What is Platinum Silicone?

Platinum silicone, also known as platinum-cured silicone or addition-cure silicone, represents the gold standard in food-grade silicone materials. Unlike conventional silicone, platinum silicone is cured using a platinum catalyst rather than peroxide, resulting in a superior material that's perfectly suited for food storage applications.

The manufacturing process involves combining silicone polymers with a platinum catalyst, which creates cross-links between the molecular chains at a much lower temperature than traditional methods. This platinum-catalysed curing process produces a material that's completely inert, meaning it won't react with food, beverages, or other substances it comes into contact with.

Key Properties of Platinum Silicone

Heat Resistance: Platinum silicone maintains its structural integrity across extreme temperatures, typically ranging from -40°C to 230°C (-40°F to 446°F). This exceptional heat tolerance makes it safe for use in microwaves, conventional ovens, and dishwashers without degrading or releasing harmful compounds.

Non-Porous Surface: The platinum curing process creates a completely non-porous surface that prevents the absorption of odours, stains, and bacteria. This characteristic ensures that your Peala bags won't retain lingering smells from strong foods like garlic or fish, and they won't harbour harmful microorganisms that could compromise food safety.

Chemical Inertness: Platinum silicone is completely non-reactive, meaning it won't leach chemicals into your food or beverages. This is particularly important for acidic foods, which can cause other materials to break down and release unwanted compounds.

Durability: The platinum curing process creates stronger molecular bonds, resulting in a material that's more resistant to tearing, stretching, and general wear and tear. This enhanced durability means your Peala bags will maintain their shape and sealing properties through countless uses.

Safety and Health Benefits

Platinum silicone is completely free from harmful additives commonly found in single-use plastic bags, including BPA (Bisphenol A), lead, and phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to various health concerns, particularly when they leach into food and beverages.

The material is also hypoallergenic and won't cause skin irritation, making it safe for all family members to handle, including children with sensitive skin. Its non-toxic nature means there's no risk of chemical migration into food, even when used with hot or acidic ingredients.

Environmental Impact

Unlike single-use plastic bags that contribute to environmental pollution, platinum silicone bags offer a sustainable alternative. The durability of platinum silicone means your Peala bags can be used thousands of times, dramatically reducing plastic waste. When a platinum silicone bag eventually reaches the end of its lifespan after years of use, it can be recycled at specialised facilities.

How Platinum Silicone Compares to Alternatives

Versus Regular Silicone: Regular silicone often uses peroxide curing, which can leave residual chemicals and create a more porous surface. Platinum silicone's superior curing process eliminates these concerns whilst providing better heat resistance and durability.

Versus Plastic: Traditional plastic bags contain various additives and can leach harmful chemicals, especially when heated. They also degrade quickly and contribute significantly to environmental waste.

Versus Other Materials: Materials like TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) may seem similar but lack the complete inertness and temperature resistance of platinum silicone.

In summary, platinum silicone represents the pinnacle of food-safe materials, combining exceptional safety, durability, and environmental responsibility. When you choose Peala bags made from platinum silicone, you're investing in a product that prioritises your family's health whilst supporting sustainable living practices.