Breaking myths about BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic mixture used for manufacture phenolic resins, polyacrylate and polyesters, but mainly for the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate.

The greatest production of BPA has been registered in China, India, Russia and Mexico, mainly due to its high demand of products made with epoxy resins and polycarbonate. The first ones are widely used as protection coatings in the construction and some food and drinks containers, just like, adhesives. On another note, the polycarbonate are used to make water bottles, toys, baby bottles and products with medical applications, thanks to their resistance and hardness, even though each time are less used in products that are in contact with food.

But… Why does BPA have been associated with harmful effects?

BPA has been classified like an endocrine disruptor that is capable of altering the hormonal concentrations and your metabolism. Among the impacts it has had on humans are: cardiovascular problems, problems in the developing of mammary glands, low sperm production, fetal growth restriction, anxiety, depression, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, dermatitis and cancer (breast and prostate).

In recent years, government investigations and the FDA have realized studies to clarify if the use of BPA is really recommended in materials that are in contact with food. The results had indicated that BPA is safe in very low doses that are used and/or consumed. So, what happen to the BPA that is ingested?  It is absorbed by the intestinal wall and is converted to substances with no biological activity that is eliminated within 24 hours.

At Penka® one of our main objectives is to keep our clients and consumers well informed while we always seek the greatest well-being in their health. All of our products are fabricated from a bio-based bioplastic composite of agave fibers in a polymeric matrix and they are completely free of BPA, since none of the elements that make up our products contain it.

We invite you to discover our complete product catalog.

By: Andrea Zambrano