Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that is resistant to rusting. It contains at least 11% chromium and may contain elements such as carbon, other nonmetals and metals to obtain other desired properties. Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion results from the chromium, which forms a passive film that can protect the material and self-heal in the presence of oxygen. In the food and catering industry, stainless steel is used to manufacture kitchen accessories, cookware, and cutlery. Utensils such as knives are made using less ductile grades of stainless steel. The more ductile grades are used to make grills, cookers, saucepans, and sinks.