Ratgeber schwarzer Kunststoff – Ist schwarzer Kunststoff schädlich?

Drei schwarze Silikon-Küchenhelfer von LURCH – flexibel, hitzebeständig und perfekt für vielfältige Küchenanwendungen.

Is black plastic harmful? An analysis

In recent years, there have been repeated reports worldwide about studies that warn against kitchen utensils made of black plastic, among other things. This raises the question: are such products really harmful to health? In this short guide, we explain why you don't need to worry about LURCH products.

Why the fuss about black plastic?

A recent study by the University of Amsterdam, published in the journal ‘Chemosphere’, analysed black plastic products. The researchers found that many of these products can contain toxic substances, in particular the flame retardant DecaBDE. This was frequently used in electrical appliances, but has been banned in the EU since 2008. The study only analysed products in the USA, including kitchen utensils and children's toys. These samples exceeded the limit values applicable in Europe, in some cases considerably.

Ein Wissenschaftler hält ein Reagenzglas mit flüssigem schwarzem Kunststoff – Einblick in die Herstellung hochwertiger Küchenmaterialien.

What does this mean for you?

The results of this study only concern products sold in the USA. Much stricter regulations apply in the EU:

Strict regulations in the EU: The flame retardant DecaBDE has been banned since 2008.
No recycled material without certification: In the EU, plastic products with food contact may only contain recycled materials if they come from a certified recycling loop.
Not all black plastic is the same: Kitchen utensils from the EU are usually made from nylon (PA) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). These materials are heat-resistant up to 150 °C without additives and are food-safe.

Gruppenbild mit herkömmlichen schwarzen Küchenhelfern – vielseitige und robuste Utensilien für den täglichen Gebrauch in der Küche.

Why you can trust LURCH

Our kitchen utensils are not affected by the problem. We only use high-quality materials that fulfil all EU quality guidelines. Here is an overview:

LURCH silicone kitchen gadgets: Our smart tools are made from premium platinum silicone and have a sturdy nylon core inside. Silicone is pure and not a recycled material. It is food-safe, free from BPA, PTFE and PFAS and can withstand temperatures from -40 °C to +240 °C. Ideal for cooking and baking.
LURCH cooking tongs with PBT tip: The tips are made of PBT, a plastic that is heat-resistant up to 150 °C and even up to 220 °C for short periods. This ensures optimum handling.
Ergonomic TANGO handles: The handles of many LURCH kitchen utensils are made of high-quality PP plastic (polypropylene). This material is food-safe and heat-resistant up to 100 °C. As a result, they not only provide a secure grip when cooking and baking, but are also particularly durable.
Tested material quality: Our materials are subject to regular quality tests. We work exclusively with carefully selected production partners to guarantee consistently outstanding material quality.

Conclusion

Black plastic is not automatically harmful. The risks mentioned in the study relate to products sold in the USA and are not relevant in the EU. Thanks to our strict material selection and regular testing, you can rest assured that our products are safe, durable and of high quality. Enjoy carefree cooking with LURCH!