What is BPA-Free Silicone?

Used in products ranging from BPA-free water bottles to commercial silicone gummy molds, this tough and flexible material is made without Bisphenol A, a chemical commonly used in plastics. Learn what BPA-free means, how food-grade silicone is made, and why silicone is widely used for food production.

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Silicone 101

Silicone is a family of synthetic polymers built around silicon and oxygen. Its chemistry begins with silica, also known as silicon dioxide (SiO2), a naturally occurring compound found in rocks, sand, water, plants, animals, and the human body.

Silicon Dioxide in Foods

Silicon dioxide occurs naturally in foods such as brown rice, oats, beets, and leafy green vegetables. It is also used as an anticaking additive to help powdered ingredients resist clumping. Under U.S. federal regulations, silicon dioxide may be used in food under specified conditions, including limits based on its intended use.

Are silicon and silicone different?

Yes, and not just because one of the words has an "e" on the end of it. With no "e," the word silicon refers to the basic naturally occurring element (Si). Silicone, however, is the word that applies to the wide spectrum of synthetic substances that contain silicon, which is rarely found on its own in nature. Silicon bonds easily with oxygen and so it more commonly occurs as silicon dioxide, aka silica.   

What is BPA and why should I worry about it?

BPA stands for Bisphenol A, an industrial chemical used primarily in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It can be present in products such as some water bottles, food-storage containers, and the linings of metal cans. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, diet is the primary source of exposure for most people because BPA can migrate from certain food-contact materials into food and beverages.

Research continues to examine the potential health effects of BPA exposure, including reproductive and developmental outcomes. Evidence and risk can vary by exposure level, timing, population, and outcome, so broad claims should be interpreted carefully. Consumers who want to reduce exposure can follow current public-health guidance and choose suitable BPA-free food-contact products.

All BPA-Free Products Are Not Equal

BPA-free means you’re safe, right? Not so fast. You might want to be wary of BPA-free plastics. You may come across a plastic product in a store that's labeled BPA-free and assume that it's safe since it doesn't contain the dangerous chemical. But maybe not. The BPA substitutes that manufacturers of plastics use can be just as harmful to human health.

Some manufacturers have replaced BPA with related compounds such as Bisphenol S (BPS). A review of BPS research describes endocrine and metabolic concerns, so a BPA-free label on plastic does not by itself establish that every substitute is risk-free.

How is silicone made?

Silicone materials are based on silicon–oxygen polymers. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a common member of this polymer family and is produced through silica-derived silicon chemistry.

During manufacturing, a silicone base is compounded with selected ingredients, shaped, and cured through cross-linking. The exact formulation and process depend on the intended product, such as sheets, tubing, seals, or molded food-contact components. See this silicone manufacturing overview for an example of compounding, shaping, and curing.

Silicone Stands Up to Pressure

Silicone rubber can perform across a broad temperature range, but the safe operating limit depends on the silicone grade, formulation, application, and length of exposure. Always follow the temperature rating supplied for the specific product rather than applying a generic silicone limit.

Easy-to-clean silicone products such as silicone baking mats can go from the freezer to the dishwasher without fear of damage. Plus silicone is pliable, flexible enough to take twists, squeezes, pulls, drops, and even some smashing without getting knocked permanently out of shape. Add in hypoallergenic qualities, stain- and odor-resistant properties and you've got a material that's superior to plastic in a host of different ways. 

Silicone Products Are All Around Us    

Silicone polymers are used in many forms. Lower-molecular-weight PDMS is used in products such as lubricants and antifoaming agents, while higher-molecular-weight material can form flexible rubbers and sealants. Food-grade silicone can also be formed into reusable molds for food production; always follow the specifications for the particular mold.

Now that you understand the true BPA-free meaning, the wise choice is to steer clear of Bisphenol-A; BPA is best left in the past. Instead, look to the future of silicone and gummy molds.