Caraway: A Safe, Non-Toxic Spice?

Caraway is a popular brand of ceramic non-stick cookware. It was founded in 2017 by Jordan Nathan, who was inspired to create a non-toxic alternative to traditional non-stick pans after accidentally leaving his Teflon frying pan on the stove and experiencing symptoms of PTFE poisoning. Caraway's products are marketed as being free of toxic chemicals such as PTFE, PFOA, and lead, and the company provides third-party testing to support these claims. However, there have been some concerns about potential greenwashing, with independent researchers finding traces of heavy metals in Caraway's products. Nonetheless, Caraway's cookware remains a popular choice for those seeking a non-toxic, non-stick option.

Caraway cookware is ceramic-coated, not made of pure ceramic

The ceramic coating is applied to a metal core, so the cookware is not 100% clay. Caraway's products have an aluminium core and stainless steel bases and handles. The ceramic coating is multi-layered and durable, but it is recommended to treat ceramic cookware with care.

Caraway cookware is designed to be used on low to medium heat. The company recommends using only a small amount of oil or butter when cooking, as the ceramic surface is naturally non-stick. Caraway also recommends washing their products by hand, as dishwashers can be too harsh and may damage the non-stick properties.

Caraway's non-stick coating is free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAs, lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials

Caraway's ceramic coating is free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAs, lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials. This means that the coating does not contain any harmful chemicals that could be released into your food during cooking.

The absence of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is especially notable as this is the material commonly known as Teflon. Teflon is often used as a non-stick coating on cookware due to its frictionless qualities. However, it has been linked to various health issues as it uses perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) during its production, which has been linked to cancer, thyroid disorders, and more.

By choosing Caraway, you are also supporting ethical manufacturing practices. Caraway works with BSCI and SMETA manufacturing partners who ensure their employees are safe, paid fairly, given benefits, and work regulated hours.

In addition, Caraway's packaging is eco-friendly and recyclable, made from recycled cardboard with no plastic bags, low-impact print dyes, and biodegradable cork trivets.

While Caraway's ceramic coating is free of toxic materials, it is important to note that proper care and maintenance are necessary to ensure the longevity of the non-stick properties. Hand washing with mild soap and avoiding metal utensils are recommended.

Caraway's products are shipped in eco-friendly packaging

Caraway is committed to creating an eco-friendly and sustainable experience for its customers. This is evident in their thoughtful packaging, which is not only recyclable but also helps to reduce waste.

The company ships its products in recycled cardboard boxes with no single-use plastics. Instead, they use biodegradable cork trivets to protect the cookware during transit, which can be reused by the customer. Caraway's attention to detail even extends to the welcome booklet, which is also made from recycled paper.

The company's commitment to sustainability doesn't end with their packaging. They also focus on ethical manufacturing, supporting BSCI and SMETA manufacturing partners who ensure employees are paid fairly, provided benefits, and work in safe, regulated conditions.

Caraway's cookware is not only non-toxic but also designed to reduce carbon emissions during production. Their products are free of PTFE (Teflon), PFAS, lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials, which means you can cook without worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into your food.

While Caraway's products are certainly a more sustainable and healthier option, it's important to note that some reviews mention issues with durability, with some customers reporting that their cookware began to chip and scratch over time.

Caraway's manufacturing process supports ethical labour practices

Caraway is a brand of kitchenware that has gained attention in recent years for its stylish design, eco-friendly materials, and easy-to-clean surfaces. The company was founded in New York by Jordan Nathan in 2018, with the idea for the company coming to him after he accidentally left his Teflon® frying pan on the stove, filling his kitchen with fumes and making him nauseous. This experience led Jordan to decide that the cookware industry needed a massive revamp, and he spent a year researching and developing the perfect cookware materials and design.

Caraway's commitment to ethical labour practices can be seen in its manufacturing process, which is transparent and values honesty. The company works with world-class factories in China and India that have strict ethical manufacturing practices in place. These factories have a reputation for producing high-quality products, and Caraway ensures that ethical standards are followed.

The company's commitment to ethical labour practices is further demonstrated by its support for BSCI and SMETA-certified manufacturing partners, where employees are safe, paid fairly, given benefits, and work regulated hours. Caraway also prioritises sustainability and ethical production in its manufacturing process, working with suppliers who share these values. The company has implemented strict quality control measures to ensure that its products meet its high standards for quality and safety, and it offers comprehensive warranties and excellent customer service.

In addition to its focus on sustainability and ethical labour practices, Caraway also prioritises the safety of its employees and consumers. The company implements policies, procedures, and controls to reduce the risk of injury to workers and ensure the safety of its products. Caraway's commitment to providing a safe and ethical manufacturing environment is a key part of its business practices.

Caraway's products are not totally non-toxic

Caraway's ceramic-coated cookware is marketed as a safer alternative to traditional non-stick pots and pans, which often contain toxic chemicals like Teflon. While Caraway's products are non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, and lead, they may not be entirely free of all toxic substances.

One concern is the potential presence of heavy metals in Caraway's cookware. While the company has conducted third-party tests showing no detectable levels of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, some independent researchers have found conflicting results. For example, blogger Lead Safe Mama and independent researcher Tamara Rubin used handheld XRF technology to test Caraway's products and found traces of lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals. However, it's important to note that XRF testing may not be entirely reliable for this type of product, especially when used on a small sample of used cookware.

Another potential issue is the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the sol-gel coating of Caraway's cookware. While Caraway has conducted tests showing no detectable titanium leaching from the surface coating, the use of titanium dioxide in cookware is still a subject of debate. The European Union previously banned titanium dioxide as a food additive due to concerns over its potential genotoxicity, but this decision was later overturned due to a lack of supporting evidence.

In conclusion, while Caraway's products are certainly an improvement over traditional non-stick cookware in terms of toxicity, they may not be entirely free of all toxic substances. The presence of heavy metals and the use of titanium dioxide are concerns that have been raised by independent researchers, and while Caraway has conducted its own tests to address these concerns, there is still some room for doubt. As such, it's important for consumers to do their own research and make informed decisions about the products they use.

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