There’s nothing better than freshly baked cookies or roasted veggies, but did you know that most single-use baking paper can’t be recycled? It’s coated with non-stick materials and often becomes too greasy or food-soiled during use, which contaminates recycling and sends it straight to landfill after just one bake. Wild!

Every year, millions of sheets of baking paper end up in landfills, also contributing to deforestation, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, global paper consumption has risen by 400% over the last 40 years. 

The good news? This is one of the easiest swaps you can make in your kitchen.

Reusable silicone baking mats replace single-use baking paper completely, meaning less waste, fewer repeat purchases, and a safer surface for your food. Our Go For Zero mats are LFGB certified and designed to last for years, not just one bake.

Let's dive into your FAQs about silicone baking mats!

What Does LFGB Certified Silicone Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Anything that touches your food, whether its your cookware, packing or the equipment that was used to process it, needs to be food safe. That's where FDA standards come in, a strict set of rules for material composition, properties, and usage to ensure food safety and prevent contamination. LFGB certification takes things a step further, testing for heavy metals, chemical migration under different conditions like heat, acidity etc. 

Silicone products that have an LGFB certification are premium quality, odour-free, and very durable. Our Go For Zero's baking mats are FDA-compliant and are also LFGB certified giving you extra confidence that nothing harmful will leach into your food. With our mats, you can bake with peace of mind, knowing that they are a safe and healthy alternative to disposable coated baking paper or plastics.

How Long Do Silicone Baking Mats Last? 

With proper care, silicone baking mats are very durable. They handle temperatures from –40°C to 220°C, so everyday baking won't degrade them. Our premium silicone baking mats are platinum cured, making them longer-lasting, non-stick and more flexible than standard silicone. Just avoid cutting food on them or placing them near an open flame and they should last your 5–10 years or more. Their long-lasting durability makes them a smarter, more sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to constantly buying baking paper.

How Do You Clean Silicone Baking Mats Properly? 

Cleaning your silicone baking mat is super easy: 

1. Rinse off any leftover food.
2. Use an unscented or naturally scented dishwashing bar or dish wash liquid with a scrubber right after use, or add them to your dishwasher. See how we clean them here.  
3. For a deeper clean you can also add them to your washing machine with towels (just make sure not to add them to a load with any sharp items e.g. clothes zippers)

Tip:For stubborn stains or grease, soak the mat for a few hours in a solution of baking soda and water before scrubbing.

What Size Silicone Baking Mats Do You Need? 

Our Go For Zero Silicone Baking Mats are 40 × 30 cm each, and will fit most half-sheet baking trays. They're sold in packs of 2 or 4 mats (to suit your kitchen needs) and come in chocolate (warm brown) or charcoal (dark grey) colours. Many customers prefer the charcoal colour because it hides stains well, but both are made to perform exactly the same. 

A question we often get asked is what to do if the baking mat is too big for you your tray or baking tin. We don't offer multiple sizes because you can cut your silicone baking mats to perfectly fit your tray. Cutting the mat  won't affect its quality or performance!

How Do You Use Silicone Baking Mats (Do’s and Don’ts)?

Do: 

• Use them as you would use single-use baking paper. Place the mat on a baking tray before loading it with ingredients.
• Use your baking mat as a handy pastry or kneading sheet, to pipe icing, or transport items to the oven or fridge.
• Cut your baking mat to your preferred size to to fit other trays or baking tins. 
• After each use, clean you mat with natural dish soap to remove any grease. 
• Roll or lay flat when storing your baking mat.
  

Don't:

• Cut directly on the baking mat.
• Expose the baking mat to an open flame.
• Store under sharp objects.
• Expose your baking mat to extreme heat beyond its 220°C limit.

Are Silicone Baking Mats Better Than Baking Paper? (Cost + Environmental Comparison)   

Each silicone baking mat can replace over 2000 sheets of baking paper or foil over its lifetime. That means fewer trees cut and less landfill waste. When looking at the cost benefits, you'll save money in the long run by not having to buy single use baking paper (woohoo)! After a few months of baking, the reusable mat has more than paid for itself.

Should You Switch to Silicone Baking Mats?

If you bake even occasionally, this is one of those swaps that just makes sense. Less waste, less spending over time, and no question marks around what’s touching your food.

Once you switch, it’s very hard to go back to single-use baking paper.

If you’re ready to make the change, you can explore our LFGB-certified silicone baking mats and see what other customers are saying.

Lots of love,
Ellie x

Silicone Baking Mats FAQ

1. What are silicone baking mats, and are they worth it?

Silicone baking mats are reusable, non-toxic alternatives to baking paper that can replace over 2,000 single-use sheets. They help reduce kitchen waste, save money over time, and provide a safe, non-stick surface. LFGB-certified mats are tested for food safety, ensuring no harmful chemicals transfer to your food.

 2. Can baking paper be recycled?

No, most single-use baking paper can't be recycled because it becomes greasy or food-soiled, contaminating recycling. After one use, it usually ends up in a landfill.

3. Can silicone baking mats replace parchment paper?

Yes. Reusable silicone baking mats are durable, safe and replace thousands of single-use baking paper sheets over their lifetime. 

4. Why switch to silicone baking mats?

Reusable silicone mats cut waste, save money, and reduce environmental impact. They last for years, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to single-use baking paper.

5. Are silicone baking mats safe for food? 

Go For Zero Reusable Silicone Baking Mats are LFGB-certified and FDA compliant, ensuring no harmful chemicals leach into food. 

6. What does LFGB certified silicone mean?

LFGB certified silicone means the product has been tested to be completely safe for food, durable and free from harmful chemicals. Go For Zero’s baking mats are LFGB certified and FDA compliant.

7. How long do silicone baking mats last?

With proper care, Go For Zero’s baking mats can last 5–10 years or more and withstand temperatures from –40°C to 220°C. 

8. How do I clean silicone baking mats?

Rinse off excess food and scrub with a natural dish soap, or place in the dishwasher. For stubborn stains, soak in baking soda and water.

9. What sizes and colours do silicone baking mats come in?

Go For Zero mats are 40 × 30 cm and fit most half-sheet trays and are available in  Chocolate and Charcoal colours. The baking mats  can be cut to custom sizes to suit your needs.