Bisphenols are a group of chemical compounds characterized by two phenol groups, of which bisphenol A (BPA) is the most well-known. For decades, BPA based epoxy resins have been used to manufacture coatings for the protection of metal can packaging. In recent years, BPA and the class of bisphenols have become a concern for our customers, as regulatory scrutiny became more intense. AkzoNobel is among those in the industry that has developed new solutions free of BPA and bisphenols, including metal can packaging, and is currently evaluating a switch to alternatives.
AkzoNobel says it can move away from not only BPA but all bisphenols for food and beverage contact materials. Bisphenols – of any kind – are no longer required to create coatings for metal can packaging. As the European Union regulations tighten in the next year or two, manufacturers will need to make the transition. Can-makers will be working with their trusted coatings partners over the coming months to migrate much faster towards a bisphenol-free world.
Moving to a BPA-free world, with further restrictions towards a bisphenol-free world to follow, will be a challenge. Adding to this will be the speed and frequency of changes as we adopt and integrate alternative technologies into the commercial mainstream. Preventing the interim adoption of regrettable substances and minimizing the number of technology changes will reduce risk and economic impact. Bisphenol-free coatings will need to be demonstrably as robust as existing coatings to reassure customers. They will have to meet or exceed all government regulations and successfully undergo extensive critical-to-quality testing with can-makers to be as good or better than traditional coatings at withstanding the harsh processing needs of the food and beverage industry, including retort, pasteurization and mobility. They’ll also need to accommodate some of the more challenging new drink types which are becoming common in the market.