Did you notice that all of the plastics used in LEBO‘s products are BPA-free? What does BPA-free mean? BPA has received a lot of attention over the past few years, but you may not be quite sure what it is or why it’s important.
The changing consumer goods market makes it more important than ever to understand the materials used in common goods. In this blog, we’ll discuss what BPA is, how it can affect you and your family, and how we identify whether it is BPA-free or not.
What Does BPA-Free Mean?
BPA is short for Bisphenol A, which is an industrial chemical widely used to make certain plastics and epoxy resins. BPA-free usually refers to plastic materials that do not contain BPA.
Many of us know that BPA (Bisphenol A) is harmful. Studies have shown that BPA contains hormone-disrupting chemicals that can mimic estrogen in women, disrupt hormones and negatively affect fertility. It has also been linked to cardiovascular disease.
Obviously, this is a big reason why people avoid using products containing BPA. Today’s plastic product manufacturers mostly produce BPA-free plastic products, which are usually labeled “BPA-free”.
What Plastic Material is BPA-Free?
Polypropylene (PP): PP is a widely used plastic with excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical properties. Many BPA-free water bottles, tableware, and food containers are made of PP.
Polyethylene (PE): PE is another common plastic, which is divided into two types: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). They are also BPA-free and widely used in food packaging, plastic bags and plastic wrap.
Tritan: Tritan is a high-performance copolyester material developed and produced by Eastman, an East Asian polyester company. It is mainly copolymerized with terephthalic acid (PTA), tetramethylcyclobutanediol (CBDO), 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and ethylene glycol (EG), and is a BPA-free transparent plastic. Tritan has excellent properties such as high transparency, high impact resistance, easy processing and food safety, making it widely used in food contact containers such as baby bottles and water bottles.
How to Identify If Plastic Products Contain BPA?
Observe the Packaging
When consumers choose BPA-free plastic products, they can first check the product label and instructions to ensure that the purchased plastic products do not contain BPA or other harmful chemicals. In addition, you can also look for the word “PC”. PC is a common plastic material containing BPA, so if the label clearly states PC, the plastic product is likely to contain BPA. At the same time, you can also pay attention to the certification marks of authoritative institutions or organizations, such as FDA (Food and Drug Administration) certification, to further ensure the safety and reliability of plastic products.
Checking Recycling Codes
Observe the recycling logo at the bottom of the plastic product for judgment. The recycling logo is a triangular symbol composed of three arrows, and there is usually a number or a combination of numbers and letters inside the symbol. What plastics do the recycling symbols correspond to?
Recycling Codes: Code 1 PET
Recycling code 1 stands for PET, Polyethylene Terephthalate. PET is a material commonly used to make beverage bottles, food containers, and some fabrics. It is safe and BPA-free. This plastic is less likely to leach chemicals and is easily recycled.
Recycling Codes: Code 2 HDPE
Recycling code 2 stands for HDPE, High-Density Polyethylene. Milk, detergent, and household cleaning containers are often made of this plastic. Similar to PET, HDPE is considered a safe choice due to its chemical resistance and durability, as well as the fact that it does not contain BPA.
Recycling Codes: Code 3 PVC
Recycling code 3 stands for PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride. PVC is often used in flooring, pipes, and some packaging materials. It is important to remember that BPA and other potentially harmful chemicals are often found in PVC, and try to avoid items with recycling code 3.
Recycling Codes: Code 4 LDPE
Recycling code 4 stands for LDPE, Low-Density Polyethylene. Shrink wrap bags, plastic bags, and various storage containers that we commonly use are made of plastic. LDPE is generally safe for food storage and is considered BPA-free.
Recycling Code: Code 5 PP
Recycling code 5 stands for PP, short for polypropylene. PP is often used in food containers, packaging, and medicine bottles. It is one of the most commonly used plastic materials for its heat resistance and adaptability to various applications, and it does not contain BPA. It is mentioned here that most of the plastic products produced by LEBO plastic factory are made of PP as raw material.
Recycling Code: Code 6 PS
Recycling code 6 stands for PS, polystyrene. Disposable products such as food trays and foam cups contain PS. Although PS is generally BPA-free, it has poor heat resistance and releases toxic chemicals at high temperatures, so it should be avoided for hot food or drinks.
Recycling Code: Code 7 Others
Recycling code 7 includes various polymers not included in the other six categories. These include composites and mixed polymers. Even though some code 7 plastics may be BPA-free, they should still be used with caution.
Consumers can identify BPA-free plastics by understanding the recycling codes. Codes 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), and 5 (PP) are safer choices. These types of plastics typically do not use BPA during the manufacturing process, so they are safe to use in food storage and everyday plastic products. BPA may be present in code 3 (PVC), so you should be careful with these products. While code 6 (PS) is generally safe, overheating can be a problem.
Why LEBO chooses PP Plastic?
We live in a world flooded with plastic. Almost everything we eat, drink or own contains or is wrapped in plastic. Plastic products containing BPA can have negative effects on our bodies or the world we live in. Choosing the best plastic materials means reducing health risks for consumers.
Among the commercial plastics on the market today, PP, short for polypropylene, is considered one of the safest plastics. It is FDA-approved for food contact, so you will find the recycling logo (code 5) of polypropylene in food containers. Because it is highly heat-resistant, it is also often used in food containers that can be heated in microwaves.
LEBO is a household plastic product manufacturer that focuses on consumer health and is committed to providing safe, environmentally friendly and high-quality products to users around the world. We know that health is everyone’s most precious wealth, so we strictly control every link in the production process, select non-toxic and harmless raw materials, and ensure that every product meets international health and safety standards.
LEBO‘s wholesale household plastic product line covers plastic storage containers, plastic household products, lunch boxes and food containers, etc., aiming to provide consumers with a healthy and convenient lifestyle. If you are looking for a high-quality household plastic product supplier, please contact LEBO, we will be your best choice.