The 2025 BPA ban: what does it mean for packaging?

The 2025 BPA ban: what does it mean for packaging?

In 2025, new European legislation comes into force that has major implications for the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in packaging and contact materials. But does this amount to a total ban, or are there nuances? In this blog, we clarify what this legislation entails and what it means for packaging and food contact materials.

What is BPA and what is it used for?

Bisphenol A (BPA), chemically known as 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, is a substance widely used in the production of materials that come into contact with food. BPA is used, among other things, in:

• Epoxy resins: these form the basis for varnishes and coatings often applied to metal food packaging such as cans and jars.
• Plastics: BPA plays a role in the manufacture of polycarbonate and polysulfone.
• Other applications: BPA can be found in printing inks, adhesives, rubber, silicones and as a chemical building block for other compounds such as bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE).

Although BPA is useful due to its versatility, it can migrate from packaging materials into food and subsequently be absorbed into our bodies.

Why is there a ban on BPA?

Concerns about BPA stem from scientific research, including a recent re-evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2023. This research pointed to harmful effects, including:

• Immune system: BPA has an adverse effect on the immune system.
• Reproduction and development: there are negative effects on the reproductive and developmental systems.
• Metabolic effects: BPA can also disrupt metabolism.

EFSA drastically lowered the tolerable daily intake (TDI): from 4 µg/kg to 0.2 ng/kg body weight, representing a substantial tightening. Given the risks and the technical difficulties involved in further restricting migration limits, a decision was made to ban BPA in materials and articles that come into contact with food.

New legislation: what is changing?

On 19 December 2024, the European Commission approved Regulation 2024/3190. This new legislation enters into force on 20 January 2025 and covers the following main points:

1. Ban on BPA: the use of BPA and its salts in packaging materials is prohibited.
2. Extension to other bisphenols: the ban also applies to other hazardous bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives classified as category 1A or 1B (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction) or category 1 (endocrine disrupting).
3. Mandatory reporting: companies must report on alternatives to BPA and bisphenols. For small enterprises, as well as for medium-sized and micro-enterprises, this is voluntary. 
4. Declaration of compliance (DoC): manufacturers must maintain extensive documentation, including information on the bisphenols used and compliance with the legislation.

Transitional measures and exceptions

To give companies time to adapt, transitional provisions have been established:

• General transition period: BPA-containing materials may be placed on the market until 20 July 2026 if they were produced before 20 January 2025.
• Specific exceptions: for certain applications, such as coatings on large tanks and polysulfone resins in membranes for filtration in food production, the use of BPA remains temporarily permitted. However, BPA must not demonstrably migrate from these materials.

Exceptions also apply to certain products, such as varnished cans for vegetables and fruit, or components in professional food production equipment for which alternatives are not yet widely available. The deadline for these applications has been extended to January 2028.

What does this mean in practice?

The new legislation calls for a fundamental review of materials containing BPA or other hazardous bisphenols. This brings about the following changes:

• Stricter control of production processes, packaging and contact materials.
• Timely reporting and documentation to comply with the new requirements.
• Investment in research into alternative materials and technologies.

Conclusion

With Regulation 2024/3190, the EU is taking a major step towards safer and more sustainable use of packaging materials. Although there are transition periods and exceptions, companies must now prepare for a future without BPA. Do you need help implementing these changes? The AMNorman team is ready to help you!