What Makes BPA-Free Plastic Containers with Lids Food-Safe?

Food safety has become a paramount concern for food service businesses, distributors, and retailers. Among the many considerations, the materials used in food packaging—particularly plastic food containers with lids—have come under increasing scrutiny. BPA (Bisphenol A) has emerged as a specific chemical of concern, prompting many businesses to transition to BPA-free¹ alternatives.

At Reliancepak, we’ve helped thousands of food businesses navigate the complex landscape of food-safe packaging. This comprehensive guide explores why BPA-free plastic food containers with lids are increasingly becoming the standard for food safety-conscious businesses and how making the switch can benefit your operations, customers, and brand.

Understanding BPA and Its Concerns

Before discussing alternatives, it’s essential to understand what BPA is and why it has raised concerns in food packaging applications.

What Is BPA and Where Is It Found?

BPA (Bisphenol A) is an industrial chemical used primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins since the 1960s. In food packaging, it has traditionally been found in:

• Hard, clear plastic containers (particularly those with recycling code #7)
• The epoxy linings of metal food cans
• Some plastic bottle caps and jar lids
• Certain thermal paper receipts (not food-related but a source of exposure)

BPA provides desirable properties including clarity, heat resistance, and impact resistance, which made it popular for food packaging applications.

Scientific Research on Potential Health Concerns

The scientific community has conducted extensive research on BPA’s potential health effects:

• BPA is classified as an endocrine disruptor that can mimic estrogen in the body
• Studies have suggested possible links to reproductive issues, metabolic disorders, and developmental effects
• Research indicates potential impacts on brain development, particularly with prenatal exposure
• Some studies suggest connections to cardiovascular issues and certain cancers
• Research continues on low-dose, long-term exposure effects

While scientific debate continues about the degree of risk at typical exposure levels, many regulatory bodies have taken precautionary approaches.

How BPA Can Migrate from Packaging to Food

The primary concern with BPA in food packaging is its potential to migrate into food:

• Migration increases with higher temperatures (hot foods, microwave heating)
• Acidic foods can accelerate migration from containers
• Fatty foods tend to absorb more BPA from packaging
• Scratched or damaged containers may release more BPA
• Repeated use and washing of containers can increase migration

This migration pathway is the primary mechanism by which consumers might be exposed to BPA from food packaging.

Current Regulatory Status Worldwide

Regulatory approaches to BPA vary globally:

Region	Current Regulatory Status	Recent Developments	Business Implications
United States	FDA maintains BPA is safe at current exposure levels but banned in baby bottles	Some states have stricter regulations	Market-driven transition rather than federal mandate
European Union	Banned in baby bottles; restricted in food contact materials with specific migration limits	Ongoing reassessment of safe levels	Stricter compliance requirements for exporters
Canada	Banned in baby bottles; listed as toxic substance	Monitoring alternatives for “regrettable substitutions”	Early adopter of restrictions
Japan	Voluntary phase-out by industry	Replaced with polyester films in can linings	Market largely transitioned
Australia	Banned in baby bottles	Monitoring international developments	Following international trends

The above data is for reference only

The Business Case for BPA-Free Containers

Beyond regulatory compliance, there are compelling business reasons to transition to BPA-free food containers with lids.

Consumer Awareness and Demand Trends

Market research shows increasing consumer concern about packaging safety:

• 78% of consumers report checking packaging for safety information when purchasing food products
• 64% express willingness to pay more for products they perceive as having safer packaging
• Social media amplifies packaging safety concerns, with potential for rapid information sharing
• “Chemical-free” and “non-toxic” claims have increased 41% on new food packaging in the past five years
• Millennial and Gen Z consumers show particularly high awareness of and concern about BPA

These trends indicate that BPA-free packaging can be a significant market differentiator.

Competitive Advantage in Health-Conscious Markets

Businesses serving health-conscious consumers gain particular advantages:

• Premium food service operations can reinforce quality positioning
• Meal prep services can align packaging with healthy food messaging
• Organic and natural food retailers maintain consistency between product and packaging
• Healthcare food service providers demonstrate commitment to patient wellbeing
• Educational institutions respond to parental concerns about children’s health

In these segments, BPA-free packaging becomes an extension of the core value proposition.

Risk Mitigation and Liability Reduction

Proactively addressing potential safety concerns offers protection:

• Reduced risk of being associated with negative media coverage of BPA
• Protection against potential future regulatory changes
• Decreased likelihood of customer complaints related to packaging safety
• Lower risk of litigation related to chemical exposure claims
• Simplified compliance with varying state and local regulations

For many businesses, risk mitigation alone justifies the transition to BPA-free alternatives.

Marketing and Communication Opportunities

BPA-free packaging creates positive marketing opportunities:

• Clear, factual on-package messaging about safety benefits
• Website content highlighting commitment to food safety
• Social media content showcasing responsible packaging choices
• Sales materials for B2B customers emphasizing safety advantages
• Staff training to communicate packaging benefits appropriately

These communication points can strengthen brand perception and customer loyalty.

BPA-Free Alternative Materials

Several alternative materials offer food-safe performance without BPA concerns.

Tritan™ Copolyester Properties and Applications

Tritan™ is a premium BPA-free plastic that offers:

• Exceptional clarity comparable to polycarbonate
• High heat resistance (up to 230°F/110°C)
• Excellent impact resistance and durability
• Dishwasher-safe performance
• Resistance to staining and odor absorption

Tritan™ is ideal for premium reusable containers, visible food storage, and applications requiring both clarity and durability. Its higher cost is typically justified for containers designed for multiple uses.

Polypropylene (PP) as a Naturally BPA-Free Option

Polypropylene (recycling code #5) offers:

• Naturally BPA-free composition
• Good heat resistance (up to 230°F/110°C)
• Excellent chemical resistance
• Microwave and dishwasher safety
• Lower cost than many alternatives
• Translucent rather than fully transparent appearance

PP represents the most common BPA-free alternative for commercial food containers, balancing performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Considerations

PET (recycling code #1) provides:

• Naturally BPA-free composition
• Excellent clarity and presentation
• Good barrier properties
• Limited heat resistance (up to 160°F/70°C)
• Wide recycling acceptance
• Moderate cost structure

PET is particularly well-suited for cold foods, retail display, and applications where visual presentation is critical.

New-Generation Polymers and Innovations

Emerging alternatives include:

• Plant-based PLA (polylactic acid) for compostable applications
• Bio-based polyethylene derived from sugarcane
• Crystallized PET (CPET) for dual ovenable applications
• Proprietary polymer blends with enhanced performance characteristics
• Barrier-enhanced materials for extended shelf life

These innovations continue to expand the options available for BPA-free food packaging.

Performance Comparison with Traditional Materials

Material	Clarity	Heat Resistance	Durability	Relative Cost	Best Applications
Tritan™	Excellent	Very Good (230°F)	Excellent	High	Premium reusable, retail display
PP	Moderate	Excellent (230°F)	Very Good	Low	Hot foods, microwave reheating
PET	Excellent	Limited (160°F)	Good	Moderate	Cold foods, retail presentation
CPET	Good	Excellent (400°F)	Very Good	Moderate-High	Dual ovenable applications
PLA	Good	Poor (110°F)	Moderate	High	Compostable cold applications

The above data is for reference only

Food Safety Beyond BPA

A comprehensive approach to food packaging safety extends beyond simply eliminating BPA.

Comprehensive Approach to Chemical Safety

Responsible businesses consider multiple aspects of chemical safety:

• Avoiding “regrettable substitutions” that replace BPA with equally concerning alternatives
• Considering the entire lifecycle of packaging materials
• Evaluating additives, colorants, and processing aids in addition to base polymers
• Understanding the difference between hazard (potential to cause harm) and risk (likelihood of harm)
• Staying informed about emerging research and concerns

This holistic approach prevents focusing exclusively on BPA while overlooking other potential issues.

Other Chemicals of Concern in Food Packaging

Several other chemicals have raised safety questions:

• Phthalates: Plasticizers used to increase flexibility
• Styrene: Monomer used in polystyrene production
• Perfluorinated compounds: Used in grease-resistant applications
• Heavy metals: Sometimes used in colorants
• Antimicrobial additives: Incorporated into some food packaging

A truly comprehensive food safety approach addresses these concerns alongside BPA.

Certification Programs and Standards

Several programs help verify packaging safety:

• FDA Food Contact Notifications (FCNs)
• EU Food Contact Materials Regulation compliance
• NSF International certification
• Third-party laboratory testing and verification
• ISO 22000 food safety management systems

These certifications provide documentation of compliance with recognized safety standards.

Documentation Requirements for Food Safety Compliance

Proper documentation is essential for food safety management:

• Supplier declarations of compliance
• Migration testing results
• Full material disclosure (when available)
• Certification documentation
• Traceability information

Reliancepak provides comprehensive documentation packages for all our BPA-free containers to support your food safety management systems.

Implementing BPA-Free Solutions in Food Operations

Transitioning to BPA-free packaging requires a systematic approach to ensure success.

Auditing Current Packaging Inventory

Begin with a comprehensive assessment:

• Identify all current plastic containers and their material composition
• Prioritize high-risk applications (hot foods, acidic contents, long storage)
• Evaluate current supplier documentation regarding BPA content
• Assess customer and market expectations for your segment
• Identify regulatory requirements in all markets served

This baseline assessment establishes clear priorities for transition efforts.

Phased Transition Approaches

Most successful transitions follow a phased implementation:

1. Replace highest-risk applications first (hot foods, acidic foods, long storage)
2. Transition visible customer-facing packaging early for marketing benefits
3. Coordinate with inventory depletion to minimize waste
4. Test new containers with representative products before full implementation
5. Develop new standard operating procedures for different handling requirements
6. Train staff on new packaging characteristics and benefits

This measured approach minimizes disruption while maximizing safety benefits.

Supplier Qualification and Verification

Selecting reliable suppliers is critical:

• Request comprehensive material documentation
• Verify third-party certifications
• Evaluate supplier quality management systems
• Consider supplier stability and long-term availability
• Assess transparency regarding material composition
• Review migration testing protocols and results

Reliancepak maintains rigorous documentation and testing protocols for all our BPA-free containers to simplify this verification process.

Cost Management During Transition

Several strategies can help manage transition costs:

• Standardize container sizes and styles to increase volume discounts
• Consider slight downsizing where appropriate to offset material costs
• Evaluate total cost of ownership including reduced replacement/complaint costs
• Explore potential premium pricing opportunities for enhanced packaging
• Phase implementation to spread capital expenditures
• Negotiate long-term agreements to stabilize pricing

For most operations, the cost differential for BPA-free alternatives has narrowed significantly in recent years, making transitions more economically feasible.

Performance Considerations for Commercial Use

BPA-free containers must meet the demanding requirements of commercial food operations.

Durability Comparison with Traditional Containers

Performance in real-world conditions is critical:

• Impact resistance during transportation and handling
• Resistance to cracking in cold temperatures
• Stability under stacking weight
• Resistance to warping during heating
• Durability through multiple use cycles (when applicable)

Most modern BPA-free alternatives match or exceed the performance of traditional materials in these areas.

Temperature Resistance for Various Applications

Different operations have different temperature requirements:

• Hot filling applications (180-200°F) typically require PP or CPET
• Microwave reheating (up to 230°F) is best served by PP
• Freezer storage (-20°F) is handled well by PP and some PET formulations
• Refrigerated storage (33-40°F) works with all common BPA-free materials
• Ambient storage is suitable for all BPA-free options

Matching the container material to your specific temperature requirements ensures optimal performance.

Clarity and Presentation Qualities

Visual presentation varies significantly among BPA-free options:

• PET and Tritan™ offer glass-like clarity
• PP provides good visibility but with some translucency
• CPET offers moderate clarity with excellent heat performance
• Colored or opaque options can enhance food presentation for certain items
• Surface finishes (matte vs. glossy) affect perceived quality

For operations where visual presentation drives sales, clarity differences between materials may justify premium material selection.

Compatibility with Commercial Washing Systems

For reusable containers, washing performance matters:

• Temperature tolerance of commercial dishwashers (typically 180°F)
• Resistance to caustic washing chemicals
• Maintenance of clarity through multiple wash cycles
• Resistance to scratching during washing
• Drying characteristics to prevent water spots

Tritan™ and high-quality PP generally perform best in commercial washing environments.

Marketing Your BPA-Free Commitment

Effectively communicating your BPA-free packaging initiative can enhance its business value.

Effective Communication Strategies

Successful communication approaches include:

• Factual, science-based messaging without fearmongering
• Clear identification of BPA-free status on packaging
• Educational content about your packaging safety initiatives
• Integration with broader food safety and quality messaging
• Staff training to address customer questions accurately

The most effective approaches focus on positive benefits rather than potential risks.

Appropriate Claims and Substantiation Requirements

Responsible marketing requires proper substantiation:

• Ensure “BPA-free” claims are verified through testing or certification
• Maintain documentation to support all packaging claims
• Avoid making health benefit claims without proper substantiation
• Comply with all regulatory requirements for packaging claims
• Consider third-party verification for enhanced credibility

Reliancepak provides appropriate documentation to support accurate claims about our BPA-free containers.

Packaging Symbols and Labeling Considerations

Visual communication elements include:

• BPA-free logos or symbols
• Material identification codes for recycling
• Clear usage instructions (microwave-safe, freezer-safe, etc.)
• Reuse and disposal guidance
• QR codes linking to detailed information

These visual elements reinforce your commitment to safe packaging.

Digital and Print Marketing Approaches

Extend your messaging through multiple channels:

• Website content about packaging safety initiatives
• Social media posts highlighting packaging benefits
• Sales materials emphasizing safety advantages
• Point-of-sale signage for retail operations
• Staff talking points for customer interactions

A coordinated multi-channel approach maximizes the marketing value of your BPA-free initiative.

Future-Proofing Your Packaging Choices

The landscape of food packaging safety continues to evolve, requiring forward-thinking approaches.

Emerging Research on Packaging Safety

Staying informed about developing science is essential:

• Ongoing studies of low-dose, long-term exposure effects
• Research on combination effects of multiple chemicals
• Improved analytical methods detecting increasingly smaller amounts
• Epidemiological studies of population-level impacts
• Advances in understanding of endocrine disruption mechanisms

This evolving research may influence future regulatory approaches and consumer expectations.

Regulatory Trends and Future Restrictions

Several regulatory trends are worth monitoring:

• Movement toward hazard-based rather than risk-based regulation
• Increasing restrictions on classes of chemicals rather than individual substances
• Greater harmonization of international standards
• Enhanced supply chain transparency requirements
• More stringent migration testing protocols

Proactively addressing these trends can prevent future compliance challenges.

Developing a Continuous Improvement Approach

Rather than a one-time transition, consider ongoing optimization:

• Regular review of packaging materials and alternatives
• Monitoring of emerging concerns and research
• Periodic testing of packaging performance
• Continuous evaluation of customer expectations
• Ongoing supplier qualification and verification

This approach ensures your packaging remains aligned with evolving safety standards and market expectations.

Conclusion

Transitioning to BPA-free plastic food containers with lids represents a significant opportunity for food service businesses to demonstrate commitment to safety, respond to consumer concerns, and potentially create competitive advantage. While the scientific debate about BPA continues, the business case for BPA-free alternatives has strengthened as performance has improved and cost differentials have narrowed.

The most successful transitions take a systematic approach: auditing current packaging, prioritizing high-risk applications, selecting appropriate alternatives, implementing phased transitions, and effectively communicating changes to customers and staff. This measured approach minimizes disruption while maximizing safety and marketing benefits.

Reliancepak offers a comprehensive range of BPA-free food containers with lids designed specifically for commercial food service applications. Our technical team can help you identify the optimal materials and designs for your specific operational requirements, ensuring that your transition to BPA-free packaging enhances both food safety and business performance.

Remember that packaging safety extends beyond any single chemical of concern. A truly comprehensive approach considers the entire lifecycle of packaging materials, stays informed about emerging research, and maintains a continuous improvement mindset to address evolving understanding of chemical safety.

1. What is BPA? Should I be worried about it? ↩︎