Ball continues to proactively work with suppliers, customers on alternatives to BPA, is supplying food cans that use a non-epoxy-based coating suitable for less acidic products in limited cases, company says

Graziela Medina Shepnick

BROOMFIELD, Colorado , May 25, 2012 (Ball Corp.) – Industry Intelligence's Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from Ball Corp.'s 2010/2011 Sustainability Report published on May 23, 2012.

Bisphenol-A (BPA)

Almost all aluminum and steel beverage and food cans use epoxy-based coatings as a barrier between the metal and the products in the can. These coatings have been used in cans for decades. epoxy-based coatings utilize Bpa in the adhesive that attaches the coating to the can.

Regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand have stated that scientific evidence has consistently shown these coatings to be safe. In march 2012, the U.S. Food & Drug administration said that there is no compelling scientific evidence to justify new restrictions on BPA. Nevertheless, public discussion continues and Ball recognizes that significant interest exists in non-epoxy-based coatings. Ball continues to proactively work with suppliers and customers on alternative coatings that ensure that the can remains the safest form of rigid packaging in the world. In limited cases, Ball is supplying food cans that use a non-epoxy-based coating suitable for less acidic products.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.