Hempel on right track with BPA-free coating

07-Nov-2011 - Last updated on 07-Nov-2011 at 12:42 GMT

Related tags Bisphenol a

A newly, developed bisphenol A-free surface lining for rail transportation cars will put the food sector “one step ahead of regulations,” says the coating’s developer.

The development, Hempadur BPA Free 37301, has been designed specifically for rail cars used in the transportation of dry or liquid foods and plastic pellets for the manufacture of food contact materials.

The amine-cured, solvent free epoxy one-coat system is applied to the internal surfaces of rail cars used in transportation.

BPA, which is used in polycarbonate types of hard plastic bottles and as a protective lining in food and beverage cans, has a confirmed effect on animals and a growing body of research has suggested the chemical can have an effect on humans – a source of debate in the industry.

“One step ahead of regulations”

“The unique property of this coating, as its names implies, is that it is free of any Bisphenol A resin,” said a company statement.

“Hempel has moved one step ahead of regulations and developed its first Bisphenol A free lining for rail cars owners and transporters will have peace of mind knowing that their cargo will not be exposed to the possible risks of BPA.”

Suspected health risks have been associated with BPA in recent months, and several studies have been published

Studies into the effect of BPA on humans have given varying results, with some gaining support and others leading to the banning of the chemical in baby bottles in several countries and even a complete food contact ban in France – to be introduced from 2014.

Apparent health risks

A ban on the substance was recently applied in France after a report by French Agency for Food Health Safety (ANSES) highlighted the apparent health risks from exposure to the chemical.

An investigation into the ANSES report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently on-going, with a view to changing the EU’s stand on BPA use in food contact materials.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US have also been reviewing the chemical’s use.

However, the current position of both bodies, as well as EFSA, is that use of the substance in food packaging is not a health hazard.