AkzoNobel Launches Bisphenol-Free Internal Coating for Beverage Can Ends

Can makers and coil coaters ramping up their bisphenol-free transition have a ready alternative in a new BPA-NI (Bisphenol A non-intent) internal coating for beverage can ends, from AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings. The BPA-NI designation indicates that neither Bisphenol A nor bisphenol compounds were intentionally added to the product.

As a BPA-NI coating, Accelshield 700 does not use BPA or bisphenol-based epoxies as part of its manufacturing process. It complies with both Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EU regulations.

The product will help meet the surge in demand for alternative coatings that’s expected after the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) recent opinion of BPA restrictions in metal packaging of food and beverage products.

Bisphenols are currently ubiquitous throughout the manufacturing industry, a situation with growing urgency for change following EFSA’s opinion.

“With today’s technological advancements, bisphenols are no longer required to create safe coatings for state-of-the-art metal can packaging,” said Chris Bradford, Industrial Coatings marketing director, AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings. “BPA-NI coatings are a significant innovation, marking a critical turning point for the industry. Accelshield 700 will help can makers future-proof their selection.”

The new coating has been designed for challenging foods and liquids – including those that are very acidic or require high-temperature sterilization processes, such as yogurt drinks, milk and coffee – in addition to soft drinks and beer.