As conversation continues around the use of bisphenols in plastic, Eastman Chemical Company is helping its Eastman Tritan copolyester customers communicate with end users about the material.
Tritan is not manufactured with bisphenols A (BPA) or S (BPS), and with new independent test results, Eastman customers can confidently assure consumers that their products are BPA- and BPS-free.
Recent testing by Intertek, shows that Eastman Tritan copolyester is free of BPA and BPS. Prior testing performed by four independent sources has shown it also is free of estrogenic and androgenic activity.
In addition, government regulatory agencies including Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, European Food Safety Authority, European Commission and China’s Ministry of Health, as well as the Japan Hygienic Olefin and Styrene Plastics Association, have cleared Tritan for use in a variety of food contact applications.
“Considering the conversations and concerns around the world in regard to bisphenols and food contact applications, we understand our customers’ forethought in using materials that are free of BPA and BPS,” said Burt Capel, Vice President and General Manager, Specialty Plastics, Eastman. “Not only does Eastman Tritan™ copolyester meet that need, but it also has the added benefits of durability, glasslike clarity and chemical resistance. It’s a new-generation material that is the safe, durable alternative our customers are looking for during this time of change.”
To help customers feel confident about the features of Eastman Tritan copolyester and communicating these features with end users, Eastman also is working to address some of the widespread misperceptions about the safety of plastic.
A common generalization is that BPA-free plastics are unsafe because BPA has been replaced by BPS. This is not the case with Eastman Tritan copolyester.
Bisphenols (BPA or BPS) never have been part of the chemical makeup of Eastman Tritan copolyester. The unique composition of Tritan ensures bisphenols are not used nor generated in the manufacturing of the material.
Because bisphenols are not used in the makeup of Tritan, BPS does not replace BPA in Tritan. Tritan is, and always has been, a BPA- and BPS-free plastic.
Another common generalization is that recycling code 7 indicates products contain BPA. Eastman Tritan copolyester is classified as recycling code 7, but does not contain BPA.
Resin Identification Codes (RIC) 1 through 6 classify various types of plastic materials, while RIC 7 is an “other” category that refers to materials not fitting one of the other six categories. RIC 7 is not an indication of whether a product contains bisphenols.
Eastman Tritan copolyester is a unique specialty plastic material; therefore, it doesn’t fit into the categories covered by RICs 1 through 6 and is classified as “other.” Materials such as acrylic and nylon also are classified as RIC 7. These materials, like Tritan, also are BPA-free materials.
Filed Under: Materials • advanced