Greenlife Pans: Ptfe-Free?

GreenPan is a brand of non-stick cookware that is marketed as a healthy alternative to traditional non-stick pans, which are often coated in PTFE (also known as Teflon). GreenPan's ceramic non-stick coating, called Thermolon, is derived from silicon dioxide or silica, which is considered safe for humans. However, there have been concerns and controversies surrounding GreenPan's products and marketing practices.

In 2019, a class-action lawsuit was filed against The Cookware Company, the manufacturer of GreenPan, alleging that they overhyped the health benefits of their products and misrepresented them as free of toxins. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2020, but it brought attention to the fact that Thermolon's formulation does contain small amounts of potentially toxic chemicals.

Despite the controversies, GreenPan remains a popular brand of non-stick cookware, with a variety of collections and designs to choose from. Their products are generally well-made, affordable, and internationally available. The company also makes efforts to ensure sustainability and high quality in their manufacturing processes.

Overall, while GreenPan may not be completely free of toxins as claimed, it is still a good option for those seeking an affordable and aesthetically pleasing non-stick cookware set.

GreenPan's factory in China

The GreenPan factory in China is located outside of Hong Kong in Jiangmen. The factory is owned by GreenPan, which ensures that quality is maintained throughout the entire manufacturing process, along with environmental safety and worker satisfaction. The factory is currently 30% solar-powered, has an in-house wastewater management system, diminished carbon dioxide emissions, and uses recycled aluminium.

The factory generates 30% of its power from solar panels on the roof and has its own wastewater treatment plant to keep the water clean and reuse wastewater in other processes.

The GreenPan website insists that the company has full control over manufacturing practices and procedures and ensures that the factory is environmentally friendly and sustainable. They also reassure customers that there is no child labour in their factory.

GreenPan's Thermolon coating is made in South Korea

The GreenPan Thermolon coating is made in South Korea. The coating is made by a Sol-Gel process, which results in a layer of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) being formed on the surface of the pan. This is the same composition as glass or sand.

The Thermolon coating is applied to the surface of the pan, which is made from either aluminium or stainless steel. The Thermolon coating is then thermally cured, acquiring a durable inorganic polymer coating.

The Thermolon coating is used by GreenPan's sister brands, GreenChef and GreenLife, and is also used by other non-stick cookware brands, such as Ozeri.

GreenPan's non-stick coating

GreenPan is a cookware brand available for purchase online and through national retailers like Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond. The company established a reputation for selling so-called eco-friendly, non-stick cookware that it claims is better for you than competing products.

The original GreenPan cookware uses a patented Thermolon™ ceramic non-stick coating that the company has at one time or another advertised as "completely toxin-free," "healthy," and "free of PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium."

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 color. All the materials in Thermolon are 100% safe for use in food contact coatings.

The Thermolon cooking surface can be further provided with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. PTFE is a synthetic, durable material that provides superior food release, is heat-resistant, and repels water. The most well-known brand of PTFE is Teflon.

The company states that up to 60% less carbon dioxide is emitted during the curing phase of the Thermolon coating than its competitors. GreenPan's 3-ply and 5-ply pans, such as the GP5 range, are robustly made and have longer-lasting non-stick coatings.

GreenPan's cookware sets

GreenPan cookware sets are available in a variety of colours and sizes, ranging from 8 to 19 pieces. The sets are designed to cater to different cooking styles and needs, with some sets being more suitable for those who are short on cabinet space, and others being induction cooktop compatible.

The cookware sets are made of a range of materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, and hard-anodized aluminium. Some sets are also coated with Thermolon, a ceramic non-stick coating that is PTFE-free. The coating is made through a Sol-Gel process, resulting in a layer of silica, or sand, on the pan's surface.

The GreenPan cookware sets are marketed as a healthy alternative to traditional PTFE-coated cookware. However, there have been concerns and lawsuits regarding the safety of GreenPan's Thermolon coating, with a 2019 class-action lawsuit claiming that the coating contained several known toxins. The lawsuit was dismissed, but it is unclear whether GreenPan paid the plaintiff compensation or if the case lacked merit.

Despite the concerns, GreenPan cookware sets remain a popular choice for those seeking non-stick, eco-friendly, and colourful cookware. The sets are available for purchase online and through national retailers like Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

GreenPan's cookware line

GreenPan is a cookware brand available for purchase online and through national retailers like Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond. The company established a reputation for selling so-called eco-friendly, non-stick cookware that it claims is better for you than competing products.

The original GreenPan cookware uses a patented Thermolon™ ceramic non-stick coating that the company has at one time or another advertised as "completely toxin-free," "healthy, and "free of PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium."

However, the company has come under scrutiny for these claims, with accusations of misrepresentation and greenwashing.

GreenPan Cookware Line

The GreenPan cookware line offers a modern and fun design with bright colours. The brand focuses on being eco-friendly, touting the fact that the cookware is made from recycled aluminum.

The GreenPan cookware line is made of lightweight aluminum construction. Classic Pro is the only collection that uses hard-anodized aluminum.

No matter the exterior construction, all cookware features a ceramic non-stick coating. The walls of GreenPan cookware pots and pans are very thin. The thin walls also make it easier for heat to escape (poor heat retention). These are not the pans for slow, low braising, or complex dishes. These are everyday pans for simple meals.

The GreenPan cookware line is affordable — which is ideal since they will need to be replaced often. They are simply not designed to be lifetime or even long-term cookware.

The GreenPan cookware line is PTFE-free. Their Thermolon™ ceramic non-stick coating is made with silicon, a derivative of sand that’s PTFE-free, PFOA-free, and PFAS-free.

The GreenPan cookware line is dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended. It helps the coating last longer.

The GreenPan cookware line is oven-safe. For specific temperature restrictions, please refer to the packaging. If you are unsure, feel free to contact the company.

The GreenPan cookware line is not induction-compatible. Their Soft Grip Induction collection works on all stovetops. Check the product pages for specific product features.

Frequently asked questions