What is the difference between food-grade silicone and environmentally friendly silicone?

What is the difference between food-grade silicone and environmentally friendly silicone?

1. Definition and Standard
1.1 Definition and Certification Requirements of Food-Grade Silicone
Food-grade silicone refers to silicone products used for food contact, such as baby pacifiers, kitchenware handles, sealing rings, etc. These products are in direct or indirect contact with food, and the safety and hygiene of their materials are crucial. Food-grade silicone must meet strict national standards and international certification requirements to ensure that it will not cause contamination to food during use and protect the health of consumers.
In China, the testing standard for food-grade silicone products adopts GB 4806.11-2016 “National Food Safety Standard Food Contact Rubber Materials and Products”. This standard specifies the requirements, test methods, inspection rules and label identification of rubber materials and products for food contact. The measurement items include sensory testing, heavy metal content (in terms of lead), potassium permanganate consumption, total migration (4% acetic acid, 10% ethanol, 50% ethanol), etc.
Internationally, the certification requirements for food-grade silicone are also very strict. For example, the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has formulated standards for food contact materials, among which Regulation 21 CFR 177.2600 clearly stipulates the formula and vulcanization conditions of silicone rubber products for food contact, and requires the determination of the total extractable amount of silicone rubber in distilled water and n-hexane. The EU’s LFGB (Food, Tobacco Products, Cosmetics and Other Daily Necessities Management Law) requires silicone rubber products to pass comprehensive chemical tests, including total migration (deionized water, 3% acetic acid, 10% ethanol), peroxide value test, heavy metal content (in terms of cadmium and lead), total organic volatiles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
1.2 Definition and environmental standards of environmentally friendly silicone
Environmentally friendly silicone is a silicone material with natural silicon dioxide as the main raw material, which has the characteristics of non-toxicity, high temperature resistance and good biocompatibility. Its production process has extremely low pollution to the environment. It is an ideal environmentally friendly material and is widely used in medical equipment, aviation and military, daily necessities and other fields.
The environmental standards of environmentally friendly silicone mainly involve its production process, use process and waste disposal. During the production process, environmentally friendly silicone has low energy consumption and produces less waste, which meets the requirements of sustainable development. During use, environmentally friendly silicone products have good durability and reusability, reducing dependence on disposable plastic products, thereby reducing resource consumption and waste generation. In addition, environmentally friendly silicone can be recycled and reused through special methods after being discarded, further reducing the impact on the environment.
Internationally, the environmental standards for environmentally friendly silicone also include restrictions on hazardous substances. For example, the EU’s RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) stipulates that certain hazardous substances are restricted in electronic products. If environmentally friendly silicone is used in electronic products, it must comply with this directive. In addition, the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances) also imposes strict requirements on the chemicals used in environmentally friendly silicone.

2. Raw materials and production process
2.1 Purity of raw materials for food-grade silicone and production process control
Food-grade silicone has extremely high requirements for the purity of raw materials. Its main component is silicon dioxide, and high-purity silica or quartz sand is usually used as the basic raw material. These raw materials need to strictly control the impurity content during mining and processing to ensure the purity and safety of the final product. For example, the limit of heavy metal content in food-grade silicone is very strict, and the lead content shall not exceed 0.05 mg/kg, which requires that the raw materials must avoid heavy metal contamination during mining and processing.
During the production process, the production environment of food-grade silicone needs to be strictly controlled, and it is usually operated in a clean workshop to prevent dust and other impurities from contamination. Parameters such as temperature, pressure and time in the production process also need to be precisely controlled to ensure that the performance of the silicone meets food-grade standards. For example, the vulcanization process of food-grade silicone usually uses platinum vulcanizer, which can not only provide good vulcanization effect, but also ensure the non-toxicity and odorlessness of the product. In addition, strict quality inspection is required for each step in the production process, including inspection of raw materials, testing of semi-finished products and final inspection of finished products, to ensure the quality and safety of the product.
2.2 Sources of raw materials for environmentally friendly silicone and environmental protection measures in the production process
The raw materials of environmentally friendly silicone are widely sourced, mainly including natural silica and synthetic siloxane. Natural silica usually comes from quartz ore or diatomaceous earth, which have abundant reserves and good environmental performance. Synthetic siloxanes are prepared by chemical synthesis, and their production process is constantly improving to reduce the impact on the environment.
During the production process, environmentally friendly silicone manufacturers have taken a series of environmental protection measures. For example, clean energy such as natural gas or electricity is used to replace traditional coal fuels to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. At the same time, the wastewater and waste gas generated during the production process are also strictly treated to ensure that they meet environmental standards. Wastewater is usually treated by sedimentation, filtration and chemical treatment to remove harmful substances; waste gas is treated by adsorption, catalytic combustion and other technologies to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds. In addition, environmentally friendly silicone manufacturers also pay attention to the recycling and reuse of waste, and recycle the waste silicone generated during the production process and reuse it in production, thereby reducing resource waste and waste generation.

3. Safety and health impact
3.1 Non-toxic and harmless characteristics of food-grade silicone
Food-grade silicone is widely used in food contact fields due to its excellent safety. Its main component, silicon dioxide, has stable chemical properties and does not react chemically with other substances except strong alkali and hydrofluoric acid. Under normal use conditions, food-grade silicone will not release harmful substances, nor will it affect the color, aroma, and taste of food. For example, baby pacifiers, as products that directly contact the oral cavity of infants and young children, are made of food-grade silicone. Its non-toxic and odorless characteristics can protect the health of infants and young children.
The temperature resistance of food-grade silicone also provides a guarantee for its safety. Its temperature resistance range is generally between -40℃ and 200℃. During normal use, whether it is refrigerated, frozen or cooked at high temperature, food-grade silicone products can remain stable and will not produce harmful substances due to temperature changes. In addition, after strict quality testing, the heavy metal content, potassium permanganate consumption, and total migration of food-grade silicone products meet national standards, further ensuring their safety during use.
3.2 Potential impact of environmentally friendly silicone on the environment and human health
As a green material, environmentally friendly silicone has little impact on the environment. The environmental protection measures adopted in its production process, such as the application of clean energy, strict treatment of wastewater and exhaust gas, and recycling and reuse of waste, effectively reduce pollution to the environment. During use, environmentally friendly silicone products have good durability and reusability, reducing the generation of waste. In addition, environmentally friendly silicone can be recycled and reused through special methods after being discarded, further reducing the impact on the environment.
For human health, environmentally friendly silicone is also highly safe. Its main ingredient, natural silica, is non-toxic and odorless, and will not harm the human body under normal use conditions. However, environmentally friendly silicone may be affected by environmental factors in certain specific applications. For example, if environmentally friendly silicone products are exposed to certain chemicals during use, their performance may be affected to a certain extent. But in general, the impact of environmentally friendly silicone on human health is minimal under normal use and proper handling.

4. Physical and chemical properties
4.1 Temperature resistance, aging resistance and tear strength of food-grade silicone
The temperature resistance of food-grade silicone is extremely good, and it can remain stable in the temperature range of -40℃ to 230℃. This wide temperature resistance range enables it to adapt to various extreme temperature environments. Whether it is refrigeration, freezing or high-temperature cooking, food-grade silicone products can be used normally without producing harmful substances or performance degradation due to temperature changes.
Its aging resistance is also excellent. During long-term use, food-grade silicone products can maintain good physical and chemical properties. This is due to the stable chemical properties of its main component, silicon dioxide, which does not react chemically with other substances except strong alkali and hydrofluoric acid. This stability allows food-grade silicone products to maintain their original shape, elasticity and strength after long-term contact with environmental factors such as food, air and moisture, and is not prone to aging, deterioration and other problems.
In addition, food-grade silicone has high tear resistance. During normal use, food-grade silicone products are not prone to tearing even if they are stretched and torn to a certain extent. For example, when making baking molds, food-grade silicone can withstand the expansion and extrusion of the dough, maintain the integrity and shape of the mold, and thus ensure the quality and appearance of the baked food. This high tear resistance not only extends the service life of food-grade silicone products, but also improves their reliability and safety in practical applications.
4.2 Durability, degradability and chemical stability of environmentally friendly silicone
Environmentally friendly silicone has good durability, and its physical and chemical properties can remain stable for a long time under normal use conditions. This durability is mainly due to the stable chemical properties of its main ingredient, natural silica, and the strict control of raw materials and processes during the production process. Environmentally friendly silicone products are not prone to aging, deformation, fading and other problems during long-term use, and can meet the needs of various application scenarios.
Although environmentally friendly silicone itself is not easy to degrade naturally, it can be recycled and reused through special methods. For example, waste environmentally friendly silicone products can be converted into new silicon raw materials by high-temperature decomposition, and then remade into silicone products. This recyclability not only effectively reduces the amount of waste, but also saves raw material resources, which is in line with the concept of sustainable development. In addition, with the continuous advancement of technology, some new environmentally friendly silicone materials are being developed, and their degradable properties are expected to be further improved.
In terms of chemical stability, environmentally friendly silicone performs well. Its main ingredient, natural silica, is non-toxic and odorless, and will not react chemically with other substances under normal use conditions. This chemical stability enables environmentally friendly silicone products to maintain their performance and safety when exposed to various chemical substances. For example, in the fields of medical equipment, aviation and military, environmentally friendly silicone products need to come into contact with various complex chemical environments, and their good chemical stability can ensure the safety and reliability of these products during use.

5. Application fields
5.1 Application of food-grade silicone in food, medical and other fields
Food-grade silicone has been widely used in the food and medical fields due to its excellent safety and performance.
Food field
Kitchenware and tableware: Food-grade silicone is widely used to make various kitchenware and tableware, such as silicone spatulas, spoons, clamps and other cooking tools, which have good high temperature resistance and scratch resistance. For example, silicone spatulas can be used in high-temperature cooking processes without releasing harmful substances or scratching pots. In addition, baking tools such as silicone cake molds and biscuit molds are loved by baking enthusiasts because of their non-stickiness and easy demolding.
Food packaging: Food-grade silicone sealing strips are used in food packaging to effectively prevent food from spoiling and contamination. For example, silicone cling film is reusable, environmentally friendly and harmless to food, and is an ideal substitute for traditional cling film.
Food processing equipment: In the process of food processing, sealing rings, conveyor belts and other components made of food-grade silicone are widely used. These components can withstand high temperature, high pressure and chemical cleaning during food processing to ensure the safety and hygiene of the food processing process.
Medical field
Baby products: Nipples and bottles made of food-grade silicone are safe and non-toxic, and have no effect on the health of babies. For example, the softness and elasticity of silicone nipples can simulate the sucking feeling of breast milk, making it easier for babies to accept.
Medical devices: The biocompatibility of food-grade silicone enables it to be used to manufacture various medical devices, such as catheters and drainage tubes. These medical devices will not irritate or allergic to human tissues during use, ensuring the safety of the medical process.
5.2 Application of environmentally friendly silicone in industry, construction and other fields
Environmentally friendly silicone has been widely used in industry and construction due to its environmental protection characteristics, durability and good physical and chemical properties.
Industrial field
Electronic and electrical appliances: Environmentally friendly silicone is widely used in the manufacture of electronic products, such as silicone buttons, silicone protective covers, etc. These silicone products not only have good touch and service life, but also provide good insulation and high temperature resistance. For example, silicone mobile phone cases can protect mobile phones from scratches and impacts, and have good heat dissipation performance.
Mechanical manufacturing: Environmentally friendly silicone is used to manufacture various mechanical parts and seals, such as O-type silicone seals, anti-slip mats, etc. These parts have good high temperature resistance, oil resistance and wear resistance, which can improve the reliability and service life of mechanical equipment.
Aviation and military: Environmentally friendly silicone also has important applications in the aviation and military fields, such as waterproof masks, noise-canceling headphones, brake pads, etc. These products not only need to have good physical properties, but also need to meet strict environmental standards to reduce the impact on the environment.
Construction field
Sealing materials: Environmentally friendly silicone sealing strips are widely used in building doors, windows, curtain walls and other parts, which can effectively prevent water and air penetration and improve the thermal insulation performance of buildings. For example, silicone sealing strips are not easy to age or deform during long-term use, and can maintain a good sealing effect.
Decorative materials: Environmentally friendly silicone can be used to manufacture various building decoration materials, such as silicone molds for making decorative components. These decorative components have good weather resistance and durability, and can maintain their beauty for a long time.

6. Cost and price
6.1 High cost factors of food-grade silicone
Food-grade silicone has a relatively high cost due to its strict safety standards and high quality requirements. Its high cost is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Raw material cost: Food-grade silicone has extremely high requirements for the purity of raw materials, and usually uses high-purity silica or quartz sand as the basic raw materials. The procurement cost of these high-purity raw materials is high, and the impurity content needs to be strictly controlled during the processing, which further increases the processing cost of raw materials.
Production process control cost: The production process of food-grade silicone needs to be carried out in a clean workshop to prevent contamination by dust and other impurities. In addition, parameters such as temperature, pressure and time in the production process need to be precisely controlled to ensure that the performance of the product meets food-grade standards. For example, the vulcanization process using platinum vulcanizer is not only costly, but also requires strict quality testing. These strict production control measures increase the cost of the production process.
Quality testing cost: Food-grade silicone products need to undergo strict quality testing, including inspection of raw materials, testing of semi-finished products and final testing of finished products. These testing items include sensory testing, heavy metal content, potassium permanganate consumption, total migration, etc. Strict testing procedures and equipment investment increase the quality testing cost of products.
Certification cost: Food-grade silicone products need to pass strict certification, such as US FDA certification and EU LFGB certification. These certifications not only require companies to invest a lot of time and energy, but also need to pay high certification fees. For example, FDA certification requires companies to conduct a series of complex tests and evaluations to ensure that the products meet food safety standards.
6.2 Cost advantages and price differences of environmentally friendly silicone
Environmentally friendly silicone has certain advantages in terms of cost, and its price is relatively low, which is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Raw material cost: The raw materials of environmentally friendly silicone are widely sourced, mainly including natural silica and synthetic siloxane. Natural silica usually comes from quartz ore or diatomaceous earth, which have abundant reserves and low procurement costs. In addition, the production process of synthetic siloxane is also constantly improving, further reducing the production cost of raw materials.
Production process cost: Although a series of environmental protection measures have been taken in the production process of environmentally friendly silicone, the requirements for production environment and process are relatively loose compared to food-grade silicone. For example, the clean energy and wastewater and waste gas treatment measures used in the production process of environmentally friendly silicone increase the production cost, but the overall cost is still lower than the strict production control of food-grade silicone.
Market positioning and price differences: Food-grade silicone is mainly used in food, medical and other fields with extremely high safety requirements. Its high cost and high quality make its price relatively high. Environmentally friendly silicone is widely used in industries, construction and other fields with high requirements for environmental performance. Due to different market positioning, the price of environmentally friendly silicone is relatively low, but its environmental characteristics and good physical and chemical properties make it more cost-effective in the market.
In general, there are significant differences between food-grade silicone and environmentally friendly silicone in terms of cost and price. Food-grade silicone has a higher cost and price due to its strict safety standards and high quality requirements; while environmentally friendly silicone has certain cost advantages in raw materials and production processes, and the price is relatively low, but it performs well in environmental performance and physical and chemical properties, and has a higher cost-effectiveness.

Summary
Although food-grade silicone and environmentally friendly silicone are both silicone materials, there are significant differences in many aspects.
From the definition and standards, food-grade silicone is mainly used in food contact fields and must meet strict national standards and international certifications, such as China GB 4806.11-2016, US FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, EU LFGB, etc. It has extremely high requirements for raw material purity, production process control and final product safety. Environmentally friendly silicone focuses on the environmental friendliness of production, use and waste treatment, and complies with environmental standards such as the EU RoHS Directive and REACH regulations.
In terms of raw materials and production processes, food-grade silicone uses high-purity silica or quartz sand, is produced in a clean workshop, uses platinum vulcanizer, and is strictly quality tested throughout the process. Environmentally friendly silicone raw materials are widely available, clean energy is used in production, wastewater and exhaust gas are strictly treated, and waste recycling is emphasized.
In terms of safety and health impact, food-grade silicone is non-toxic and harmless, has a wide temperature resistance range, and indicators such as heavy metal content strictly meet standards to ensure food contact safety. The production and use process of environmentally friendly silicone has little pollution, and waste can be recycled and reused. Normal use has little impact on human health.
In terms of physical and chemical properties, food-grade silicone has excellent temperature resistance, aging resistance and tear resistance, and is suitable for extreme temperatures and long-term use. Environmentally friendly silicone has good durability, can be recycled and reused, has high chemical stability, and can cope with complex chemical environments.
In terms of application areas, food-grade silicone is widely used in food and medical fields, such as kitchenware, food packaging, baby products, medical devices, etc. Environmentally friendly silicone is widely used in industrial and construction fields, such as electronic appliances, machinery manufacturing, aviation and military, building sealing and decoration, etc.
In terms of cost and price, food-grade silicone is relatively expensive due to high requirements for raw material purity, strict production control, and high quality inspection and certification costs. Environmentally friendly silicone has low raw material costs, a relatively loose production process, and a more cost-effective price.

In summary, food-grade silicone and environmentally friendly silicone have their own characteristics and are suitable for different fields. Food-grade silicone takes safety as the primary consideration and is suitable for scenes with extremely high health requirements such as food and medical treatment; environmentally friendly silicone has outstanding environmental performance and is suitable for fields such as industry and construction that pay more attention to environmental impact.