AkzoNobel Announces New Plant in Villafranca to Produce BPA-free Coatings

AkzoNobel has announced the construction of a new plant in Villafranca aimed at increasing the production of Bisphenol A (BPA) free coatings for metal packaging. This investment responds to the imminent European regulation that will prohibit the use of BPA in materials in contact with food and beverages.

According to the schedule established by the European Commission, the use of BPA in internal coatings of cans will be prohibited from July 20, 2026, while the ban will extend to external coatings and certain exempt foods from January 20, 2028.

The Villafranca plant will strengthen supply in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), in a context where the industry is already incorporating BPA non-intent (BPAni) coatings and developing bisphenol-free solutions to comply with the new legislation.

In addition to this expansion in Europe, AkzoNobel has started BPAni coating production operations in Shanghai, as part of a global strategy to respond to the growing demand for safer and more sustainable packaging.

Some of the solutions under development include internal coatings such as Accelshield™ 300, which offers high chemical resistance and good organoleptic performance, and Accelshield™ 700 for can ends. Water-based varnishes such as Accelstyle™ 100 and 200 are also used, as well as coatings like the Securshield™ 500 series for food cans, free of BPA and PVC, suitable for salty or acidic products.

The transition process includes testing and validation of new technologies in collaboration with brands, can manufacturers and coating applicators, in order to ensure their compatibility with current industrial processes and avoid substitutions with potentially problematic materials.