How is Sherwin-Williams responding to the growing international regulatory framework (such as the ban on bisphenol A in food contact materials in the EU) through innovation in internal can coatings? What challenges has this adaptation involved?

Sherwin-Williams takes a proactive approach to regulatory changes. According to Jeff Niederst, Vice President of Marketing for Packaging Coatings, the company continuously monitors the global regulatory environment to anticipate market needs.

A key example is the development of the valPure® V70 series, the world’s first BPA-free epoxy technology. Sherwin-Williams anticipated the need for BPA-free solutions years before regulations such as California’s Proposition 65 or the European Commission’s future ban on the use of BPA in food contact materials came into force. By then, V70 technology was already developed and in commercial use.

However, this proactive strategy requires a high commitment of resources. The company must avoid developing solutions without market demand, so it maintains active listening with its customers. Furthermore, it involves specialized internal capabilities, such as toxicologists, regulatory experts, advanced analytical laboratories, external toxicological testing, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Sherwin-Williams has invested in expanding the production of BPA-free valPure® V70 coatings in Europe. What motivated this decision and how does it align with regulatory timelines and market expectations?

In 2024, following a multi-year investment plan, Sherwin-Williams Packaging Coatings began production of valPure V70 for beverage cans and ends at its expanded facilities in Deeside (UK) and Tournus (France).

The expansion responds primarily to increased regional demand and the need to comply with regulations, especially in view of the BPA ban in the EU. These plants already produce commercial batches to supply Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India.

V70 technology has been commercially available since 2017 and has been widely adopted in North America, with hundreds of billions of cans manufactured using this system. This experience allows customers to rely on a proven solution ahead of the European compliance deadline set for July 2026.

Can you explain how the Safety by Design process works in the development of new internal coatings and to what extent it allows for the anticipation of future regulations?

Sherwin-Williams developed the Safety by Design process more than a decade ago to ensure the long-term safety and compliance of its coatings.

The process evaluates chemicals through toxicological testing and data collection, ensuring their suitability for the intended use and their ability to exceed future regulatory requirements.

By integrating scientific assessment from the early stages of development, the company seeks to create durable solutions that avoid problematic substitutions when regulations change.

In the face of emerging regulations such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in the EU, what role does Sherwin-Williams play in defining standards or recommendations?

Sherwin-Williams collaborates with industrial organizations and associations globally to promote safe and sustainable coatings.

Through these collaborations, it contributes to promoting responsible materials and developing recommendations for food contact packaging.

In addition, it acts as a liaison between regulators and the market, informing its customers about regulatory changes and their implications in different regions.

How does the company balance regulatory compliance with technical requirements (durability, flavor, corrosion resistance) and sustainability?

Sherwin-Williams focuses on offering technologies that maintain the performance expected by the market while complying with regulations.

valPure V70 technology has been designed to match the performance of traditional epoxy coatings while eliminating BPA. With hundreds of billions of cans produced, it has proven its effectiveness in industrial environments.

The company also has a broad portfolio of BPA-free solutions based on epoxy, polyester, and acrylic under the valPure® brand, applicable to food cans, ends, closures, and monobloc containers.

What strategies does Sherwin-Williams use to communicate the importance of adopting BPA-free technologies?

The company supports its customers through continuous communication regarding regulatory changes and available solutions.

Its global team of regulatory experts helps interpret the regulatory environment and its impact on different markets.

By sharing information and proven solutions, it facilitates the adaptation of manufacturers and brands to new requirements.

What role do external certifications such as Cradle to Cradle play in the validation of coatings?

External certifications provide independent verification of safety and sustainability. Sherwin-Williams collaborates with entities such as Cradle to Cradle to evaluate its products.

The company holds more Cradle to Cradle certifications, including Platinum level, than any other company in the packaging sector.

Although not mandatory, these certifications provide additional confidence to the market, validating that the coatings are safe, circular, and responsibly manufactured. They also reflect the effectiveness of the Safety by Design approach.