BPA ban in plastic products: New regulations and their effects
With the planned EU-wide ban on bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging, a significant change is imminent. BPA has been used for decades in the production of polycarbonates and epoxy resins. It is found, for example, in the inner coatings of food cans, lid seals and drinking bottles. BPA has been criticized for years due to possible hormonal effects.
In April 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) drastically reduced the tolerable daily intake – by a factor of 20,000. The European Commission is now responding with a comprehensive ban that could affect both food contact materials and certain industrial applications. Manufacturers are therefore faced with the challenge of finding BPA-free alternatives while maintaining the functional properties of their products.
MEDIAN Kunststoff Service GmbH supports companies in the selection of suitable alternatives, the evaluation of migration behavior and the conversion to safe, regulatory compliant materials.
Plastic pallets as a sustainable transport solution
Plastic pallets are becoming increasingly important as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional wooden pallets. Their advantages lie in their durability, reusability, recyclability and hygienic and logistical benefits. They are lighter, more resistant to moisture, mold and pests and are ideal for demanding industries such as food, pharmaceuticals or logistics.
By using recycled materials and being fully recyclable, plastic pallets make a significant contribution to conserving resources. They also fit perfectly into the concept of the EU packaging regulation (PPWR), which will place higher demands on reusability and recycling rates from 2030.
MEDIAN advises companies on material selection, use optimization and compliance with regulatory requirements when implementing modern pallet solutions.
The art of choosing plastics: Material expertise is decisive
Plastics offer a wide range of properties – from high-temperature resistant thermoplastics to soft, flexible elastomers. The right choice of plastic has a decisive influence on the service life, functionality and sustainability of a product.
In addition to mechanical, thermal and chemical requirements, processability, life cycle costs and environmental aspects must also be taken into account. In practice, compromises are required, especially for applications with complex requirements or conflicting objectives.
MEDIAN supports companies with sound material consulting, feasibility analyses and individual material development – always with a view to optimized performance and a sustainable product strategy.
Digital watermarks: Innovation in plastics recycling
Digital watermarks are considered a key technology for improving sorting accuracy in plastics recycling. In a large-scale pilot study by the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative, over 5.6 million recognitions were achieved with an efficiency of over 90%. The technology combines near-infrared sensors with digital codes integrated into the packaging, which contain specific information on the material type, manufacturer and recycling route.
This innovation enables precise sorting of even complex packaging and already meets key requirements of the future EU Packaging Ordinance (PPWR). Companies that rely on this technology at an early stage secure competitive advantages in the increasingly regulated environment of the circular economy.
MEDIAN supports companies in the development and implementation of such solutions – from material design and the selection of suitable technologies to the evaluation of regulatory requirements.
