Chris Bradford – AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings
On Friday, February 9th, 2024, the European Commission released the draft regulation on restrictions on bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in food contact materials. This is the highly anticipated draft that reflects the EU Commission’s legislative translation of the EFSA opinion (April 19th, 2023) on the safe threshold of bisphenol A in food contact materials. As this draft currently stands, it effectively bans BPA from being used in the manufacture of food packaging coatings. It is important to note that this is in draft form as it currently stands, and is likely to see some changes, refinements and further clarifications.
The new European legislation is not expected to be enforced before mid-2026, and any legislation is expected to impact 75% of European packaging volumes. Metal can linings, historically reliant on BPA-based epoxy resins, play a crucial role in preserving food quality and securing a steady supply to a nutritious diet. Despite the availability of alternatives, the packaging industry faces challenges in ensuring a smooth transition to these alternatives. The France unilateral ban on BPA for food contact materials in 2015 is a real example that highlights the complexity of such transitions. The transition to BPA-free packaging poses risks and uncertainties, requiring clarity on phasing, deadlines, and scope. A potential talent shortage in specialized expertise, and the lack of clear definitions pose additional challenges.
