BfR Food Contact Silicone

BfR food contact silicone from ElastaPro complies with BfR Recommendation XV, a German guideline issued by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, BfR). BfR Rec. XV sets specific requirements for silicones used in food contact applications, including permitted raw materials, migration limits, and testing protocols.

In Germany, compliance with BfR Recommendation XV is essential for food contact applications. This guideline supplements EFSA Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 for food contact materials (FCMs) by providing specific requirements for silicone elastomers. ElastaPro supplies BfR-compliant silicones as sheets, rolls, and uncured compounds.

BfR Food Contact Silicone Sheet

BfR food contact silicone sheet is used in sealing and gasketing applications. This food grade silicone provides these and other advantages.

  • Dimensional stability: Sheets maintain thickness and hardness under compression
  • Wide range of sizes: Available in standard dimensions (e.g., 36” x 36”), custom sizes, and thicknesses from 0.007” to 0.500”.
  • Industry-leading widths: Up to 62”, one of the widest available in the industry.
  • Performance metrics: Tensile strength ranges from 700–1100 psi, elongation from 200–700%, and tear resistance from 20–35 ppi.

Applications for this this solid silicone sheet include:

  • Gaskets for food processing equipment
  • Baking mats and conveyor belt covers
  • Pharmaceutical seals and diaphragms

BfR Food Contact Silicone Rolls

For high-volume production, continuous silicone rolls can be used. Rolls offer:

  • Processing efficiency: Master rolls can be slit to width and laminated with pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs)
  • Consistency: Continuous rolls reduce waste and improve throughput in automated manufacturing.

Applications for these silicone rolls include:

  • Conveyor belt linings
  • Large-scale gasketing operations
  • Industrial food processing systems

BfR Food Contact Silicone Compound

BfR food contact silicone compound provide engineers with design flexibility. These materials are:

  • Catalyzed and ready for processing
  • Suitable for molding, calendering, and extrusion
  • Compatible with robotic dispensing systems

Uncured silicone compound allows engineers to create custom geometries and integrate silicone into complex assemblies. Applications include:

  • Tubing and extrusions for beverage systems
  • Molded seals and diaphragms
  • Coatings for substrates requiring food-safe barriers

BfR Food Contact Silicone Durometers

Durometer (hardness) is a critical property during material selection. ElastaPro offers BfR food contact silicone in durometers from 10 to 80 Shore A:

  • 10 Shore A: Extremely soft, flexible, and compressible
  • 30–50 Shore A: Balanced flexibility and strength, ideal for seals and gaskets
  • 70–80 Shore A: Rigid and durable, suitable for structural applications

Consider the following during material selection.

  • Softer grades are better for dynamic seals requiring flexibility
  • Harder grades provide rigidity and wear resistance
  • Matching durometer to application ensures optimal performance and longevity

BfR Food Contact Silicone Colors

Color is more than aesthetics. It can also serve functional and compliance purposes. ElastaPro offers BfR-compliant silicone in the following colors.

  • White and translucent: Most popular for hygienic environments
  • Red, green, blue, gray: Used for color coding, product differentiation, or visibility in processing lines
  • Custom color matching: Available to align with product branding or system requirements

Applications for various silicone colors include:

  • Color-coded gaskets for quick identification
  • Visible seals in food processing equipment
  • Custom branding in consumer-facing products

Colors help engineers design systems that are both functional and user-friendly.

Compliance: Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004

BfR-compliant silicones meet the requirements of BfR Recommendation XV, which provides guidance specific to silicones used in food contact applications. It covers:

  • Permitted raw materials and additives
  • Migration limits for volatile and extractable substances
  • Testing protocols for thermal stability and repeated-use compliance

Ask ElastaPro for BfR Food Contact Silicone

BfR food contact silicone is a compliance-critical engineering material that combines performance with versatility.

  • Sheets: Ready-to-use, available in wide sizes and thicknesses
  • Rolls: Efficient for high-volume production
  • Compounds: Flexible for molding and extrusion
  • Durometers: Range from soft (10 Shore A) to rigid (80 Shore A)
  • Colors: White, translucent, red, green, blue, gray, plus custom options

By understanding these forms and properties, engineers can design systems that are safe, efficient, and optimized for performance in food, beverage, and dairy industries.

Contact ElastaPro to request a quote or discuss your application.