Choosing the correct tubing material is important for the food processing industry’s safety, hygiene, and efficiency. In manufacturing, silicone tubing is used in food processing equipment and machinery to transfer liquids, gases, and semi-solids.
The material used in food industry processing equipment must meet strict safety standards, so it matters. While rubber tubing has been common, food-grade silicone tubing is becoming more popular because it is more durable, flexible, and meets FDA standards.
In this blog, you will learn about different types of tubes, how silicone tubing compares to rubber tubing, and why food-grade silicone is the better choice for many industries.
What are Food-Grade Silicone Tubes?
Silicone tubing is widely used in industries that require safe, high-quality material for transporting liquids and gases. Food-grade silicone is non-toxic, flexible, and durable, meeting FDA standards for food and beverage applications.
Unlike regular rubber, FDA silicone tubing is resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and aging, making it ideal for the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.
Read More – Silicone Tubing: Meaning, Types & Benefits
Features of Food-Grade Silicone Tubes
- Non-toxic & FDA-approved – Safe for food, beverage, and medical use
- Made from platinum silicone – High purity and contamination-resistant
- Temperature resistant – Handles extreme hot and cold conditions
- Durable & flexible – Long-lasting and easy to handle
- Chemical resistance – Does not react with liquids or gases
Do You Know?
FDA-approved silicone is preferred for its heat resistance, sterilization ability, and long-term safety.
Overview of Rubber Tubing
Rubber tubing is widely used across various industries due to its flexibility, affordability, and ease of manufacturing.
It is commonly used for fluid and gas transfer in industrial, automotive, and food processing applications. However, rubber is limited compared to food-grade silicone, especially in high-temperature and food-contact environments.
Read More- Where Does Rubber Come From
Common Types of Rubber Used in Tubing
- Natural Rubber
Highly elastic but lacks resistance to chemicals and extreme temperatures. - EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM Rubber is Resistant to heat, oxidation, and weathering and is commonly used in food and beverage applications. - Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
It offers excellent oil and fuel resistance but is not ideal for high-temperature applications. - Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene Rubber provides good chemical resistance and flexibility but may degrade over time. - Viton (FKM) Rubber
High chemical and temperature resistance, used in demanding industrial applications.
Comparative Analysis – Silicone vs. Rubber Tubing
Several factors must be considered when choosing between silicone and rubber tubing, including temperature resistance, durability, chemical resistance, safety compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
While both materials are essential, food-grade silicone tubing provides superior benefits in high-temperature, medical, and food applications.
1. Temperature Resistance
Silicone tubing is known for tolerating extreme temperatures without losing its flexibility or breaking down.
It can tolerate temperatures ranging from -100°F to 500°F (-73°C to 260°C), making it ideal for high-temperature silicone sponge applications in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and industrial settings.
Comparison of Temperature Resistance
- Silicone Tubing – Handles both extreme heat and cold and maintains flexibility.
- Rubber Tubing – More prone to cracking or hardening under extreme temperatures.
Silicone tubing is the better choice in applications where temperature longevity is essential due to its heat stability and resistance to thermal degradation.
2. Flexibility and Durability
Durability and flexibility play a critical role in selecting the correct tubing material. Silicone tubing maintains its elasticity and shape over long periods, making it highly durable in medical and industrial applications.
Key Differences
- Silicone Tubing – Retains flexibility after repeated use and exposure to extreme environments.
- Rubber Tubing – Prone to wear and tear, leading to cracks and reduced lifespan.
Additionally, silicone rubber sheet materials provide excellent thermal conductivity, allowing even heat distribution, which is helpful in medical and food-grade applications.
3. Chemical Resistance
FDA-compliant silicone offers superior chemical resistance compared to rubber for applications involving exposure to chemicals, acids, and oils.
Comparison of Chemical Resistance
- Silicone Tubing – Resistant to acids, oils, solvents, and UV radiation, ensuring product purity and longevity.
- Rubber Tubing – This can degrade when exposed to harsh chemicals, leading to contamination and frequent replacement.
This makes FDA silicone rubber the preferred choice in food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries where maintaining sterility and chemical safety is essential.
4. Safety and Compliance
Safety and regulatory compliance are major concerns in food, beverage, and medical applications. FDA-approved silicone rubber meets strict health and safety guidelines, ensuring its safety for direct food contact and medical use.
Industry Certifications for Silicone Tubing:
- FDA Approved – Complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards.
- USDA Compliance – Safe for food and dairy processing.
- ISO & USP Class VI Standards – Required for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
While silicone tubing meets strict FDA, USDA, and ISO standards, it’s important to verify compliance when selecting rubber tubing for food, medical, or pharmaceutical applications.
5. Cost Considerations
When comparing initial costs vs. long-term investment, silicone tubing costs more upfront than rubber. Still, its durability, flexibility, and lower maintenance needs make it a more cost-effective choice over time.
Cost Comparison:
- Silicone Tubing – Longer lifespan, minimal maintenance, fewer replacements needed.
- Rubber Tubing – Lower initial cost, but frequent replacements increase long-term costs.
Silicone vs. Rubber Tubing
| Feature | Silicone Tubing | Rubber Tubing |
| Temperature Resistance | Handles extreme heat and cold | Can crack or harden in extreme temperatures |
| Flexibility & Durability | Strong, flexible, and long-lasting | Wears out faster, becomes less flexible over time |
| Chemical Resistance | Does not react with chemicals or oils | May degrade when exposed to chemicals and oils |
| Safety & Compliance | FDA-approved, safe for food and medical use | Not always FDA-approved, may not be food-safe |
| Cost | Higher initial cost, but fewer replacements needed | Cheaper upfront but requires frequent replacements |
What are the Applications of Food-Grade Silicone Tubing?
Food-grade silicone tubing is widely used across various industries due to its durability, flexibility, and compliance with food and medical safety standards.
- Food & Beverage Industry
Food manufacturing equipment and processing machines are used for safe liquid and ingredient transfer. - Medical & Pharmaceutical
Preferred for sterile fluid handling, ensuring safety in medical devices and drug processing. - Dairy & Brewing
Essential in food processing equipment, ensuring hygienic milk, beer, and beverage production. - Home & Industrial Uses
Applied in water filtration, lab equipment, and small-scale food production.
Its FDA-approved, non-toxic, and temperature-resistant properties make it the top choice over rubber tubing in high-purity applications.
Read More- Top 6 Reasons to Choose Elastostar FDA Rubber Tubing for Food-Grade Applications
How do we maintain and prolong the longevity of food-grade silicone tubing?
Proper maintenance of food-grade silicone tubing ensures long-lasting performance, hygiene, and compliance with safety standards.
Regular cleaning, sterilization, and correct storage help prevent contamination and wear over time.
Cleaning and Sterilization Methods
To maintain hygiene and prevent detecting silicone contamination, proper cleaning and sterilization methods should be followed:
- Autoclaving
High-temperature steam sterilization for medical and food applications. - Boiling
Simple and effective for home and small-scale food use. - Chemical Sterilization
Uses FDA-approved sealers and sanitizing solutions for thorough cleaning. - FDA Metal Detection
Ensures compliance in industrial food production by detecting any contaminants in tubing.
Best Practices for Extending Tubing Life
To extend the lifespan of food-grade silicone tubing, follow these best practices:
- Store in a cool, dry place – Prevents degradation from heat or moisture.
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals – Use only approved cleaning agents.
- Regular inspection – Check for cracks or wear to prevent contamination.
- Use FDA-approved X-ray traceable silicone—The tubing is safe, durable, and compliant for the food and medical industries.
By following these steps, silicone tubing remains hygienic, durable, and efficient in various applications.
Why Choose Elastostar Rubber Corporation for Your Tubing Needs?
At Elastostar Rubber Corporation, we are a trusted FDA silicone manufacturer, delivering high-quality food-grade silicone tubing for various industries.
Our extensive product range includes FDA-approved silicone solutions and rolls for food, medical, and industrial applications. We are committed to safety, durability, and compliance, and ensure that all our products meet FDA, ISO, and USP Class VI standards.
Our expertise and dedication to quality assurance make us the ideal choice for reliable, long-lasting silicone tubing solutions. Contact us today to find the perfect solution for your needs!
Recommended Reads
- Top Applications of FDA Silicone Rubber in Food Processing
- Why FDA Silicone Rubber is Gaining Popularity
- How to Differentiate Between Food-Grade & Regular Silicone
Conclusion
Choosing the proper tubing is crucial for food processing. Food-grade silicone tubing outperforms rubber with superior heat resistance, durability, flexibility, and chemical stability.
It meets FDA standards, lasts longer, and reduces replacement costs, making it ideal for food, medical, and industrial automotive applications. Investing in silicone tubing ensures hygiene, efficiency, and long-term performance, making it the best choice for processing needs.
FAQs
Why is food-grade silicone better than rubber?
Food-grade silicone is safer, more durable, and more resistant to heat, chemicals, and aging than rubber. It meets FDA standards, ensuring hygiene and safety in food and medical applications.
Is food-grade silicone better than regular silicone?
Yes, food-grade silicone is specifically designed for direct food contact, while regular silicone may contain additives that are not food-safe. It is BPA-free, non-toxic, and withstands high temperatures without degrading.
Is 100% silicone food-grade?
Not always! Only FDA-approved silicone is guaranteed safe for food use. Elastostar’s Platinum Cured Silicone Tubing is an FDA-certified solution, ensuring hygiene and long-term durability for food and beverage applications.
Does silicone last longer than rubber?
Yes. Silicone has superior longevity because it resists extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and chemical damage. Unlike rubber, it does not crack, harden, or degrade over time, reducing replacement costs.
Is silicone better than plastic for food?
Absolutely! Silicone is non-toxic, reusable, and heat-resistant, making it a safer alternative to plastic. It doesn’t leach harmful chemicals and remains flexible even under high temperatures.
How can you tell the difference between silicone and rubber?
Silicone is softer, heat-resistant, and more flexible, whereas rubber can degrade, crack, or harden over time. If you need high-quality, food-safe silicone tubing, check out Elastostar’s FDA Metal & X-Ray Detectable Silicone Tubing, designed for food and medical industries.
