Minimizing the risk of ‘regrettable substitutions’ in converting too quickly to a bisphenol-free world, and ensuring an aligned, right-first-time position that protects both consumers and manufacturers alike, are the largest challenges the can packaging industry has ever faced.

With a limited quantity of experts based on steady state industry to support can-makers transition to a new world in a way that enhances consumer confidence and is economically viable, the industry needs to make sensible, pragmatic decisions to protect all stakeholders in the supply chain and avoid potentially damaging unintended consequences.

These are some of the key issues discussed in a new paper – MATERIAL CONCERNS – Limiting the challenges and consequences of transitioning to bisphenol-free cans – published by AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings in response to moves across Europe to potentially ban all bisphenols in future can packaging.

“We all believe that removing bisphenols is the right thing to do,” said Sebastian Pordomingo, Global Segment Director, AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings. “We believe there is an opportunity for the industry to shape change together in developing alternative solutions.”

The paper explores the journey that European Scientists have taken to arrive at their decision, and how alternative commercial solutions are already available to remove bisphenols from the supply chain altogether.

“State of the art metal can packaging has advanced to the point where bisphenols of any kind are no longer required to create safe coatings,” Pordomingo concludes.  “What the industry needs from any new regulation or legislation, however, is an instruction in black and white, without any shade of grey.”

To download a copy of MATERIAL CONCERNS – Limiting the challenges and consequences of transitioning to bisphenol-free cans click here.