CHENNAI: With increasing research that bubble top containers, used to store drinking water, may contain bisphenol A (BPA), corporates are increasing looking at safer, more eco-friendly options. Bisphenol A’s recent ban from baby feeding bottles in India and 35 other countries has triggered more awareness on the ill-effects of the bubble tops
Corporates involved in the sale of bubble tops are moving towards PET — with increased life span and greater resistance to heat. Research has also emerged that containers containing BPA could be carcinogenic and cause liver damage. N C Saha, director, Indian Institute of Packaging says repeated washing of the polycarbonate containers in hot water would leach out BPA, causing harm.
“Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards revised the standards for baby feeding bottle by banning polycarbonate to be used for the manufacturing of baby feeding bottle due to the assumption that polycarbonate might be having BPA (Bisphenol A) which is carcinogenic. There is no scientific evidence about any causality due to the presence of BPA. However, as a preventive measure, more than 30 countries have banned the usage of polycarbonate for the manufacturing of baby feeding bottle. In the same line, the BIS has banned the polycarbonate for baby feeding bottle as a preventive measure and accordingly, the standards has also been revised.” he added.These containers are manufactured by Petainer Innopac, a company that has a joint venture with Petainer, Europe that manufactures the higher quality PET using their patented technology. With the pre-form for the containers imported from Europe, Petainer Innopac blows them into full-size containers that are being used now in the plant set up in Mumbai last December. “Close to 15 corporates — including Diageo United Spirits, Eureka Forbes —are now using PET bubble tops manufactured by us. In addition to being BPA-free, they have a longer life span, hence reducing the impact on the environment and cutting down on the cost,” said Atit Bhatia, MD, Petainerinnopac. Bhatia added that the overall cost is reduced by over 30%-40%, compared to the conventional bubble tops.Ashu Khanna, senior vice president, supply chain, Eureka Forbes says, “The PET material used in the jar is also aesthetically appealing and environment friendly. As an environmentally conscious organisation, we are well aware of the ill effects of BPA, and it is in the interest of our planet, our customers, and ourselves to introduce these jars in the market.”
Source:The Times of India Business
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