You’re probably familiar with silicone rubber. But in case you aren’t, it’s an elastomer with almost countless applications. You’ll see it used in automotive, electronics, consumer products, and of course, food.
Not all manufactured silicone rubber is the same. Some silicone products are more suited to particular applications than others.
For example, the food industry places a high value on food safety. And it always does its best to meet food safety standards. For this reason, the industry wouldn’t settle for anything other than food-grade silicone.
1. What is Food Grade Silicone Rubber?
Food-grade silicone rubber is just as it sounds; silicone rubber that’s explicitly made for food processing. Still, not all silicone rubber is considered safe for processing and storing food. Good thing this silicone variant has a slightly different makeup than your standard silicone product.
For instance, many silicone products contain petroleum-based industrial chemicals and fillers. Now, these substances may pose little threat in terms of toxicity. But they’re not ideal for contact with edible food and beverage products.
Thankfully, you can’t find these substances in food-grade silicone, complying with FDA’s food safety standards.
In addition, food-grade silicone rubber is heat-resistant, odorless, soft and foldable, which makes them widely used in kitchen supplies.
2. Why is Silicone Rubber Widely Used in the Food Industry?
Silicone rubber is a synthetic polymer, much like your everyday plastic. But unlike plastics with carbon as the backbone, silicone leans on oxygen and its primary chemical element: silicon – a kind of very stable element. It’s why many experts consider silicone non-toxic and safe for skin contact.
Standard Silicone Rubber Properties
Silicone rubber sees a lot of use not just in the food industry but also in a variety of others. Just take a look at these desirable properties:
- Silicone rubber is chemically resistant. Solvents have minimal effect on silicone-based products.
- It can resist extreme temperatures. It doesn’t matter if it’s too hot (200 °C) or too cold (-60 °C); silicone will continue to perform.
- It possesses extreme flexibility. You can extrude and mold silicone into almost any shape.
- Silicone is highly durable, retaining its shape and properties even under extreme conditions. It can withstand aging, weathering, and demanding working conditions better than plastics.
Additional Advantages of Food-Grade Silicone Rubber
Now, these properties I’ve mentioned are staples of all silicone rubber, regardless of use. Food-grade variants, however, have a couple more impressive qualities.
- Food-grade silicone variants are free of chemicals and fillers like BPA and BPS. This takes non-toxicity to a whole other level.
- It’s resistant to discoloration, odor, and chemical changes that compromise the food it contains.
- Food-grade silicone is lightweight despite being durable. It’s easy to store and transport, making it a convenient way to house food products.
3. Are Food-Grade Silicone Also Used in Kitchenware Products?
Food processing materials often use silicone-based materials, and kitchenware is no different. In fact, silicone rubber is a cost-effective way to make high-quality kitchenware products. These durable, long-lasting materials can withstand the temperature range needed to process edible food.
Fantastic Examples of Silicone Rubber’s Kitchenware Applications:
Silicone Molds
Ever wonder how those cakes and jello get their perfect shape? You can thank mold containers for that. Food preparation uses mold containers to shape various food products, particularly pastries.
Silicone rubber turns out to be ideal for this application. It can resist both high and low temperatures. It’s also less likely to harden, crack, or become brittle over time compared to plastics.
Utensils
Food-grade silicone doesn’t contain filler chemicals, making it ideal for extended food contact. The best part? You can extrude it into different shapes and sizes. As you know, any kitchen can’t do without utensils, and silicone is the perfect material.
You can make various high-grade utensils like spoons, spatulas, scrapers, beaters, and more out of silicone rubber. There’s even no stopping you from building an entire silicone-based utensil set.
Cookware
Silicone-based cookware is safe to use for all kinds of food and beverages. It doesn’t produce any adverse reactions since its non-toxic.
Silicone rubber’s high heat resistance comes in handy for cookware applications. It’s less likely to deform at elevated temperatures compared to other materials.
It also resists stains and odors that come from cooking various ingredients. You won’t have to spend a lot of time trying to remove tough stains using a spatula. Silicone pots, pans, and other cookware also boast the most extended lifespan. It’s no wonder they can sometimes be costly.
Choose the Right Food-Grade Silicone Rubber Supplier
You don’t have to settle for plastics that contain toxic chemicals. If you want to ensure the utmost safety in your food processing, go for food-grade silicone rubber.
At GX Silicone, we’re committed to providing exceptional quality and food-safe silicone rubbers. Unlike other manufacturers, we refrain from using chemical fillers as placeholders. Our food-grade silicone rubber is FDA-approved and 100% silicone-based. No chemicals. No fillers. Completely safe.
