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Stainless steel, our
cast-iron guarantee
A step in the right direction: quality equipment for a sustainable approach to walking.
Stainless steel, which is used in many Quechua products, is renowned for its toughness and durability.
But did you know that this component is also very eco-friendly? Here we explain how!
A little history
Stainless steel was developed in Germany, in the early 20th century, to replace steel, a material which oxidises easily. By adding a thin layer of chrome to the surface, the steel becomes resistant to rust stains - hence the name, "stainless steel."
Stainless steel has many uses (medical, decorating, construction etc.) but is indispensable in the catering and restaurant business. It is the preferred food contact material, resistant to extreme heat and variations in temperature. It is an inert material that doesn't react when in direct contact with food and doesn't alter the taste, smell or appearance of ingredients. It is corrosion (rust) resistant and is easy to clean.
Different types of food-grade stainless steel
The grade of stainless steel (304 or 316 for example) indicates its quality, durability and temperature resistance. The figures (18/8, 18/10 etc.) refer to the composition of the stainless steel and represent the quantity of chrome and nickel (respectively) contained in the product.
18/8 and 18/10: These two grades of stainless steel are the most widely used in food preparation and catering (also known as type 304 (grade 304) and are part of the 300 series.)
The first figure, 18, refers to the amount of chrome the product contains and the second is the amount of nickel. For example, 18/8 stainless steel consists of 18% chrome and 8% nickel.
304 : grade 304 stainless steel also comprises no more than 0.8% carbon and at least 50% iron. Chrome binds oxygen to the surface of the product to prevent the iron from oxidizing (rusting). Nickel increases the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Consequently, the higher the nickel content, the more corrosion resistant the stainless steel.
316 : Grade 316 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel with a high chrome and nickel content.
A good material for you.
Stainless steel meets all the requirements of food safety standards. All our stainless steel products are tested in the lab and in use to ensure they meet the necessary standards and the demands of everyday use.
Quechua products strictly comply with European and French food contact standards and so do not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), in accordance with current regulations.
It's no surprise, therefore, that we use this material in a large number of our camping products: insulated or non-insulated water bottles, cooking sets, food containers, cutlery, mugs etc...and have done so for more than 10 years!
...And less harmful for the environment!
And that's not all as stainless steel is also very eco-friendly!
It is shock-resistant, unlike glass, and its properties change very little over time, unlike plastic, which makes it very durable and particularly suitable for hikes. It can be used in its raw state - no need to add varnish to any other further treatments (unlike aluminium).
In addition, stainless steel is very easy to recycle. Stainless steel products collected from your recycling waste have a good chance of being reused for a second life.
