?

A: Yes. All Zalwan Ltd GRP products meet or exceed UK standards, including PTV (Pendulum Test Value) ≥ 36 for slip resistance and R13 for maximum grip in industrial environments.

Contact us to ask any questions or details about the Products.

Conclusion

When it comes to industrial safety and long-term performance, few materials can match the durability and reliability of GRP. Whether you're upgrading an aging facility, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, or building from the ground up, GRP offers a future-proof solution that protects people and property alike.

From anti-slip stair tread covers and robust grating panels to surface-mounted tactile paving and custom decking strips, GRP is engineered for high performance in the toughest conditions. It’s easy to install, virtually maintenance-free, and built to last — making it a smart investment for any industrial environment.

At Zalwan Ltd, we’re proud to supply a comprehensive range of GRP safety products, backed by expert support and fast UK-wide delivery. Whether you need off-the-shelf solutions or made-to-measure fittings, we’re here to help.

Explore our full GRP range or get in touch for a custom quote today at Zalwan Ltd.