Silicone x Plastic
We have compiled a table highlighting the benefits of food grade silicone versus plastic to showcase the advantages of silicone:
| Feature | Food-Grade Silicone | Plastic |
| Material Safety | Non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and free from harmful chemicals | Many plastics contain BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals, even if labelled BPA-free |
| Durability | Highly durable and flexible; resistant to wear and tear; can withstand extreme temperatures | Prone to cracking, breaking, or warping over time, especially when exposed to heat or cold |
| Heat Resistance | Heat-resistant up to 220°C (428°F); safe for microwave, oven, and dishwasher | Can melt or release harmful chemicals when exposed to high heat; not safe for ovens |
| Environmental Impact | Reusable and long-lasting; reduces waste; recyclable in some specialized facilities | Single-use or disposable plastics contribute heavily to pollution and landfills; takes centuries to decompose |
| Biodegradability | Non-biodegradable but reusable for years, minimizing waste | Non-biodegradable and breaks down into harmful microplastics over time |
| Reusability | Extremely reusable; doesn’t degrade with time or washing | Limited reusability; often needs to be replaced due to wear or damage |
| Food Safety & Preservation | Does not leach chemicals into food, even when exposed to heat; odor-resistant and hypoallergenic | Can leach harmful chemicals into food, especially when heated or used with acidic or oily foods |
| Flexibility & Shape Retention | Flexible yet retains shape; doesn't lose form over time or with repeated use | May warp or lose shape when exposed to high temperatures or heavy use |
| Temperature Tolerance | Can withstand extreme temperatures, from freezer to oven; ideal for food storage and cooking | Limited temperature tolerance; may melt, warp, or release toxins in extreme heat or cold |
| Ease of Cleaning | Non-stick, easy to clean; dishwasher-safe | Can stain or retain odours over time; not always dishwasher-safe |
| Eco-Friendliness | More eco-friendly due to reusability and durability; reduces the need for disposable plastics | Contributes significantly to environmental pollution, especially as single-use plastics dominate waste streams |
| Longevity | Lasts for years without degrading; ideal for long-term use | Shorter lifespan; more prone to breaking or needing replacement |
| Decomposition | Does not decompose but far outlasts plastic; requires specialized recycling | Can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to long-term environmental damage |
| Overall Health Impact | Safe for human use; no toxins released into food or the environment | Linked to health risks due to chemical leaching, particularly with lower-quality plastics |
This table showcases the clear advantages of food-grade silicone over plastic in terms of safety, durability, reusability, and environmental impact, making it the superior choice for long-term, eco-friendly use in kitchenware and baby products.