Green Non-Stick Pans: Safe Or Not?

GreenPan is a ceramic non-stick cookware brand that claims to be free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Its coating, Thermolon, is made by a Sol-Gel process and mainly consists of silica (aka sand). However, the full list of ingredients is not disclosed, which raises concerns about its safety. While some users have praised GreenPan for its non-stick properties and ease of cleaning, others have complained about food sticking to the pan and the coating chipping or scratching easily. Overall, while GreenPan may be a safer alternative to traditional PTFE-coated cookware, there are mixed reviews about its durability and long-term performance.

GreenPan's Thermolon coating is made by a Sol-Gel process that results in a coating layer on the pan's surface, mainly composed of Silicon Dioxide

The Thermolon coating used in GreenPan's non-stick cookware is made using a Sol-Gel process. This process involves the creation of a colloidal suspension of hydrolyzed metal alkoxide particles in an organic solvent, which is then applied to the pan's surface using a conventional wet application technique such as spraying. The coating is then cured in an oven at a relatively low temperature, requiring 60% less heating energy than conventional non-stick pans.

The Thermolon coating is primarily composed of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), which is the same composition as glass or sand. There are also some additional materials, such as pigments, which give the coating its colour. According to GreenPan, all the materials used in Thermolon are 100% safe for use in food contact coatings.

The Sol-Gel process is described as a "highly industrial process" and involves several steps, including hydrolysis and polycondensation, gelation, aging, drying, densification, and crystallisation. The process utilises metal alcoxides, which are versatile molecules that can form homogeneous solutions in a variety of solvents.

While silicon dioxide may sound harmless, it is not the only material used in the Thermolon coating. There are concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the full composition of the coating, as well as the potential presence of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) in the Thermolon cooking surface. Some people consider PTFE-coated cookware unsafe due to the potentially harmful substances used during its manufacture, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Overall, the Thermolon coating made through the Sol-Gel process results in a layer of Silicon Dioxide-based coating on the pan's surface, with some additional materials for colour. However, there are concerns about the potential presence of other substances and the lack of transparency regarding the full composition of the coating.

The Thermolon coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium

The Thermolon coating is made by a Sol-Gel process, which 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 Thermolon coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. The coating is also free of PTFE, which is a PFAS. The coating is also free of any toxins and is safe for use in food contact coatings.

The Thermolon coating is made through a process that involves turning raw materials into a solution and spraying it onto the pan. This process does not require glues or numerous PFAS additives. The coating is also cured at a low temperature, which results in 60% less CO2 emissions compared to conventional non-stick pans.

The Thermolon coating is safe and will not release toxic fumes, even if the pan is accidentally 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.

The Thermolon coating is tough enough to withstand metal utensils, but nylon, bamboo, silicone, and wood utensils are recommended to preserve the pan's coating. The coating is also dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended to help the coating last longer.

The coating is cured in an oven at a low temperature, requiring 60% less heating energy than conventional non-stick pans

The curing process for ceramic coatings involves hardening and drying the coating. This process can be sped up by using infrared radiation, which is often done by professionals. However, for individual use, this is not necessary. The curing time depends on the coating used, the temperature, and the humidity.

GreenPan, a leading safe cookware brand, has developed a curing phase that emits 60% less CO2 than traditional coatings. Their curing process requires heating at a low temperature, using 60% less heating energy than what is conventionally used for non-stick pans. This makes GreenPan's production process more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

The curing process for ceramic coatings typically takes between 24 hours to a few weeks, depending on the specific product and conditions. During this time, it is important to keep the coated item dry and safe from contamination. After the initial 24 hours, the coating is usually dry and hard enough to withstand light rain or water exposure. However, it is recommended to wait for the full curing time before using the item or washing it.

Once the curing process is complete, the ceramic coating will be fully effective, providing a durable and long-lasting non-stick surface. Proper curing ensures that the coating reaches its maximum performance and protection capabilities.

GreenPan's factory has its own wastewater treatment plant and 30% of its energy comes from solar panels

The GreenPan factory has its own wastewater treatment plant and 30% of its energy comes from solar panels. The factory is committed to continuously improving its sustainability efforts. The use of solar panels and renewable energy is an example of this. The factory treats its wastewater and reuses it onsite, with any remaining treated water disposed of offsite in accordance with wastewater regulations.

The factory's solar panels generate an average of 5.7 million kWh of photovoltaic power every year. In addition to the solar panels, the factory also purchases renewable energy from a local certified source, providing an estimated 40% of the overall energy consumption.

The factory has won numerous awards for its environmental safety, worker satisfaction, and overall standards.

GreenPan's coating can withstand temperatures up to 850°F/450°C

GreenPan's Thermolon coating can withstand temperatures of up to 850°F/450°C, which is significantly higher than the temperature at which conventional non-stick pans would be deemed unsafe. This is because GreenPan's coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. The absence of these toxins means that GreenPan's pans won't release toxic fumes, even if overheated.

The coating is made from sand-derived raw materials, which are 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 relatively low temperature, requiring 60% less heating energy than conventional non-stick pans, and resulting in 60% fewer CO2 emissions.

The Thermolon coating has been certified by third-party testing labs as conforming to international food contact standards set by the US FDA and EU regulators. It is also certified by the Swiss government and KTR (a test institute certified by Korea Laboratory Accreditation) as conforming to their standards.

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