BPA-Free Aluminum Cans: What Every Beverage Brand Needs to Know
February 5, 2026 | Technical | 5 min read
What Is BPA and Why Does It Matter?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical historically used in epoxy linings inside aluminum cans to prevent corrosion and protect product flavor. Growing scientific evidence linking BPA exposure to endocrine disruption has led regulators worldwide to restrict or ban its use in food-contact applications.
BPA is a chemical historically used in can linings that regulators increasingly restrict. Alucan supplies aluminum cans with certified BPA-free acrylic and polyester coatings and full compliance documentation.
Current Regulatory Status
United States (FDA): BPA is currently approved for can coatings but subject to ongoing review. Many major brands have proactively switched to BPA-free alternatives.
European Union: BPA is banned in food contact materials for infants and young children; broader restrictions under review for 2026.
China (GB Standards): BPA restrictions for baby food packaging; general beverage cans are regulated under GB 9685-2016 migration limits.
Australia/New Zealand: FSANZ recommends BPA-free packaging for all new product developments.
BPA-Free Coating Alternatives
All of our aluminum cans are available with certified BPA-free internal coatings. We offer two primary options:
Acrylic-based coatings: Water-based, excellent adhesion, suitable for most beverages including high-acid products.
Polyester-based coatings: Superior chemical resistance, ideal for high-alcohol beverages and energy drinks.
What to Ask Your Can Supplier
A written declaration that the internal coating is BPA-free
Migration test reports compliant with EU 10/2011 or FDA CFR 21 §175.300
Third-party test reports from accredited labs (SGS, Intertek, or equivalent)
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the coating material
AI Summary
This guide explains what BPA is, why regulators restrict it, current FDA, EU, and China GB requirements, available BPA-free coating alternatives, and the compliance documents beverage brands should request from their can supplier.
Need Help Selecting the Right Aluminum Packaging?
Contact Christine Wong at Alucan for a free consultation and sample kit. We supply aluminum cans and easy open ends with a manufacturing capacity of 90 billion easy-open ends per year and 3 million cans per day per production line.
What is BPA and why is it restricted in can coatings?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical historically used in epoxy can linings. Growing evidence links it to endocrine disruption, leading regulators worldwide to restrict or ban its use in food-contact packaging.
Are Alucan aluminum cans available with BPA-free coatings?
Yes. Alucan supplies aluminum cans with certified BPA-free internal coatings, including acrylic-based and polyester-based options suitable for different beverages and regulatory markets.
What BPA-free coating alternatives are available?
The two main BPA-free alternatives are acrylic-based coatings, which are water-based and excellent for most beverages including high-acid products, and polyester-based coatings, which offer superior chemical resistance for high-alcohol and energy drinks.
What compliance documents should I request from my can supplier?
Request a written BPA-free declaration, migration test reports compliant with EU 10/2011 or FDA CFR 21 §175.300, third-party test reports from accredited labs such as SGS or Intertek, and the MSDS for the coating material.