Nowadays, there are many concerns about choosing healthy and eco-friendly options when discussing packaging solutions for food and beverages. That is why chemicals like bisphenol A, also known as BPA, are being replaced. But what is BPA in canned goods?
You can find BPA in the metal can linings and plastic. This chemical substance is usually present in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used in these solutions. Even though most countries’ health departments approve it, it can be harmful because the BPA can leak from the packaging into the food or beverage people consume. That is why companies are seeking alternatives for its use.
If you’re concerned about BPA in canned goods and want to learn more, keep following the reading!
What Are the Dangers of BPA in Can Lids and Canned Foods?
Some research shows the link that exposure to BPA has to several health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It can also affect the brain and the prostate gland of children, infants, and even fetuses. When it comes to children, it can affect their behavior too.
We can find BPA on epoxy resins. They are used to coat the inside of products made of metal, like food and beverage cans. When in contact with its content, the epoxy can contaminate the product. That is why many companies are trying to replace cans with BPA lining.
How Do Food Additive Regulations Regulate the Use of BPA?
Well, there are restrictions to the use of BPA around the world. Its use has been limited or banned for many different kinds of applications.
For example, in 2011, the European Union banned BPA use in baby bottles and sippy cups. But it was then rescinded in 2015. However, now its use is allowed with more rigid regulations in some EU nation-states like Austria, Denmark, Belgium, and Sweden.
France is the only country trying to ban BPA in can linings in the case of food specifically. However, in the U.S., state legislation became more restricted after 2005. For example, California was the first state to adopt this kind of restriction, and after that, more than 30 states and localities created their own laws regarding the matter.
How to Avoid BPA in Can Lids Production?
As you can see, there are several regulations regarding cans with BPA lining. But the best way to avoid it is to use alternative products with non-BPA linings. To know how to choose them, you should look for more information about the companies that manufacture packaging solutions and your region’s regulations.
What Can Manufacturers Do to Remove BPA?
Although this may be a long and laborious process, manufacturers can adopt many practices to remove BPA in cans. See below some approaches manufacturers can take:
1. Inform Users of the Chemicals and Materials Used and Develop Customer-Oriented Goals
When the company discloses what kind of chemicals and materials they use, consumers can make more educated choices. In addition, sharing the company’s goals with the consumers helps promote transparency and builds more trust between consumers and the company.
This way, customers will know that you hear their concerns and which advances your company is making to change these practices.
2. Consider Alternatives in Collaboration with Suppliers and Retailers
Working with suppliers and retailers makes it possible to implement the idea mentioned before. That means disclosing to the consumer what kind of materials they use on cans with BPA lining.
It can also help find healthier alternatives, like cans that don’t use BPA on their fabrication.
3. Establish Goals to Gradually Eliminate BPA Packaging Solutions and Set Time Frames and Metrics
By setting goals, it is possible to work around them. For example, the research and implementation of other types of materials to substitute BPA in can lids can happen while the consumer is aware that the manufacturers are making changes.
You can better use this process by adding realistic time frames and metrics for measuring progress and sharing what the company has been doing to implement healthier alternatives to its products since implementing these changes can take some time. Also, remember to define new goals for each step achieved in your project.
4. Label Your Products with the Materials Used
Sharing information on the label helps consumers choose faster and know exactly what kind of product they are taking home. Whether you still use BPA or other materials, people can decide more assertively according to their preferences with the information displayed on cans.
Canlid Industries: A Healthier and Safer Option
If you are concerned with what BPA is in canned goods and its impact, you should know that Canlid Industries is one of the companies that say no to it. Concerned with safety and health, our products are modern and environmentally friendly. That is why we invest heavily in research, technology, and innovation.
To know more about our solutions on metal packaging materials, check our page by clicking here!