Are Black reCAP Mason Jar Lids Safe?

If you’ve been concerned about the safety of black plastic in your kitchenware, you’re not alone. Recent headlines have highlighted potential risks associated with recycled black plastic, including possible contamination by heavy metals or flame retardants. At reCAP, we take product safety seriously. Below, we’ll walk you through the details and explain how we ensure our black Mason jar lids are safe for everyday use.

The Concern: Flame Retardants & Black Plastic

Studies have shown that some black plastic items—particularly those made from mixed or poorly sorted recycled plastic—can carry traces of flame retardants. These chemicals often come from recycled electronic waste or other non-food-grade sources.

Reference: A study published in Environmental Science & Technology (2019) warned that black plastic from e-waste streams could contain harmful substances like brominated flame retardants.

How reCAP Ensures Safety

1. FDA-Approved, Food-Safe Plastic
   All reCAP Mason Jar lids (including black) are lab tested and made from FDA-approved materials compliant with Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 174-178), which governs plastics in contact with food in the United States. This means our plastics meet stringent guidelines for purity, food contact, and safety.
   
   
2. No External Recycled Plastic
   While some brands use plastic from external recycling streams (which can be difficult to trace and sort), reCAP uses virgin material and a closed-loop process that recycles only our own manufacturing scrap. This ensures we’re not introducing unknown or potentially contaminated plastics into our products.
   
   
3. Careful Testing & Quality Control
   reCAP is third party lab tested. We continuously evaluate our materials to ensure they meet high standards for quality and safety. With a tightly controlled supply chain, we eliminate the uncertainty that often accompanies recycled plastics from unknown sources.
   
   

Practical Tips for Safe Plastic Use

• Avoid High Heat: Plastic can break down at high temperatures and potentially release chemicals into food. Stick to glass or ceramic when cooking in microwaves.
• Hand Wash or Use Low-Heat Settings: Dishwashers can expose plastics to high heat, so washing by hand or using lower dishwasher settings can prolong the life of your lids.
• Discard Damaged Lids: If your lid is scratched or shows signs of wear, recycle it to prevent any risk of contamination.

Why reCAP?

Our commitment to transparency and safety extends throughout our product line. We want you to enjoy the convenience and versatility of Mason Jars without worrying about hidden dangers in the plastic lids you use.

Shop Our Starter Set: reCAP Mason Jar Lids Seven-Piece Starter Set

Conclusion

When you choose reCAP, you’re choosing a brand that prioritizes safety, quality, and sustainable practices. We’ve designed all our Mason jar lids to meet stringent food-contact standards so you can endlessly reuse, refill, and recap with confidence.

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