Silicone vs Plastic: Which Is Safer & Better for the Environment

This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.

---

Silicone vs. plastic: which one is better for the environment?

In short, silicone is usually better than single-use plastics. It’s more durable, less likely to degrade into microplastics, and doesn’t release toxic fumes when burned. That said, silicone has its downsides, especially regarding production and recycling.

Let’s dive deeper and explore more!

What is silicone made of?

Silicone is technically a part of the rubber family. It is something like synthetic rubber.

Silicone (with an “e”) is a man-made polymer part of the rubber family. It’s made by combining silicon (a natural element found in sand) with oxygen and other elements like carbon and hydrogen.

To understand how silicone is produced, here’s a breakdown:

• Silica: Also known as silicon dioxide, this is the raw material found in beach sand.
• Silicon: Created by heating silica with carbon in industrial furnaces. Not found in nature in this form.
• Silicone: The final material, formed by bonding silicon with fossil-fuel-derived compounds (siloxanes).

So while silicone starts with a natural material, its production relies on fossil fuels and energy-intensive processes.

Is silicone the same as plastic?

Not quite. While silicone and plastic share some features, like flexibility, water resistance, and durability, they differ in composition and environmental impact.

Key differences:

Feature	Silicone	Plastic
Base Material	Silica (sand) + fossil fuels	Crude oil or natural gas
Durability	High – can last for years	Varies – often single-use
Biodegradable?	No	No
Microplastics?	No microplastic shedding	Yes, especially in oceans
Recyclable?	Yes, but limited	Sometimes, depending on the type

Both materials require non-renewable resources, but silicone is typically more reusable and heat-resistant, making it a better option in many cases, especially when replacing disposables.

Pros of silicone

• Silicone is considered food-safe by the FDA – It doesn’t react with food or produce harmful fumes when heated properly.
• Multifunctional – oven-safe, freezer-safe, and microwave and dishwasher friendly (depending on brand)
• Durable & hygienic – Doesn’t crack or shatter, and it is resistant to bacterial buildup
• Eco-friendly – Reduces single-use plastic waste, and it is non-toxic if incinerated

Cons of silicone

• Not biodegradable – Silicone won’t break down naturally and can persist in landfills for centuries if not recycled.
• Not renewable – Silica is abundant, but fossil fuels are required for production.
• Recycling is tricky – While silicone is recyclable, it usually can’t go in curbside recycling bins. Specialized facilities or take-back programs are required.
• May leach at high heat – Above 300°F (149°C), some silicone products can release siloxanes, a compound of concern. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions and avoid overheating.

Why choose silicone over plastic?

Silicone shines in certain areas:

• Reusability: Many silicone products are designed for repeated use.
• Heat & cold resistance: Great for cooking, baking, freezing, and more.
• Durability: With proper care, silicone can last 10–20 years.
• Safer disposal: It doesn’t release toxic gases when incinerated.

However, while silicone helps reduce plastic dependency, it isn’t a cure-all solution. If there’s a better option, like glass, stainless steel, or natural fibers, it’s worth considering those first.

Eco-friendly silicone products

Here are some sustainable silicone swaps that replace wasteful items:

GoSili

Offers 100% petroleum-free silicone straws, mugs, and food containers. They also run a recycling program!
Visit GoSili

Stasher bags

Durable, reusable silicone food storage bags. Microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
Shop on Amazon

Silicone baking mats & cupcake molds

Replace disposable parchment paper or cupcake liners. Long-lasting and easy to clean.
Shop here: Silicone baking mats | cupcake liners

Menstrual cups

Made of medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups like Saalt or OrganiCup can replace years of tampons and pads.
Shop menstrual cups here

FAQs

Is silicone recyclable?

Yes, but not easily. Most local recycling centers don’t accept it. Look for brand-specific take-back programs or specialized recycling facilities.

Is silicone biodegradable?

No. It’s resistant to natural degradation, meaning it can remain in landfills indefinitely.

Related post: Is Silicone Biodegradable? (In-Depth Look)

How long does silicone last?

With proper care, up to 20 years. This longevity makes it a great reusable option.

Is silicone safe?

Generally yes. But always choose food-grade or medical-grade silicone and avoid overheating. Wash new products before first use.

Is silicone sustainable?

It’s more sustainable than single-use plastic when used for long-term purposes. Still, it’s not a perfect material due to fossil fuel dependency and limited recycling.

Is silicone zero waste?

It can support a zero waste lifestyle when used wisely and for years. But disposal remains a challenge, so use it only when it replaces true single-use waste.

Final Tips for using silicone sustainably

• Buy only what you need -prioritize long-term use
• Avoid silicone blended with fabric or other materials -harder to recycle
• Look for products with take-back or recycling programs
• Stick to trusted brands using food-grade or medical-grade silicone
• Pre-clean baking silicone before use to avoid potential leaching

Conclusion

Silicone is not perfect, but when used mindfully, it’s a much better alternative to single-use plastics.

Choose high-quality, long-lasting silicone items, take good care of them, and recycle responsibly when possible.

What are your favorite silicone products? Let me know in the comments.

Is silicone better than plastic – Infographic: