The Dabao Range

The Dabao range includes the Dabao Lunchbox, the Dabao Lunchbox Plus, the Dabao Bowl, the Dabao Cup (Small), the Dabao Cup (Regular) and the Dabao Bottle. The following assessment of materials and of the production factory is for the Dabao range only.

Materials

This range of collapsible silicon food containers are made primarily of Food Grade Silicone (main body) and Polypropylene (covers/lids and other rigid components), with the exception of the Dabao Bottle, which has Stainless Steel components.

Food Grade Silicone

Food Grade Silicone is an extremely durable, non-toxic and flexible material that is ideal for use in food containers. It can withstand extreme temperatures without any changes in property, does not react with food, does not contain harmful chemicals such as BPA and does not release any chemicals with use. To further ensure the containers are suitable for storage food, a comprehensive series of tests have been done on the raw material used, and results can be found in the next section.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is considered one of the safest plastics for use with food. It does not contain BPA, and has a relatively higher temperature tolerance than other plastics. It is non-toxic and resistant to degradation. 

Additional tests and certifications on Food Grade Silicone material

Tests were carried out by SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co. Ltd on the factory's food grade silicone to ensure that the lunchboxes, bowls, cups and bottles are suitable for storing food for consumption. SGS is a multinational company that provides independent testing, inspection and certification services.

European Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Specifically, testing for the presence of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts, Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and its derivatives, and PFOA-related substances. The test concluded with no detectable traces of the target substances found.

ECHA Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for Authorisation

In this test, the material was screened for 205 substances (including BPA) in the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for Authorisation published by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on Jan 16, 2020. The test concluded with no detectable traces of the target substances found. 

German Product Safety Commission (AfPS) assessment for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

These requirements relate to materials of objects intended to be placed in mouth or objects coming into long-term or short-term and repetitive contact with the skin during intended or foreseeable use. 15 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were tested and none had detectable traces in the test result.

LFGB Section 30 & 31

The LFGB is the German Food, Articles of Daily Use and Feed Code. It regulates items that are intended to come into contact with food. 5 tests were conducted in this aspect.

1. Extractable components

This tests for any loss or transfer or material of the food grade silicone after prolonged contact with specific simulants at temperature. The 3 simulants used were: 

• Distilled water at 100 degrees Celcius for 4 hours
• 3% Acetic Acid Aqueous Solution at 100 degrees Celcius for 4 hours
• 10% Ethanol Aqueous Solution at 100 degrees Celcius for 4 hours

The maximum permissible limit for each simulant was 0.5% of weight by weight. For all 3 simulants, less than 0.1% of weight by weight was detected and the sample material passed this test.

1. Sensorial examination of odour and taste test

This tests for changes in odour and taste of a medium after prolonged contact at high temperature. The sample material was subjected to distilled water at 100 degrees Celcius for 4 hours. Thereafter, a sensorial examination of odour and taste was conducted. No perceptible difference in odour and taste was found and the sample material passed this test.

1. Lead and Cadium test

This tests for the presence of Lead or Cadium in the sample material. The test method was via microwave digestion. Both elements were not detected in the sample material.

1. Volatile organic matter (VOM) test

This tests for the presence of volatile organic matter (VOM) in the sample material. The sample material was subject to a temperature of 200 degrees Celcius for 4 hours, and volatile organic matter subsequently measured. No VOM was detected in the sample material.

1. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content test

This tests for the presences of 18 PAHs: Acenaphthylene (ANY), Acenaphthene (ANA), Fluorene (FLU), Phenanthrene (PHE), Pyrene (PYR), Anthracene (ANT), Fluoranthene (FLT), Naphthalene (NAP), Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), Chrysene (CHR), Benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), Benzo[j]fluoranthene (BjF), Benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), Benzo[e]pyrene (BeP), Indeno[l,2,3-cd]pyrene (IPY), Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DBA), Benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BPE). Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy was used to detect the test items, and none of the listed PAHs were detected in the sample material.

FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 - Total extractive residues

This standard is from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, relating to rubber articles (from natural or synthetic polymers) intended for repeated use in contact with food. This tests for loss of material when the material is exposed to simulants for a prolonged period of time. The simulants used for this test were distilled water and n-Hexane. Permissible limits were set for the residues after 7 hours of exposure to each simulant, and a separate limit for the subsequent 2 hours of exposure. The amount of residues recorded were well within each of the specified limits.

Factory Audit

We have also assessed the company we are currently working with to produce our silicone takeaway containers to comply with quality, social, health and economic standards. The factory is located in Guangdong, China.

ISO9001:2015

ISO9001:2015 assess the quality management system of an organisation. It requires the company to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide goods and services that meet customer, statutory and regulatory requirements, and that the company aims to enhance customer satisfaction through effective application of the system.

amfori Business Social Compliance Audit

The amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative monitors and assesses workplace standards across the supply chain. The audits monitor that suppliers are treating workers ethically and legally. This audit was done by TUV SUD in September 2021. The audit found that the factory had done well in areas such as ensuring there was no discrimination, ensuring fair remuneration, occupational health and safety, protection of the environment, and ethical business behaviour. Areas where the company had room for improvement were in managing employees' overtime and in having a better social management system.

We strive to ensure that our products meet social, ethical and environmental standards, and will review updated audits of our partners when they are available.