The Shift Toward PFA-Free Pan Finishes

Defining PFAs
LloydPans are PFA-free (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These substances are a recent concern with consumers and foodservice professionals because hazardous PFAs have been known to contaminate the drinking water of up to 110 million Americans, according to the Food and Drug Administration. PFAs are in the family of compounds that are in most non-stick  pots and pans. PFA chemicals pollute water, do not break down and remain in the environment and in humans for an undetermined amount of time — which could amount to decades. 

Inside Battelle notes that there are more than 100 known PFAs, and they are considered an environmental contaminant. Commercially available testing methods don’t always detect them; in fact, only about 20 to 30 are detectable.  

What’s Beneath the Surface
Luckily, LloydPans doesn’t use PFAs to create stick-resistant pans. In fact, we don’t use any pollutants or contaminants in our finishes. After our pans have been anodized in our Spokane Valley, Wash.-based manufacturing plant, they receive one of three proprietary finishes. Our pans then undergo a rigorous performance test for various food stimulants and extractives. The finishes create a durable pizza and baking pan platform that will outlast and outperform any other pan on the market.

How do our three proprietary finishes stack up? Let’s look beneath the surface:

For Pizza — PRE SEASONED TUFF-KOTE (PSTK)
An essential for pizza pans to ensure a stick-resistant finish, proven successful by the top pizza franchises in the world, and many pizza experts, who have praised the pan for its performance and durability. Benefits include:

• No pre-seasoning required. Save time and labor with these ready for production pans
• Permanent stick-resistant finish will not chip, peel or flake off
• The dark pan finish bakes hotter and faster than bare aluminum and produces an excellent crust with consistent, even baking
• Easy to clean and maintain

For Pizza and Baking — Silver-Kote

This finish is designed to eliminate reglazing. It bakes similar to bare aluminum but has the added benefit of being a permanent stick-resistant finish. Other benefits include:

• Unlike silicone, this finish will last through countless baking cycles with proper care
• Cut costs and improve efficiencies by reducing release aids and parchment paper
• The finish’s steam-proof finish allows our customers to depan on their schedule
• Neutral finish does not discolor products containing eggs, such as cheesecake
• Water-based release finish is PFA-free

For Baking — Dura-Kote
Similar to our PSTK pan but fine-tuned for applications in retail and high-volume bakeries. This pan was engineered for multiple oven types, and to withstand the rigors of hundreds of baking cycles per day. Benefits include:

• The dark finish bakes hot and helps brown crusts quicker
• Permanent stick-resistant finish will not chip, peel or flake off
• Metal utensil safe pans allow for easy cleaning and maintenance

Visit our Pans and Coatings page for more information.