Will food-contact TPE overmolding release harmful substances when filled with hot water?

Many people worry about whether TPE overmolding will release harmful substances and affect health when used to hold hot water, especially boiling water, in food-contact products such as cups and tableware. In fact, as long as the TPE raw material meets food contact safety standards, it generally will not release harmful substances when used within the temperature range of everyday hot water. Next, Huizhou Zhongsuwang will explain from three aspects: safety basics, temperature effects, and usage suggestions.

I. Compliant TPE Overmolding Eliminates Harmful Risks from the Source

Food-contact TPE overmolding undergoes strict control over raw material selection and production processes, which is the foundation for safe use at high temperatures.

Raw Materials:

Compliant food-contact TPE uses food-grade base materials, such as polyolefins and certain polyester elastomers, and does not contain prohibited ingredients such as phthalate plasticizers, heavy metals, or toxic flame retardants. These components are harmful substances that traditional non-food grade elastomers easily release at high temperatures, while food-grade TPE uses environmentally friendly plasticizers and non-toxic additives to replace them, avoiding the possibility of harmful release from the source.

Production Process:

Food contact TPE raw material overmolding must comply with national and international safety standards, such as China's GB 4806 series standards, the EU's EU No. 10/2011 standard, and the US FDA certification. These standards set strict limits on the content of substances that TPE may transfer to food or water at high temperatures. Only products that meet these limits can be labeled for food contact use, which greatly reduces the probability of releasing harmful substances at high temperatures.

II. Different High-Temperature Environments: Safety Varies

Although compliant TPE raw material overmolding is safe at everyday hot water temperatures, the safety varies at different high-temperature ranges and needs to be clearly distinguished.

At everyday hot water temperatures, that is, the common temperature range of warm to boiling water, the molecular structure of compliant TPE overmolding is stable, and there will be no decomposition or migration of harmful substances. Because food-grade TPE typically has a heat resistance temperature higher than boiling water, and some products can even withstand higher temperatures, and because the environmentally friendly additives in the raw materials are tightly bonded to the base material, they will not detach from the base material and enter the water due to increased molecular thermal motion at normal hot water temperatures. For example, the TPE sealing ring on a water cup, after repeated contact with boiling water, has not shown any phthalates, heavy metals, or other harmful substances in the water after testing, meeting safety requirements.

However, the situation is different in ultra-high temperature environments, such as prolonged boiling or microwave heating. Under these conditions, the TPE raw material coating may experience slight molecular aging, or a very small amount of low-boiling-point environmentally friendly additives may migrate. However, this migration amount is usually within standard limits and will not affect health. Furthermore, reputable products will include warnings in the instructions prohibiting microwave heating and avoiding prolonged boiling, guiding users to use them correctly.

III. Ensure Safe Use by Following These Points

When selecting and using food-contact TPE-coated products, users can further mitigate risks by following these points. Prioritize compliant products:

When purchasing, check if the product is labeled as food contact grade and specifies the corresponding standards. Avoid buying unlabeled or excessively cheap non-compliant products, as these may use non-food grade TPE, which can easily release harmful substances at high temperatures.

Strictly follow the instructions for use:

Use the product within the temperature range indicated on the label. For example, do not use a TPE water cup with a specified temperature range to hold liquids exceeding the indicated temperature, and do not place it in an oven or microwave.

Pre-treatment before first use:

Newly purchased products can be pre-treated before first use. For items like baby bottle accessories and water cups, soak them in warm water for a period of time, rinse them thoroughly, and then use them. This removes any trace dust that may remain from the manufacturing process and pre-activates the stability of the TPE molecules, reducing the risk of substance migration during subsequent use.

In short, TPE-coated products that meet food contact safety standards can be used within the normal temperature range for holding hot water without worrying about the release of harmful substances. As long as you choose compliant products and use them according to specifications, you can enjoy the comfort of TPE coating while ensuring safe use.