If you look closely at a stainless steel food container, you will often notice one non metal part: the seal.
And that raises a fair question.
If the goal is to avoid plastic, why is there a silicone seal?
Let’s explain.
Why Stainless Steel Containers Use Seals
The seal has one simple purpose: to make the container leak resistant and airtight.
Without a seal, liquid food would escape more easily. Moisture would enter the container. Freshness would decrease faster.
The seal allows the lid to sit tightly and securely on a rigid stainless steel body.
It is a functional component, not a structural one.
Is Silicone the Same as Plastic?
No.
Silicone is a synthetic material, but it is fundamentally different from common plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene.
Food grade silicone is:
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Stable at high and low temperatures
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Flexible without cracking
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Resistant to oxidation
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Non reactive with food
Unlike many plastics, silicone does not rely on softeners or plasticizers to remain flexible. It does not become brittle over time in the same way.
That is why it is widely used in medical applications, baby products, and professional kitchen tools.
Why We Use Food Grade Silicone
For seals, there are only a few realistic options.
Rubber can degrade and absorb odors.
Foam materials break down over time.
Hard plastics can warp or crack.
Food grade silicone offers the most stable balance between flexibility, durability, and safety.
It does not come into constant contact with your food like the container walls do. It simply creates the airtight seal between lid and container.
Why We Recommend Removing the Seal When Cleaning
Even stable materials benefit from proper care.
We recommend removing the seal occasionally and rinsing it separately. This prevents moisture buildup and ensures the seal stays clean and odor free.
After cleaning, dry it completely before placing it back.
This keeps everything fresh and long lasting.
So… Is It Safe?
Yes.
When it is food grade and properly maintained, silicone is considered safe for food contact. It is stable, durable, and widely used in high quality kitchen environments.
Our focus is removing unnecessary plastic contact where it matters most: the body of the container, where your food rests every day.
The seal exists to make the container function properly. Nothing more.
Food should not come with doubt.