Time and again, we hear a misunderstanding of what silicone really is. There is often confusion between plastic (made from petroleum) and silicone (made from silicon). We make the point here!
The composition of silicone
Silicone, like glass and ceramics, is composed of silicon. Silicon exists abundantly in nature (sand and rock) and represents 25.8% by weight of the earth's crust. After oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant chemical element and the most important base material for mineral materials.
There are two main categories of silicone.
Silicone is a mixture of silicone polymers with two types of catalyst, either platinum or peroxide. Peroxidized" silicone, which is often less expensive, allows particles to migrate to food at 160°C. The latter is prohibited in several European countries. If you pinch the mold, a white peroxide mark will appear. Silicone using a platinum catalyst is considered the most stable and is recommended by both Health Canada and the Federal Drug Administration in the United States for food use (food grade).
Advantages of food grade silicone
Stable and heat resistant
Silicone is a stable material that is highly resistant to thermal change. Its pronounced thermal stability allows it to be subjected to temperatures ranging from -50 °C to 220 °C. Below -50°C, silicone remains fairly stable but loses much of its flexibility. This makes it a material that can easily be used in the freezer, microwave, boiling water and oven.
Human Health
Health Canada states that ''Silicone does not react with food and beverages and does not produce toxic fumes''. They also specify not to use it at temperatures higher than 220°C (428°F) because it can release particles while melting.
Practical
From a daily use and food point of view, platinum silicone has many advantages. In addition to being heat resistant, it allows to cook food but also to preserve them adequately and without plastic. In fact, by putting them in silicone containers or bags, it is possible to remove the air completely, to freeze them without changing the flavors and keeping away the odors that can alter the food.
Silicone molds and bags are also reusable almost infinitely. They allow you to avoid, for example, muffin papers or a multitude of plastic bags for freezing. They are non-stick and easy to clean.
In addition to silicone bags, this material is practical and safe for many other daily use items, reusable essentials.
Is silicone biodegradable?
No. Silicone is not a biodegradable material. It does not have the ability to degrade to its original state in nature. However, it is a material that can be reused over and over again and that can cross generations. Thus a silicone bag or mold, if well maintained, will be stable over time and will allow use over certainly several decades.
Our store is full of items that promote a waste-free lifestyle. Our favorite silicone and plastic-free items are the following:
Environmentally friendly,
