From July 20, 2026, BPA-containing cans will be banned in the EU: the beverage industry is accelerating toward BPA-free solutions thanks to new regulations and packaging innovation.

BAN ON BPA IN CANS

The beverage industry is entering a crucial phase: by July 20, 2026, beverage cans with internal linings containing Bisphenol A (BPA) will no longer be allowed on the European market. The deadline is set by Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which came into force on January 20, 2025, introducing a general ban on the use of BPA in food contact packaging. Manufacturers of beer, soft drinks, energy drinks, and RTD beverages are racing to upgrade their packaging technology, aiming to ensure regulatory compliance without compromising product quality and stability.

For years, Bisphenol A (BPA) has been used in the internal linings of cans to protect beverages from corrosion and spoilage. Today, following EFSA’s assessment of potential health risks, the European Union has banned its use in food packaging, forcing the industry to rapidly transition to safe alternatives.

DEADLINES FOR THE BEVERAGE SECTOR

The European regulation provides for different transition periods to allow companies to gradually adapt to the ban on BPA in food packaging. For the beverage sector, starting July 20, 2026, single-use cans with coatings containing Bisphenol A will no longer be marketed, while for sectors such as fruit and vegetables and seafood, the deadline has been extended to January 20, 2028.

A flexible period is also foreseen to dispose of stocks: cans regularly placed on the market within the deadlines can be refilled for an additional 12 months, and packaged products can remain on sale until stocks run out, encouraging a gradual transition to BPA-free solutions.

THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGE

The real challenge now is industrial. Packaging manufacturers are developing new modified polyester resins to replace traditional epoxy enamels.

For beverage brands, however, the transition is not immediate: R&D departments must verify that the new coatings are compatible with the different formulations, preserving:

• the beverage’s organoleptic profile
• resistance to carbonation
• chemical stability in the presence of acidity
• container durability

For beers, energy drinks, and soft drinks, compatibility between the liquid and the internal coating is crucial to ensuring quality and shelf life