The EU has banned Bisphenol A (BPA), and the UK is currently in consultation to follow suit. So what is BPA? Which types of packaging are affected? And what do businesses need to know? In this guide, we take a closer look at the reasons behind the ban and explore what happens next.
What is BPA, and why is it being banned in the EU?
BPA is one of the most widely produced chemicals. It is used as a plasticiser, to add flexibility to plastics, as well as a monomer, or building block, to create polymers such as polycarbonate. This is why it can be found in such a wide range of products, from plastic packaging to resins, and from bottle tops to can linings.
However, despite its many practical uses, there is evidence that BPA is harmful. This is why the use of BPAs in food packaging is controversial and banned in the EU. BPA can potentially leach into foods, particularly at higher temperatures. This is of concern because BPAs can interfere with endocrine disruptors affecting the reproductive system, immune system and foetal development.
What type of packaging is affected by the EU's BPA ban?
The EU's ban on BPA is focused on food packaging in particular. This means that BPA can not be used for anything that comes into contact with food. This includes material, such as plastic used for single-use water bottles, as well as liners, laminations, adhesives or varnish that may come into contact with food.
The main products affected by the BPA ban are:
- Polycarbonate plastic products, such as water bottles and food containers
- Metal food cans, due to their use of internal protective lacquer
- Aluminium bottles, when internal protective lacquers are used
Tournaire is phasing in BPA-free lacquer for their internal coatings
How will the EU ban on BPA affect UK businesses?
Since Brexit, mainland UK is not bound by EU packaging legislation; however, this does not mean that UK businesses will be unaffected. The main impact is likely to be felt in two key areas: the type of packaging that is made by European manufacturers, and is available to buy, and the type of packaging that can be used for exporting goods into the EU and Northern Ireland.
The key dates for EU Regulation 2024/3190 are as follows:
- January 20 2025: The use of BPA and its salts in the manufacturing of food contact materials is banned
- July 20 2026: Final food contact articles complying with previous rules can be sold until this date
- January 20 2028: Repeat-use items used in food production can be used until this date
- January 20 2029: All non-compliant repeat-use food contact materials must be off the market
Is BPA banned in the UK?
In the UK, BPA is already banned from products and packaging intended for infants and young children, such as baby formula, feeding bottles and beakers. In October, the FSA proposed a full ban on BPA, which is currently under consultation until December 24th 2025. If legislation is passed, which seems likely, it will bring the UK in line with Europe.
However, as a result of the Windsor framework, Northern Ireland is already in alignment with Europe. This means that Northern Ireland businesses will need to be using BPA-free packaging ahead of the rest of the UK.
If BPA is fully banned in the UK, there is likely to be a transitional period to allow businesses time to make the switch. It makes sense for food businesses to check whether their packaging is BPA-free, so that they can test alternative packaging if necessary, ahead of any legislative change.
Invopak's food tubs and buckets are BPA-free and food-safe
How can Invopak help?
Invopak's plastic buckets and plastic bottles have always been BPA-free, which means any food businesses that use these products are unaffected by the ban.
Tournaire aluminium bottles are currently in a transitional phase, as they move away from BPA internal lacquers. Tournaire bottles will be BPA-free in 2026, so any businesses that are affected can contact their account manager or our sales team for advice or to request product samples for testing.
You can find out more details about the EU's BPA ban at the European Commission's website, or head over to the FSA for the latest on the UK's position on the issue.
