Light and unbreakable, silicone is great for its practicality. Note, however, for those wishing to avoid plastic, silicone is still a type of synthetic polymer because hydrocarbons from fossil fuels are used in its manufacture. There is limited research on its health effects, and silicone can leach chemicals when heated. "Silicone" can contain varying additives and there is no regulation of what can be called silicone. It also has an end of life issue because it is not able to be recycled through most Council recycling.