Food Grade Silicone and Why it’s Better Than Plastic
- 6 min reading time
4.5 MINUTE READ Single-use plastics might be convenient, but they're toxic to our bodies and the environment. 2020 appeared to be the year when plastic/single-use item restrictions would finally take but, amid the COVID crisis, these efforts were not only put on hold - they were put in reverse. As food operators big and small lean on disposables more than ever, it’s important to make better choices - for your health, your loved ones, and the planet.
4.5 MINUTE READ
Single-use products might be convenient, but they're toxic to our bodies and the environment. 2020 appeared to be the year when plastic/single-use item restrictions would finally take but, amid the COVID crisis, these efforts were not only put on hold - they were put in reverse. As food operators big and small lean on disposables more than ever, it’s important to make better choices - for your health, your loved ones, and the planet.
SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES
We are committed to eliminating the need for single-use plastics and that's why our reusable, unbreakable products are made out of pure platinum-cured, food-grade silicone. Never heard of platinum-cured, food-grade silicone or wondering why it’s far superior to plastics? Let us explain why food grade silicone is straight up amazing!
The Benefits of Food Grade Silicone:
It is more durable, and highly resistant to damage or degradation from extreme temperatures. It’s safe to use for both cold and hot drinks, but also completely safe to heat to high temperatures or freeze. It doesn’t harden, crack, peel, crumble, dry out, rot or become brittle over time.
It’s lightweight, saves space, is easy to transport and made from an abundant natural resource. Silicone may be 100% recycled at select locations and is considered non-hazardous waste.
It’s also safer for your family, with no toxic chemicals like BPA to worry about. It’s also stain-resistant, hypoallergenic, and has no open pores to harbor harmful bacteria.
Can You Put Silicone Pint Glasses in the Dishwasher?
Silipint products are safe and built to last! They are made of 100% food-grade, platinum-cured silicone that is free of BPS, odors, and phthalates. Each reusable cup, lid, and straw is dishwasher safe, freezer friendly, and microwave safe. They will not break, crack, chip, dent, fade, or scratch.
Plastic is bad for you:
Studies have found that certain chemicals in plastic can leach into our food and beverages - especially when used to store or reheat. These harsh chemicals and toxins can lead to a variety of health concerns. These chemicals include:
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Bisphenol S (BPS)
- Phthalates
BPA alone is considered an endocrine disrupter— which means it can throw your hormones or endocrine systems off balance. BPA has also been linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease.
Plastic is Bad For The Environment:
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic debris, laced with chemicals and often ingested by marine animals, can injure or poison wildlife. Floating plastic waste, which can survive for hundreds of years in water, serves as mini transportation devices for invasive species, disrupting habitats.
Fortunately, you have a better option. By using reusable products made from abundant materials that are free from toxins, you can help protect the earth and all of its inhabitants. Every Silipint product is made from 100% food-grade, platinum-cured silicone and is the perfect place to start! Read on to find out why.
What is Food-Grade Silicone?
Food-grade silicone is a non-toxic type of silicone that doesn’t contain any chemical fillers or byproducts, making it safe for use with food. Silicon, the naturally occurring substance that makes up silicone, is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, after oxygen. Which makes it a sustainable drink and foodware resource.
While non-plastic products, like ceramic dishes, glass bottles, mugs, mason jars, etc. are great, they can break, take up a lot of space, and are inconvenient for taking on the go. Silipint products make it easy to use at home or on the go while staying away from plastics. Not to mention, a lifetime of broken dishes can add up!
Can I Put Hot Food in Silicone Cups?
Food-grade silicone is made without petroleum-based chemicals, BPA, BPS, or fillers. It’s safe to store food, put in the microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher. You can even bake right in your Silipint, oven safe up to 450 degrees. It won’t crack, break down, or degrade over time.
Is Silicone Drinkware Safe?
Food-grade silicone is safe for baking and cooking. The ingredients in silicone are inert materials, which means that none of the materials used to manufacture the silicone will leach into the food being cooked in it.
How Do You Sterilize Silicone Products?
You can clean your silicone products in the dishwasher or by hand. If you do want to sterilize them, place the items in boiling water for up to 15 minutes. Our food-grade silicone bowls holds up very well to heat. And boiling them shouldn’t cause any warping of the material.
This is why platinum, food grade silicone is so much better for your health and our environment. It’s also why we’re so passionate about our lifetime guarantee - we promise that Silipint products will live up to their unbreakable and endlessly reusable reputation!
Is Silicone Better Than Plastic?
We think so! And so does the FDA! They have agreed that the raw materials which go into making food-grade silicone are completely safe for drink and foodware usage.
While silicone replacements alone won’t fix our global plastic problems, swapping single-use for reusable silicone is a step in the right direction. One Silipint product can replace a lifetime of single-use plastics and keep them from entering our landfills, oceans, and environment each year. At Silipint we’re all about one small change that can lead to big impacts.
Avoiding the Toxic Chemicals in Plastics:
The easiest way is to avoid buying plastic items. Not only is that better for the environment, but you will be certain to avoid toxic ingredients found in the products.
If you have plastic products that you want to continue using, make sure you avoid heating them — whether it’s leaving them somewhere warm, or using the microwave. You should also avoid putting plastic items in the dishwasher. This is due to the fact that plastic breaks down in water and heat, which means the chemicals have a greater chance of leaching into your food.
Get rid of toxins in 2021 - At Silipint we have a wide variety of products from our most popular 16oz Pint to our endlessly versatile 18oz Squeeze-a-Bowl, all built to last a lifetime. Check out our variety of products and see which Silipint is right for you!