If you are into concentrates then you know how hard they can be to handle and store.

While some still use parchment papers, many are turning to silicone non-stick containers to store their concentrates.

There are two kinds of silicone containers available on the market: food-grade and Platinum cured medical-grade.

What’s the difference?

The founder of ErrlyBird and creator of BudderBlocks fills us in on what you need to know before you buy.

Food-Grade Silicone vs. Medical-Grade Silicone

“There are a couple of main differences between food-grade silicone and medical-grade silicone.

The first difference is the longevity and chemical resistance properties.

Medical-grade silicone, also known as Platinum cured silicone, is much more expensive to manufacture, but has greater temperature and chemical durability,” says Bobby, the founder of ErrlyBird.

I think that seems simple enough however, what is the true difference in why you would want Platinum cured over food grade? The longevity of the product.

What Happens to Silicone Over Time?

Platinum Cured silicone will not shrink or become brittle over time as food-grade silicone will.

Think of an old, overused rubber band and how it loses its elasticity and starts to break down over time.

As food-grade silicone starts to break down, it has the potential to leach into the concentrate inside the container.

The Cost of Medical-Grade Silicone

Not only is the raw Platinum cured silicone more expensive, but Platinum cured silicone also has a longer curing and manufacturing process as well, making it more time-consuming for factories, also contributing to a higher manufacturing cost.

Make sure to double-check that you’re buying only medical-grade silicone products.

Properly Cleaning & Using Silicone Containers

Bobby tells us, “Never expose liquid butane or store unpurged concentrate in silicone containers.

Also, make sure to thoroughly wash your containers prior to first use to remove any film or residue that may be present from manufacturing and transport.

The easiest way to do this is to place it in boiling water for a few minutes or use antibacterial soap and water.

Sometimes there can be residual calcium sulfate from the water used to clean the industrial ovens that silicone is baked in that can be seen on the silicone prior to washing it.

That’s why we label all of our BudderBlocks with “wash before first use” as you should with any silicone product, regardless of the brand.”

If you do happen to see a slight white film over your nonstick products, it could very well mean you didn’t clean them properly.

If after cleaning you see further degrading of the material there is a good chance your concentrate was not purged correctly.

With these concerns, we wanted to know about advancement in nonstick containers and where Errly Bird is headed in forms of safety.

What is Errly Bird Doing Next?

“We are actively seeking out newer and better materials for nonstick containers and exploring all possibilities.”

Bobby tells us, “The biggest hurdle is not just finding the material but then finding someone to manufacture it at a price that the consumer will want to buy it.

It’s a long R&D process, but we’re pretty close on some big advancements.”

In the meantime, Errly Bird is beginning to establish itself as one of the leaders in innovation and creativity when it comes to nonstick containers and concentrate accessories.

With dozens of color combinations and various sizes available, you are sure to have a great time stacking your BudderBlocks and taking pics for Instagram.

Buy your BudderBlocks today from www.ErrlyBird.com starting at $15.00 USD for an XL Platinum Cured BudderBlock or $20.00 for a small 4-pack of BudderBlocks or one of their new massive PocketSlabs.

Stay with us for more details and follow ErrlyBird on Instagram @budderblocks.