Toyochem Launches New BPA-NI Internal Coatings for Metal Cans
Toyochem Co., Ltd., the polymers and coatings subsidiary of Japan’s Toyo Ink Group, has launched a new line of Bisphenol A non-intent (BPA-NI) internal coatings for metal beverage bottles and cans. Based on acrylic emulsion and polyester resins, the new BPA-NI internal sprays and coil coatings for stay-on tab (SOT) ends are formulated to achieve required performance results, while also addressing BPA-related health and food safety concerns from regulators and consumers alike. Toyochem will be marketing its BPA-NI solutions under the new brand name Lionova, as the company seeks to expand its position in markets overseas.
Traditionally, epoxy resins have been used to line the interiors of metal food and beverage cans. Since epoxy resins are made from Bisphenol A, a potentially endocrine-disrupting substance, epoxy coatings contain small traces of BPA, which is under suspicion of causing health issues. As a result, the demand for BPA-NI coatings is gathering momentum as government agencies across the globe start to regulate BPA more strictly and even ban its usage in food packaging altogether. This trend has resulted in a shift toward BPA-free packaging in end-use industries.