AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings Urges Industry to Convert to a Bisphenol-Free World
According to AkzoNobel, 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 worldwide.
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 further protect all stakeholders in the supply chain and avoid potentially damaging unintended consequences.
BPA-free coatings can be manufactured using various alternatives of epoxy resins including vinyl, acrylics, oleo or polyethylene. The estrogenic nature of BPA-based coatings which may lead to genetic disorder to living beings encourages manufacturers to produce BPA-free coating.
Back in 2021, an AkzoNobel research was focused on a new, recyclable coating to replace the type of “metallized” packaging (which blocks out oxygen) that’s typically used for products. Currently, this sort of packaging consists of several layers, each with its own function. As well as requiring a lot of energy to produce, it’s also difficult to recycle. A process has now been devised which involves the smart combination of two water-soluble polymers (polyelectrolytes), resulting in all the functionality being delivered by one recyclable layer.
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