After many months of hard work, the European Commission has given the go-ahead to the long-awaited regulation to restrict the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic and coated packaging.
This proposal comes on the heels of the recent publication of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinion last April 2023, which raised concerns about the implications of BPA on human health.
To note that, although technically a draft, the direction for the future of container coatings is clear. “That ruling determines that bisphenols of any kind are not required to manufacture safe coatings, and we support the industry changing shape together. At AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings, we have already innovated, developed and implemented reliable replacements, such as our product ranges Accelshield™️ and Accelstyle™️, which can be seamlessly integrated into your business.” the company said.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacture of plastics and resins, such as the clear, rigid polycarbonate used in water dispensers, storage containers and reusable bottles. It is also used in epoxy resins for coatings and films for food and beverage cans and containers. Because these chemicals can migrate in small amounts into food and beverages, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically reviews their safety.
In April 2023, EFSA published a re-evaluation of the safety of BPA in food contact materials (FCM). It significantly reduced the tolerable daily intake (TDI) established in its previous 2015 assessment. The new TDI is 0.2 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per day (kg/bw/day), approximately 20,000 times lower than before. However, consumers with medium or high BPA exposure in all age groups still exceed this new TDI, which is of health concern.
The European Commission proposes to amend its draft legislation on BPA in food contact plastics and varnishes or coatings. This variation prohibits the use of BPA in the manufacture of packaging intended for infants and young children from 0 to 3 years of age2. In addition, the EC urges Spain to review its ban on BPA in packaging, as it contradicts some points of European regulations.
In summary, EFSA has established a stricter TDI for BPA, and the European Commission is taking steps to restrict its use in plastic and coated packaging, especially in products intended for infants and young children.
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