Emilie Meyer
GreenPan is a cookware brand that claims to be eco-friendly and non-toxic. Its products are coated with Thermolon, a ceramic non-stick coating that is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. However, there have been concerns and lawsuits regarding GreenPan's marketing claims, with accusations of misrepresentation and greenwashing. While GreenPan's coating is free of certain toxins, the absence of these toxins in the pan itself doesn't necessarily translate to healthier food. Additionally, there are mixed reviews about the durability and performance of GreenPan products, with some users reporting that the non-stick coating wears off over time. Overall, while GreenPan may be a safer alternative to traditional non-stick cookware, there are still some uncertainties and concerns surrounding its safety and long-term performance.
What You'll Learn
GreenPan's coating is made by a Sol-Gel process
The GreenPan coating is made by a Sol-Gel process, which is a highly industrial process. This process involves several steps in the following chronological order: hydrolysis and polycondensation, gelation, aging, drying, densification, and crystallization.
The Sol-Gel process is essentially a transformation of monomers into a colloidal solution (the Sol) that acts as the forerunner for an integrated network (the Gel) of either discrete particles or network polymers. The procedure has two parts: the Sol (solution) and the Gel.
The Sol is a colloidal suspension of monomers (tiny particles that can be linked with identical molecules to create a network or polymer) on a liquid medium (usually water or alcohol). The Gel is a semi-solid colloidal suspension of a solid, evenly mixed in a liquid which exhibits no flow when in a steady state. Its properties cover a wide range from soft and weak to hard and tough.
The Sol undergoes a hydrolysis and condensation polymerization in the activation phase to form the gel. The gel is then applied as a coating to the substrate and is dried to create a hard, glossy film.
The Thermolon coating is made by a Sol-Gel process that results in forming a coating layer on the surface of the pan. This layer mainly comprises Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), which is the same composition as glass (or sand). There are some additional materials such as pigments that give the colour. All the materials in Thermolon are 100% safe for use in food contact coatings.
The Sol-Gel process is not considered a ceramic process. It is a mix of different chemistry types, namely organic and inorganic. Sol-gel coatings do carry characteristics similar to ceramics but to a lesser degree.
The good thing about Sol-Gel coatings is that they are free of fluoropolymers. Sol-gel coatings are mixed materials and exhibit the strength of silica while featuring smoothness and great release without the need for fluoropolymers. The non-stick properties are an inherent characteristic of this type of coating.
Sol-gel technology is versatile, and its applications are diverse, from producing some of the world's lightest materials to creating some of its toughest ceramics. One extensive area of application for sol-gel technology is the creation of thin films or coatings for protective or decorative purposes. These coatings can be applied to a wide range of materials, including glass and metal.
Sol-gel coatings offer a wider range of colours and can preserve colours at higher temperatures. The technology also produces high gloss coatings that can withstand higher temperatures compared to conventional coatings, enhancing the look and functionality of cookware.
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The Thermolon coating is made from inorganic ingredients
The Thermolon coating is made by a Sol-Gel process that results in a coating layer on the surface of the pan. This layer is mainly made of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), which is the same composition as glass or sand. The coating is made from raw materials derived from sand, which are turned into a solution and sprayed onto the pan without the need for glue or numerous PFAS additives. The liquid part of the solution is mainly water.
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GreenPan's coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
GreenPan's Thermolon coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. The coating is made by a Sol-Gel process, which results in a layer of mainly silicon dioxide (SiO2) on the surface of the pan. This is the same composition as glass or sand. The coating is also free of PTFE.
The Thermolon coating is made from raw materials derived from silicon dioxide, which is turned into a solution and sprayed onto the pan. The liquid part of the solution is mainly water. The coating is then cured in an oven at a low temperature, requiring 60% less heating energy than conventional non-stick pans.
GreenPan claims that their coating is safe and won't release toxic fumes, even if the pan is overheated. The coating has been certified by third-party testing labs and conforms to international food contact standards set by the US FDA and EU regulators.
However, it is important to note that GreenPan has faced lawsuits and criticism for its marketing claims. In 2019, a class-action lawsuit was filed against GreenPan, alleging that their ceramic non-stick coating contained several known toxins, including silane, aluminum oxide, tetraethoxysilane, methyltrimethoxysilane, and potassium titanate. The lawsuit was dismissed, but it raised concerns about the accuracy of GreenPan's advertising.
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GreenPan's factory has its own wastewater treatment plant
The GreenPan factory has its own wastewater treatment plant. The factory is partially run on solar energy, with 30% of its energy coming from solar panels on the roof. The company is committed to sustainable practices and has won dozens of awards for its dedication to its workers and the environment.
The factory is located in either Italy or China, where the company owns its manufacturing facilities. Unlike most cookware companies, GreenPan owns its factory and carefully controls the manufacturing process. The company is constantly working to improve its environmental practices and has a number of employees dedicated to quality control.
The wastewater treatment plant is part of GreenPan's commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. By treating and reusing water, the company can reduce its water consumption and minimise the amount of wastewater discharged into the environment.
In addition to the wastewater treatment plant, GreenPan also uses recycled aluminium in most of its products and has an onsite solar energy system that provides 30% of the factory's energy. The company is dedicated to creating healthy ceramic non-stick cookware that is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
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GreenPan's coating is made from Silicon Dioxide
The GreenPan coating is made from Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), which is the same composition as glass or sand. The coating is made by a Sol-Gel process that results in forming a coating layer on the surface of the pan. The raw materials, or precursors, are derived from Silicon Dioxide, which is transformed into a sprayable solution. The liquid part is mainly water. After spraying onto the pans, the coating is then cured in an oven at a relatively low temperature.
The Thermolon coating is made by a Sol-Gel process that results in forming a coating layer on the surface of the pan. This layer comprises mainly Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), which is the same composition as glass (or sand). There are some additional materials such as pigments that give the colour. All the materials in Thermolon are 100% safe for use in food contact coatings.
The Thermolon coating is made by a Sol-Gel process. So what is Sol-Gel process, and what materials are included in this process?
Sol-gel coating composition includes a colloidal suspension of hydrolyzed metal alkoxide particles in an organic solvent, is applied to bare metal such as aluminium and its alloys or to porcelain enameled metals or other substrates using a conventional wet application technique such as spraying. The sol-gel coating composition is then thermally cured at a temperature below about 500° C.
A series of new non-stick ceramic coating materials prepared from organic-inorganic hybrid materials, including silica sol, MTMS, FAS and PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) using the sol-gel process.
The Thermolon coating is made by a Sol-Gel process. This coating layer mainly consists of silica (aka sand) but not only. It may have additional materials, such as pigments. After being thermally cured, it acquires a durable inorganic polymer coating, whose composition is unknown. The Thermolon cooking surface can be further provided with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all GreenPan products are coated with Thermolon.
Thermolon is generally considered safe, but there are some concerns about the lack of transparency regarding its composition. Some tests have shown that it may contain heavy metals or toxic residues that could potentially leach into food if the coating is chipped or scratched.
Yes, there was a class-action lawsuit against GreenPan in 2019 alleging false advertising and the presence of toxins in their Thermolon coating. However, the lawsuit was dismissed, and there has been no public adjudication of the claims.
Some alternatives to GreenPan that are considered safe include cast iron, stainless steel, and enameled cast iron. It is important to note that even "safe" cookware may have its own issues, so it is always a good idea to do your own research and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
