Earlier this year, Leafy Green raved about how much he loved his new Starfrit Ceram-Eco frying pan. When one of our readers asked if the aluminum exterior would bleed through the ceramic coating used on the pans, we decided we’d go straight to the source and ask Starfrit to tell us more about their products. Juanita Coumbias, International Sales & Marketing Director for the company was more than happy to oblige and gave us the lowdown on this eco-friendly cookware and the technology that is putting Starfrit on the green cookware map.

For years there has been an ongoing argument about polytetrafluoroethene (more commonly known as Teflon) and its potentially detrimental effects on human health and the earth. Though scientists have not conclusively shown that Teflon can cause health-related issues, there is absolutely no question that it has an adverse effect on the environment. An artificial acid known as PFOA is used when processing Teflon; 90% of the chemical is released into the atmosphere during the coating process. The Environmental Protection Agency has given companies using PFOA until 2015 to completely eliminate use of the chemical.

Starfrit began exploring alternative cookware options that would still provide consumers with the easy cleaning and convenience they were accustomed to. Their answer came in the form of Ceram-Eco, a 100% natural ceramic powder that had similar non-stick properties. While you can’t fry an egg or cook a fish without some form of lubrication, the Ceram-Eco coating stills boasts 75 to 80 per cent effectiveness of the potent non-stick pans, minus the release of any harmful toxins.

“We really wanted to develop an environmentally sensitive non-stick surface with the same qualities as traditional coatings yet free of certain chemical components,” says Juanita.

Ceramic withstands heat much more effectively than any Teflon-coated pan. The Alternative by Starfrit line can withstand heat up to 1000 degrees; Teflon can only be heated up to 450 degrees before it begins to degrade in quality and that causes chemicals to be released into the air and flake into your food. It's probably safe to assume you aren't looking for a side of cancer-causing additives when preparing your grilled cheese sandwich.

Aside from the Ceram-Eco coating, the other components of the cookware are as equally earth-friendly. The pots and pans are made with a 99% recycled aluminum exterior, and are outfitted with bamboo handles. Soya-based inks are used for all of the printing on and inside the packaging, but perhaps one of the most functional aspects of the pans are the reusable storage containers the nine and ten-piece cookware sets come packaged in, as opposed to the typical massive cardboard boxes. Not only are you saving a box from heading to a landfill, but you conveniently have a place to store all of those woolly winter sweaters now that it's officially spring. Juanita believes new packaging may actually be the most noticeable change as eco-friendly kitchen tools progress.

“It used to be that bigger was better in terms of the packaging for pots and pans,” she says. “Now we’re trying to minimize the packaging as step one of making our products more ecologically conscious.”

As the buzz about Teflon’s less-than-desirable qualities grew, so did the reputation of cast iron cookware. While it is definitely safe for the environment, it does not include any non-stick properties, meaning you may be trying to scrub off cooked-on egg for hours (and hours and hours). Juanita believes the Ceram-Eco pans offer the best of both worlds for those seeking the durability and safety of cast iron with the convenience and ease that comes with traditional non-stick products. If proper care is taken, you can expect your Starfrit pans to last for at least five years. Like any product made from ceramic materials including plates, the pots and pans can chip or break. Ensure you don’t drop anything heavy onto the pan and always take care when stacking them.

If you're tired of waiting for the water to boil for your organic quinoa, you'll be thrilled to discover that Starfrit pans may save you some time slaving over a hot stove. They offer such effective heat distribution that food cooks much more quickly (and uses less energy too!) and new users may have to adjust to the learning curve of achieving the proper cooking temperature.

Customers are still unsure about innovative products such as this line, however Juanita is optimistic that future plans such as selling smaller-sized pans that allow consumers to try before committing to a full set, will be enough to convince them that eco-friendly cookware is the wave of the food-lover’s future.

 “The concept this eco cookware line is very near and dear to us,” she says. “This is a relatively new initiative, but we felt compelled to create an ecological alternative that makes it possible for consumers to develop more responsible habits and a healthier lifestyle.”

The Alternative by Starfit line is available at Wal-Mart in Canada. Hit the jump to visit Starfrit online and learn more about their innovative eco-friendly technology.

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