The metal closures for glass containers Silgan White Cap PT and Twist-Off along with the Plasti-Twist plastics closures offer to the producers of food closure systems that entail the highest standard of food safety regarding any traces of substances such as Bisphenol A (BPA), which have been a recent focus of public discussion.
BPA is one of several chemicals that have been suspected of potentially having an impact on the endocrine system of the body. It is used as a starting monomer in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and resins. For more than six decades epoxy-based coatings that may contain traces of BPA have been used in the manufacture of food packaging. By using epoxy-based coating systems the integrity of the packaging and the quality of the foods are protected.
According to the plastics directive 2002/72/EC, it is allowed to use BPA in materials that come into contact with foods. In other countries, e.g. USA and Japan, the use of BPA based coatings in food contact applications is authorised as well.
Under consideration of the most current information available, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) pointed out in a scientific opinion, published in July 2008 that BPA after its ingestion into the human organism is metabolized and eliminated quickly. Furthermore, there is confirmation within the framework of this renewed evaluation that the exposure to BPA is clearly below the previously set Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.05 mg/kg of body weight.
Thus the problem with contaminants that has been discussed in the context of the keyword BPA has been eased further.
Limit on migration is clearly met
Silgan White Cap points out that BPA is not used at all in the manufacture of sealing compounds for the metal closures (PT, PT-Band and Twist-Off).
This is also true for the Plasti-Twist plastic closures and their liners.
According to information provided by our suppliers and confirmed by external analyses, the coatings that are in direct contact with foods are free from BPA. The epoxy-based coatings under it may contain small traces of BPA. Yet, these amounts are so minimal, that even in the improbable case of their complete migration into the food product the migration limit that has been set at 0.6 mg/kg food for BPA (2004/19/EC amending 2002/72/EC) would still be clearly met.
Committed to food safety
With our advanced closure systems and a strategy of selecting materials which are strictly in adherence to food law requirements, Silgan White Cap makes an important contribution to the safety of foods worldwide. Silgan White Cap will continue to intensively pursue the development of materials and the optimization of existing closure systems with the orientation towards food safety and consumer protection in mind.
Silgan White Cap Europe/Asia
With eight plants Silgan White Cap Europe/Asia is an international producer of metal, plastic and composite closures for oxygen sensitive, vacuum- and aseptically packed food products and still beverages. Its closures are used exclusively in glass or plastic container applications.
Further information can be obtained from:
Technology:
Andreas Maniera, Director Product Development & Engineering : +49(0)511 7905 230
Commercial:
Petra Bauschke, Marketing Manager : +49(0)511 7905 4520
Silgan White Cap Europe/Asia
Hansastraße 4, D-30419 Hannover,
e-mail: marketing@silganwhitecap.com
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