Are Silicone Spatulas Eco-Friendly and Sustainable?

Silicone spatulas are made from high-quality and eco-friendly silicone material i.e. non-toxic and BPA-free material. Silicone material is not only eco-friendly but also durable and heat resistant making it a perfect match for cooking and baking. These spatulas are scratch-resistant and can be easily used with non-stick as well as other cookware. In this blog, we are going to discuss are silicone spatulas eco-friendly and sustainable, if yes then how? Let’s get started!

What is Silicone Made From, and How is it Created?

Silicone is a synthesized and human-made polymer material made from siloxane. Siloxane is a material that features a rubber-like consistency with molecules having chains of alternating oxygen and silicon atoms. The silicone material is different from other industrial polymers as it doesn’t contain carbon atoms. It has a primary component silica which is a common form of sand.

Silicone is created from silica in five steps. Firstly silicon is isolated from silica by heating a large volume of quartz of sand at a temperature of 1800⁰ Celsius. The resultant material is grinded into a fine powder on cooling. The fine silicon powder is mixed with methyl oxide to form methyl chlorosilane. The dimethyldichlorosilane goes through a complex distillation process for separation of components of methyl chlorosilane from one other. This is done by heating the mixture to a series of precise temperatures.

Water is added to the dimethyldichlorosilane for the separation of hydrochloric acid and disilanol. The hydrochloric acid acts as a catalyst for disilanol to condense it into polydimethylsiloxane which is then polymerized into silicone. Silicone is the result of the whole procedure which in results is durable and long-lasting.

Silicone vs. Plastic: What Makes Silicone Different?

Plastic and Silicone both are commonly used materials for kitchen everyday use. Although, they look similar but are different from each other in terms of chemical composition. Plastics are made from carbon and hydrogen molecules and are produced from resources like plants, natural gas, and crude oil. Plastics are less environment-friendly elements and can be broken into microplastics on high heat.

Conversely, Silicone is made from environment-friendly materials and is durable enough to withstand heat up to 260⁰ C. It is made from silica and unlike plastic, it doesn’t contain carbon atoms that can be harmful.  Here is a quick difference between plastic and silicone:

Is Silicone Really Eco-Friendly? Examining the Environmental Impact

Yes, Silicone is really eco-friendly as is a non-toxic and BPA-free material. It is declared chemically stable and non-toxic to humans that’s why it is being used in the kitchen. It is most unlikely that silicone will release any kind of harmful chemicals or microplastics.

Does Silicone Decompose or Biodegrade Over Time?

Silicone is durable and long-lasting but not biodegradable. It cannot be decomposed easily but can be recycled into useful products like silicone oil i.e. lubricant for machinery and other products. It will take hundreds of years to decompose but will not release any harmful chemicals like plastic. On recycling, silicone is sustainable but less eco-friendly and non-biodegradable.

Health and Safety: Is Silicone Safe for Cooking and Food Storage?

Yes, Silicone is much safer for cooking and food storage as it is a non-toxic and BPA-free material. It is heat-resistant as can withstand heat up to 260⁰ C making it perfect for cooking. Moreover, silicone kitchen utensils are safe to use for food storage and covering food. They do not contaminate your food by leaving microplastics.

Are There Any Health Concerns Related to Silicone Spatulas?

Silicone spatulas are generally safe to use and there are no health concerns related to them. Silicone spatulas are highly durable and heat resistant. They are generally safe to use for the temperatures we use for cooking and leave no microplastics, unlike plastic spatulas. Hence, Silicone spatulas are BPA free spatulas best addition to your kitchen utensils.

Why Choose Silicone Spatulas Over Traditional Plastic and Rubber?

Purchasing a silicone wide spatula can be a great investment in your kitchen. As it is much more efficient compared to rubber, wooden and plastic spatulas. It is also more durable and since there’s no plastic, it is also BPA-free. All of these benefits make Silicone Spatulas a great fit for your kitchen. Silicone Spatulas come with many benefits. They are more heat-resistant compared to Plastic Spatulas and Wooden Spatulas. They also do a much better job in stirring, mixing, flipping, and scrapping without damaging any cookware.

Want to learn more about plastic vs silicone vs wooden spatulas, visit: Are Silicone Spatulas Better Than Wooden or Plastic Ones?

Can Silicone Be Recycled, and How Sustainable Is It?

Yes, Silicone is recyclable which makes it sustainable and eco-friendly. However, it is not easily recyclable as they are recycled into specialized recycling plants. They are recycled to form silicone oil which is a lubricant for machinery. But this consumes too much energy and releases waste when recycled. So silicone may not be an eco-friendly material at the end. But luckily most silicone products last longer than hundreds of years yet are sustainable.

How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Silicone Spatula Set for Your Kitchen?

Choosing the Best Eco-Friendly Silicone Spatula Set is a little bit confusing but not impossible. You can follow the following tips to find the best eco-friendly silicone spatula for your kitchen:

• Find a silicone spatula that is made from 100% BPA-free and non-toxic silicone material.
• Verify FDA-approved certifications to confirm is it suitable and safe for cooking.
• Check the spatula is made from recyclable silicone or it comes from brands with a focus on sustainability.
• Choose a spatula that can withstand heat resistance to at least 400⁰ F and 204⁰
• Choose spatulas with sturdy cores and handles like wood, steel, or bamboo.
• Opt for the spatula set consisting of different sizes and types to accommodate different uses.

SiliconeMania’s Eco-Friendly Silicone Spatula Collection

SiliconeMania is an All-in-One products store that provides you high quality silicone products making your lives easier. You can find a wide range of the best spatula set ideal for most of your cooking and baking activities. Our silicone spatula is eco-friendly, sustainable, and can be used for long-lasting. Visit SiliconeMania to find your desired and perfect match silicone spatulas for your kitchen.

FAQs

Is silicone eco-friendly and sustainable?

Yes, Silicone is eco-friendly and sustainable as it is made from environment-friendly materials and is recyclable. Moreover, it is BPA-free and non-toxic hence safe for cooking and baking.

Does silicone release microplastics?

No, unlike plastic, silicone does not release microplastics on heating. Silicone is durable and highly heat-resistant so it does not leach any chemicals into your food or containers.

Can silicone spatulas scratch non-stick cookware?

No, silicone spatulas cannot scratch non-stick cookware. They are made from scratch-resistant material that prevents the non-stick cookware from being scratched.

Is silicone safe for high-heat cooking?

Yes, silicone is generally safe up to high heat temperatures of 428⁰ F and 260⁰ C. If the temperature exceeds 428⁰ F and 260⁰ C, silicone starts melting and will not be safe for cooking.

How long does silicone last before it breaks down?

Silicone takes hundreds of years to break down or decompose but it does not release harmful chemicals. Silicone can last hundreds of years ensuring sustainability.

Does silicone contain BPA or other harmful chemicals?

No, silicone does not contain any BPA or other harmful chemicals that’s why it is preferred to be used for cooking.