Restrictions on BPA aren’t new. Scientists have raised concerns for some time now because it has the potential to leach from packaging into food and drinks, where it has been linked to multiple health risks. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) officially classifies it as hazardous. France and Denmark have already prohibited it, and the EU restricted BPA in baby bottles back in 2011.
The latest move? A full ban on BPA in food-contact materials becomes enforceable in the EU in 2026. For now. an 18-month transition period is underway to minimise supply chain disruption as manufacturers adapt.
What does the BPA ban mean for food-contact products
Food-contact materials are more than just wrappers and packaging. They include processing and storage equipment, transport containers and kitchen staples. From plates, cups and utensils to water coolers and coffee machines.
These materials are made from a wide range of substances including plastics, metal, glass, ceramic, rubber, and paper. No matter the material, they can all contain chemicals, like BPA, that may migrate in trace amounts into the food or drinks they touch. Whatever the material, it’s about protecting consumers from potential exposure to hazardous substances, one bite and one sip at a time.
So, if your materials still contain BPA, it's time to pivot. Non-compliance may block market access, lead to recalls, or trigger legal penalties.
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“When bans like this happen, it is never a straightforward switch of materials,” Dan Andersson, Global Head of Sustainability at IMCD Advanced Materials. “It’s essential to align this transition with your broader goals around quality, product safety, sustainability, and compliance. That’s where long-term, viable solutions emerge.”
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Opportunity to rethink and redesign
Finding durable and sustainable alternatives is challenging. So it’s a prime opportunity to step back and look at your products and production holistically. What other changes would you like to see? Now’s your chance to improve operational efficiency, re-evaluate your supply chains, and embrace the circular economy.
With strategic planning, this shift becomes a competitive edge, not just a compliance checkbox. One key to success is partnering with a distribution partner that can offer the knowledge and guidance to find the best alternative for your needs amid a sea of choices. The right partner can guide you on material selection, regulatory compliance, and optimising formulations for performance and sustainability.
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“We’ve helped customers navigate the BPA-free transition by focusing on more than just compliance,” says Marta Clavero, Global Expert Team Lead of Film & Packaging at IMCD Advanced Materials. “We work closely with them to find the right solution for their specific application. With our material and production know-how, they’ve been able to make the switch confidently, without disruption to their operations.”
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Best-in-class alternatives leading the market
For our food-contact customers who need solutions for plastic applications, there several BPA-free alternatives available in the industry, like SAN, PMMA or SMMA. However, the preferred option among our customers, is the copolyester Tritan™ by Eastman. Its transparency and durability make it a favourite for everything from drinkware and reusable bottles to blenders and storage containers thanks to its transparency.
Unlike the other BPA-free plastics, Tritan™ maintains integrity where other polymers may break down. Features that can improve your existing products include:
- Crystal-clear, glass-like transparency
- Exceptional shatter resistance & durability
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Compatibility with existing polycarbonate moulds
When it comes to solutions for paper applications, BPA-free alternatives can enhance barrier properties, printability and durability. BPA-free epoxy resins offer strong adhesion and chemical resistance. Functional additives can improve flexibility, printing and moisture resistance. And high-performance coatings deliver the barrier protection against grease, moisture and contaminants.
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“It all comes down to the end use,” says Edona Hartman, Key Account Manager at IMCD Advanced Materials. “When you focus on how a material performs in applications and evaluate how it’s used, cleaned, and ultimately disposed of, you can make smarter choices. That’s where we see real innovation coming to life.”
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Ready to transition?
As you consider the options and opportunities that come with the BPA transition, there’s no substitute for hands-on experience.
At IMCD Advanced Materials, we’ve supported countless customers with the expertise and know-how to choose the right alternatives to match their goals, whether that’s compliance, sustainability, innovation or all of the above. From advice to hands-on support during machine trials, we are there every step of the way. Reach out to your local IMCD representative anytime to discuss how we can support you.
