Join this webinar on Lockers Manufacturing's dedication to reshoring and U.S.-based production. In partnership with Hubbard-Hall — a 176-year-old, woman-owned chemical manufacturer — and distribution partner PSI, Lockers Manufacturing will share how a collaborative supply chain built on innovation, sustainability and resilience is making U.S. manufacturing stronger. Lockers Manufacturing stands out with domestically produced lockers, using U.S.-sourced materials for superior craftsmanship and a more responsive supply chain. Hubbard-Hall and PSI bring deep technical expertise and tankside support to help manufacturers like Lockers stay competitive, compliant and customer-focused. Discover how reshoring, high-quality materials and local partnerships are reshaping the future of American manufacturing. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from industry leaders working together to build a stronger, smarter supply chain. Agenda: How reshoring and U.S.-based production create a more agile, reliable supply chain The impact of innovation and sustainability on the growth of small, family-owned manufacturers Why quality materials and a customer-first approach are key to long-term success in American manufacturing
With competitive price and timely delivery, KLS sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
This webinar features Molly Kellogg — president, CEO and chairman of Hubbard-Hall — as she shares insights on the company’s remarkable 175-year journey and its continued evolution in the surface finishing industry. In a world of mergers, acquisitions and rapid change, Hubbard-Hall has remained a steadfast partner standing the test of time by building on family legacy and values. Molly, the sixth generation of family leadership, will discuss the company's rich history, from its humble beginnings as a corner drugstore to becoming a global manufacturer of specialty chemistry serving industries from Michigan to Malaysia. Discover how Hubbard-Hall’s "whatever it takes" approach — along with its extensive testing labs, production facilities and distribution centers — continues to provide customers with tank side problem-solving expertise. In this session, we’ll explore Hubbard-Hall's future, with Molly sharing her vision for carrying the company's legacy forward, the new initiatives on the horizon and how Hubbard-Hall remains committed to its mission of providing expert support with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Molly Kellogg, a leader driven by passion, tradition and a deep connection to the people who make it all possible.
This year, the Michigan and Chicago Midwest Chapters are thrilled to partner to bring you a seminar experience like never before - bigger, better, and more enriching! AGENDA Thursday, 7/24: Arrival and evening welcome reception - Cocktails by the Bay (7 - 10pm) Friday, 7/25 Breakfast (8am) Seminar (9 - 4pm) "Maximizing 'H' in HR: Strategies for a Thriving, Engaged Workplace" featuring our keynote speaker, Ben Whiting - “Better Results, Better Relationships, Limitless Possibilities” . Other speakers include: “Improving Employee Retention: Tips for Maximizing Engagement with a Manufacturing Workforce” - Mike Dergis, Sigred Group "Raising the Bar: Going Beyond Legal Compliance in Your Workplace" - Rebecca Davies, Butzel Long "Regulatory Update" - Christian Richter & Jeff Hannapel, The Policy Group "Empowering Your Workforce: NASF Training and Education Tools" - Vincent Noonan, NASF Foundation President Cocktail Reception (6pm) Dinner (7pm) Saturday, 7/26: Enjoy a round of golf at one of 2 championship courses, join us for a delightful winery tour, or create your own adventure!
Contests and Perks: There will be four contests and associated prizes for longest drive on the eleventh hole, longest putt on the first hole, closest to the pin on the fifteenth hole, and closest to the line on the third hole. Hole number six will have a golf ball launcher that sponsors have provided at no cost. Majestic Oaks employees will be present to facilitate these contests and features. Tournament Format: The format will be a four-man scramble. In a four-man scramble, each teams’ players tee off as usual, then the team members choose the best of the four shots for the next shot. All team members play their second shot from there, and again choose the best shot to play from. Play continues in this manner until the hole is completed. The team then records its score and maintains that format for all 18 holes. The highest allowed stroke count would be a double bogey. After the double bogey stroke, the team is expected to pick up their balls and record the score. Reporting Scores: Each team is responsible for tracking and reporting their scores during the tournament. Scores are reported using the Golf Genius app, which is available on most major app marketplaces at no cost. Event registration details may be found at the registration table. Beverages: Each golfer will be issued two drink tickets. Additional beverages are available for purchase. The drink tickets may be used at the Bloody Mary bar, Oasis Bar, drink carts on the course, and the bar in the banquet hall. Tickets may not be used at The Oaks Bar. The keg of beer is self-serve, first-come-first-served and tickets are not required. Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00 pm and will be hosted in The Fireside Room. There are not assigned seats. Guests who are only signed up for dinner must check in before taking a seat. Raffle: Raffle tickets will be available for purchase until dinner begins and is open to all guests. Tickets may be purchased for $2 each or 10 for $15.
In this article, we’ll break down concerns such as how to tell if dishes have lead and other harmful substances, the best dishes in terms of performance and longevity, and more. But first, let’s start with safe dinnerware materials.
Porcelain is generally made from mineral clay, sand, and other natural materials that are fired at very high temperatures to achieve a solid and hard form.
Properly glazed ceramic dinnerware is also nonporous, making it resistant to bacteria and easy to clean. That said, not all ceramic dinnerware is the best in terms of safety.
You may have heard or asked yourself the question, is it safe to eat off vintage dishes, even if they are ceramic or porcelain? That’s because traditional ceramicware made years ago may have used lead based glazes, which pose a significant health risk - a good reason to think twice before using grandma's fine china. Since then, regulations have been implemented in many countries to restrict the use of lead in glazes, but it’s still crucial to ensure that the ceramic dinnerware you choose is lead free and meets modern safety standards.
Good news! Stoneware is made from safe and natural materials with no harmful toxins, so long as it's considered food-safe. Stoneware dishes are made from a type of ceramic material that is also fired at high temperatures, making it durable and suitable for various uses, including dinnerware and baking dishes.
The safety of stoneware depends on the materials used during its production. Some cheaper stoneware may not be made from food grade materials and could contain harmful substances such as lead, cadmium, or other toxic elements. These toxins can leach into food when the surface is chipped or cracked, which can be hazardous to your health if ingested. It's important to look for information on product listings to make sure your stoneware dishes are made with food safe materials.
When it comes to porcelain, ceramic and stoneware, all three are made out of similar organic materials such as kaolin clay, minerals, silica and sand. Simply put, porcelain is molded and then fired at the highest temperature around degrees F, making it the most durable and non porous dishware material out of the three.
Ceramic is fired at degrees F, making it strong but not completely waterproof. A glass glaze is then applied to the surface to make ceramic dishes nonporous.
Stoneware has extra glass material added into the raw material and is fired at around degrees F, making it impervious to moisture and more chip resistant, similar to Porcelain.
In fact, natural stone dishes that are honed to create a matte, naturally smooth surface are also a fabulous and nontoxic addition to the kitchen lineup, too. (We recommend using natural stone dishes for appetizers or foods without lots of sauce or heavy oils to avoid stains.)
In the grand scheme of things, we love stoneware, stone, ceramic and porcelain. They are a worthwhile investment for a healthier home kitchen -- being dishwasher safe and easy to clean. But what about glass?
Clear glass, sometimes sold under the brand name Pyrex, is made from a combination of natural silica, soda ash, and lime, resulting in a nonporous, hard and inert material. Clear glass dishes and bakeware do not usually contain harmful heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, making it a safe choice for cooking as well as food and drink consumption.
One of the unexpected advantages of glass dinnerware and drinkwareis its transparency, which allows for easy monitoring of not only food during the cooking process but also the cleanliness and integrity of the dish. It's also resistant to staining, easy to clean and does not retain odors, making 'glass' a yes on our list of the safest, lead free dinnerware options.
For a unique spin, recycled bubbled glass is a very cool decorative feature with many tiny air bubbles 'trapped' inside the glass, which is achieved when artisans mouth blow their glass using handmade techniques.
It's important to know that some glassware may be decorated with paints that can contain potentially harmful substances. Also, it can be hard to tell lead free glass from leaded crystal glasses. The ringing rim test is an easy way to tell if there's lead in the glass. Put some water in the glass and rub a wet finger along the rim. If it rings, then there's lead.
Choosing reputable brands that use food-safe materials and avoiding glass dishes with painted detailing are important considerations for non toxic dishware. Painted glass accents can be felt by lightly rubbing your fingers across the glass surface.
Safety doesn’t always mean nasty chemicals, though. Glassware is more prone to breakage than some other materials, so you should handle this dinnerware with caution to avoid injuries. But another awesome advantage of glass is that it can be endlessly melted down and recycled, meaning it’s good for the environment, too!
Stainless steel cookware and dinnerware is generally considered safe, as it is extremely heat tolerant and does not typically react with acidic foods (although we do recommend something other than stainless for highly acidic foods like tomato-based cooking).
Recently, stainless steel dinnerware and cookware has gained popularity due to its durability, resistance to rust, and nonreactive nature. It is made from a combination of iron, nickel, and other metals. The chromium content in stainless steel forms a protective layer that prevents corrosion and leaching of metals into food.
However, there are concerns regarding the presence of nickel in stainless steel. Some individuals have a nickel allergy, which can cause adverse reactions.
Use a magnet! If a magnet sticks to your stainless-steel pot, then it is nickel free.
The ratios of stainless steel also indicate the amount of nickel and other metals present in your kitchenware.
Dinnerware marked with an 18/8 means 18% chromium and 8% nickel are added to the stainless steel. A ratio of 18/0 stainless steel means it'snickel free.
And just to throw another variable into the mix, an 18/10 means there's 2% molybdenum for added durability.
Nickel is added to stainless steel for heat resistance and durability, which means the majority of cookware, such as pots and pans, will have some nickel. If you have a known nickel allergy, opt for stainless steel dinnerware and cookware with a lower nickel content or choose alternative materials like ceramic coated pots and pans.
Are you interested in learning more about is colored stainless steel safe? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Reputable brands are made from bamboo fibers, which are compressed and bonded together using nontoxic resins to form a composite. Bamboo dinnerware is lightweight, durable, and made from sustainable bamboo. And it's great to use for kids' dishes.
Bamboo is also a naturally antimicrobial material, which means it resists bacteria and fungi growth, and it is nonporous, making it easy to clean. However, it is important to note that some low-quality bamboo products may contain synthetic additives or bindersthat can compromise safety. It is essential to choose composite bamboo dinnerware that is made from bamboo grown to organic standards and verified free from formaldehyde glues.
Beautiful earthenware pieces are best only to be used decoratively or outdoors. Being clay-fired at a lower temperature makes this dishware more brittle and porous than common alternatives, which means it’s unsuitable for holding liquids in the kitchen, but great for indoor decor and outdoor garden pots.
When it comes to the new generation of plant-based plastics, these can be a wonderful eco-friendly and nontoxic alternative to plastic dishes for kids. They are typically made from sugarcane and/or corn. Keep in mind some brands are not suitable for dishwashers or any liquids, while others cannot withstand hot or acidic foods.
First, check for labels. Many modern dishes, especially those intended for food use, will display markings that indicate whether they are lead or cadmium free. You should also inspect the glaze.
Bright colors like yellows or reds can be a sign of toxic heavy metals, especially if the dishes are older or vintage. (ie. Fiestaware)
If the dishes are glazed, examine the surface for any cracks, chips, or uneven areas. Lead and cadmium may be present in the glaze (or the actual ceramic), and if it is damaged, these toxins can leach into your food during cooking or at mealtime. Keep in mind that sometimes if a dish is dropped or hits something hard, the cracks may be too small to see at first.
If you already own suspicious dishes, order a home lead or cadmium test kit online or buy one from a hardware store. These swab kits come with instructions on how to test dishes for the presence of lead... Tip: For more accurate test results, swab the testing area with lemon juice or vinegar first. The acidity can help to release toxic substances if they are present in your dishes.
Of course, if you suspect that your dishes contain lead, cadmium, or other toxins, it's crucial to stop using them for food.
Lead poisoning can result from the ingestion of lead-containing substances, including dishes with lead-based glazes or painted decorations, but the symptoms of lead poisoning vary depending on your level of exposure and your age and health status.
In some cases, lead poisoning may not cause noticeable symptoms, making it even more dangerous and difficult to detect. However, when symptoms do appear, they can affect various systems in the body.
Lead can affect each of us differently. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It's also a potent neurotoxin and can also affect the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, headaches, and fatigue, plus developmental delays and behavioral changes in children.
Lead can also cause anemia, kidney damage, reproductive issues, and more.
If you suspect you may have been exposed to lead in dishes or developed lead poisoning, it's important to address your concerns with your doctor. Seek medical advice and have your blood tested for lead levels. Additionally, discontinue use of any suspect dishes for food preparation and consider using lead-free alternatives.
Whether you’re choosing stoneware, porcelain, ceramic or glass, buying from well-known and trusted manufacturers that adhere to safety standards can make a huge difference in the quality and safety of the product.
Moreover, reputable companies often provide information about the safety of their products, including whether they are free of substances like lead and heavy metals. That means step two is to check for labeling on the specific product; look for information that indicates whether it is food-safe and free from harmful substances.
Cracks or chips can indicate a problem. Damage to the dish and/or the glaze can increase the risk of moisture and bacteria seeping into the tiny cracks, which becomes unsanitary. No one wants a side of bacteria with their meals. Plus, tiny sharp pieces may continue to chip off into your food.
If you're buying new dishes from a reputable and quality brand, the glazing should be food safe, which means there's no lead or heavy metals present in the glazing.
If you are uncertain about the safety of the product, contact the manufacturer or check their website for information about the glaze composition. A safe glaze should be nontoxic, lead free, and food-safe. Keep in mind that porcelain and stoneware don't require a glaze.
We recommend avoiding used dishware or vintage dishes. Vintage dishware may have been produced before stricter safety regulations were in place, so it's best to avoid using such items for food purposes. Fiestaware is just one of many vintage dishware brands that were found to have alarmingly high levels of heavy metals.
While XRF guns are the gold standard for testing materials for heavy metals, they are extremely expensive. As mentioned before, you can use lead and cadmium test kits if you’re uncertain. However, we like to say when in doubt, just throw it out.
This label is typically seen on decorative dishes, bowls, natural pottery or garden pots that are beautiful additions to the home but are not designed to meet the rigors of food prep, washing or food storage.
Softer mineral clay-based materials like terracotta and earthenware are beautiful and sturdy for everyday decorative purposes. However, using them for food purposes could lead to breakage or damage.
If you come across pottery, such as decorative centerpieces, labeled "not for food purposes for decorative use only," think about using these objects to display large glass balls, soy-based candles, or a chunky decorative clay chain draped over the side of the bowl.
From square plates to round baking dishes to ribbed drink pitchers, the sky's the limit for ceramic dish designs and styles. We love pairing dark plates with lighter colored salad plates and bowls from the same dishware collection, to make a tablescape really pop!
The Healthier Kitchens eBook is also a great resource for safe cookware, dishware and bakeware information. And for your own healthier home, check out our curated tabletop collections of lead free and healthy dishes, dinnerware and bakeware. Our goal is to help you shop confidently for your home :)
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