Introduction -

Are you a health-conscious person? Are you responsible for your own and your family’s health and well-being? Are you someone who appreciates a safe and sustainable environment? If the answer is Yes, you recognize that making right lifestyle choices is a necessity. A big part of that is the quality of water you are drinking every day.

In this article, we will deep dive into SS 304 - a food grade stainless steel by discussing -

• what exactly SS 304 is
• what does being food grade mean
• how SS 304 is unique in its value
• some rather concerning facts about water bottles
• why BIS is making SS 304 mandatory for food containers
• why you should make the switch to SS 304 water bottles, and
• how to make the switch to a food grade stainless steel water bottle.

But before we begin a deep dive into SS 304 grade stainless steel, let us briefly understand the different grades of stainless steel and their properties.

Comparison Chart: SS 304 vs Popular Grades of Stainless Steel

In summary,

• SS 304 - a versatile and widely used stainless steel grade known for its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and non-magnetic properties. It is food-safe, making it ideal for cookware, food storage, and medical equipment. While more expensive than lower grades, its reliability and longevity make it a preferred choice for demanding applications.
• SS 201 - a lower-cost alternative to SS 304, commonly used in decorative applications and appliances. However, it has reduced corrosion resistance and toughness, making it unsuitable for harsh environments or prolonged exposure to moisture.
• SS 202 - another lower-cost alternative, often used in less demanding applications but lacks sufficient corrosion resistance and is not suitable for prolonged food contact
• SS 303 - known for its exceptional machinability due to the addition of sulphur, however, that means it is not food-grade compliant due to the sulphur content, making it unsuitable for cookware or water bottles
• SS 430 - an affordable stainless steel grade primarily used for decorative trims, automotive parts, and kitchen appliances. While it offers good resistance to oxidation and moderate corrosion resistance, it lacks the durability and food safety of higher grades like SS 304. 

Food Grade SS 304 Stainless Steel

What is Food grade stainless steel?

Food-grade stainless steel refers to a category of stainless steel specifically designed for applications involving food and beverages. It is highly durable, resistant to corrosion, and meets stringent safety standards to ensure that it does not react with food or beverages, making it safe for consumption. It's inert in many food environments and can withstand powerful detergents. While all stainless steel has a degree of corrosion resistance, food-grade stainless steel meets specific health and safety standards, ensuring it is safe for prolonged food contact. Lower grades of stainless steel may corrode, leach substances, or fail under food-safe criteria.

Key Features:

• Non-Reactive Material - Does not leach harmful chemicals or metals into food, even when exposed to high heat, acidic ingredients, or liquids.
• Corrosion Resistance - Withstands exposure to moisture and acids without rusting.
• Hygiene and Cleanliness - Easy to clean, non-porous, and does not harbour bacteria, making it ideal for utensils, cookware, and storage containers.

SS 304 Stainless Steel -

SS 304 is part of the austenitic family of stainless steels and is widely recognized for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and versatility.

Composition -

SS 304 Stainless Steel Usage in India -

India's usage of SS 304 grade stainless steel is focused on sectors requiring superior corrosion resistance, hygiene, and durability. Approximately 60% of the demand comes from the kitchenware and food processing industries, where SS 304 is used for utensils, storage containers, and cookware. The construction sector accounts for around 20%, leveraging SS 304 for high-quality railings, façade cladding, and structural components. The automotive and transportation industries represent 10%, with SS 304 being critical for fuel tanks, exhaust systems, and railway equipment. The healthcare and industrial sectors make up the remaining 10%, relying on SS 304 for surgical instruments, chemical equipment, and clean-room setups due to its non-reactive properties.

Why is BIS making SS 304 mandatory for food containers?

Chinese imports account for 90% of the market, dominating with low-cost options. Bottles made under BIS standards, using 304-grade steel, are comparatively more expensive. This price disparity arises because Chinese products often do not adhere to BIS standards or the specified raw material quality, enabling them to provide cheaper alternatives.

Manufacturing low-quality items is impractical, as high-quality steel meeting BIS standards is already produced domestically. Another major concern is the health impact on Indians. The import of low-grade steel from China, documented as unsuitable for consumption, further exacerbates the issue. Recent policy changes have meant the overall quality of stainless steel to be used in the coming years is taking a necessary leap, and is going to push usage of SS 304 grade stainless steel even further. Read more about it here - BIS standards for stainless steel water bottles

Now that we understand more about SS 304 food-grade Stainless steel, let us try to understand the why SS 304 is the right steel for you. For the purpose of this study, we take a closer look at one of the biggest usage categories of Stainless Steels - Water Bottles.

Plastic vs SS 304 Stainless Steel Water Bottles -

Studies on Plastic bottles have shown that bottled water contains an excessive level of micro-plastics – (small pieces of plastic debris less than five millimeters in size) with more than 90% water bottles showing traces of micro-plastics as having one of the highest levels of contamination. The research also showed, "bottled water contained about 50% more micro-plastics than tap water”.

The Impact of Plastic Bottles in the Current Ecological Scenario is not hidden from anyone. Plastic bottles significantly exacerbate environmental pollution. Over 1 million plastic bottles are bought globally every minute, with less than 10% effectively recycled. This waste clogs landfills, oceans, and ecosystems, harming marine species and contaminating the food chain.

SS 304 Water Bottles - Health & Safety Benefits; Environmental Impact

Health Benefits –

• Non-Toxic - Stainless steel water bottles, especially those made of SS 304, are free from BPA and other harmful chemicals that plastic bottles may leach into beverages.
• Non-Reactive - Stainless steel doesn’t leach chemicals into food or beverages, even when exposed to high temperatures. This makes it safer compared to plastic, which can release harmful compounds when heated.
• Resistance to Corrosion and Bacteria - Food-grade stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, maintaining its structural integrity over time. Its smooth surface is non-porous, reducing the likelihood of bacteria build-up.
• Heat tolerant - Unlike plastic, SS 304 does not degrade under extreme temperatures, ensuring safe and uncontaminated water storage.

Environmental Impact

• Over 8 million metric tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans annually. A single reusable stainless steel water bottle can replace approximately 150 plastic bottles each year.
• Plastic bottles take an estimated 450 years to decompose, contributing heavily to landfill overflow.
• Stainless steel is 100% recyclable. Unlike plastic, which often ends up in landfills, stainless steel can be melted down and repurposed without degrading its quality. This promotes a circular economy and reduces environmental waste.

Fact: A single SS 304 bottle prevents over 1,000 plastic bottles from being discarded during its lifespan

Replacing Plastic Water Bottles with Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Plastic water bottles, though convenient, come with significant environmental and health concerns. Replacing them with stainless steel water bottles can mitigate these issues while offering long-term benefits. Here is why you should make the switch today. Switching to stainless steel water bottles can drastically reduce this ecological burden. It aligns with India's "Swachh Bharat" and "Plastic Ban" movements, addressing pollution at its source.

"Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings."
- Publilius Syrus

By choosing SS 304 food-grade stainless steel bottles, consumers don’t just protect their own health and safety but also the planet’s. Together, through these small yet essential changes, we intend to help you choose the path to a sustainable future for everyone.

How we as health-conscious and responsible individuals can bring a change?

It is as simple as switching from disposables/plastic bottles to stainless steel water bottles. Here are how you can start this change today.

What are plastic water bottles primarily used for?

On-the-Go Hydration - People use disposable plastic bottles while traveling, commuting, or running errands

• Stainless steel bottles are easy to carry, leak-proof, and eco-friendly, making them ideal for long-distance travel, reducing waste, and providing safe hydration.

Home Use - Families stock plastic water bottles in refrigerators for guests or personal use

• Stainless steel water bottles are durable, non-toxic, and more resistant to corrosion from exposure to chemicals, heat and moisture in the kitchen.

Sports and Fitness - Plastic water bottles are common at gyms, sports fields, and fitness classes

• Stainless steel bottles are durable, leak-proof, and provide safe hydration, making them ideal for the gym or sports and fitness activities.

Office and Schools – most of us use plastic water bottles at desks, especially in offices without water dispensers

• Stainless steel bottles are light, stylish, and BPA-free, providing safe hydration while reducing plastic waste, making them ideal for office and school environments.

Outdoor Activities - For hiking, camping, or picnics, disposable bottles are often used

• Stainless steel bottles are durable, leak-proof, and easy to clean, making them perfect for hiking, camping, and picnics, while being eco-friendly and reducing plastic waste.

Conclusion

Switching to SS 304 stainless steel water bottles is not just a lifestyle upgrade; it’s a step toward a healthier and more sustainable future. Unlike plastic, which often contains harmful chemicals like BPA and can degrade into micro-plastics, SS 304 stainless steel is non-toxic, durable, and safe for everyday use. Its resistance to rust, corrosion, and chemical leaching ensures that the water you drink remains pure, unaffected by its container.

The environmental benefits are equally compelling. Every reusable SS 304 stainless steel bottle prevents hundreds of plastic bottles from polluting the planet annually. With the global plastic crisis escalating—where over 8 million tons of plastic end up in oceans each year—this small change can significantly reduce plastic waste.

About Cost Price

Cost Price is a lifestyle brand which promises quality and value for money. We are dedicated to delivering high quality products that respect your hard earned money. Each product is carefully chosen to enhance your well-being. At Cost Price, sustainability isn’t just a belief, we thrive to select products that are better for you and your loved ones.

"Switching to a stainless steel water bottle can save up to 150 plastic bottles annually." Ready to make the switch? Invest in a food-grade Cost Price Stainless Steel Water bottle today for a healthier, sustainable lifestyle.