How to Check If Your Plastic Bottles Are BPA-Free
When you’re looking at plastic bottles or containers at home and wondering whether they contain BPA (Bisphenol A), follow these steps to help determine that:
- Check the Label and Packaging The simplest way is to check the product packaging. Many products today clearly indicate whether they are BPA-free, often with labels or statements on the packaging.
- Look for the Plastic Resin Identification Code Each plastic container usually has a resin identification code printed on the bottom, commonly known as the recycling code. This symbol consists of a number (from 1 to 7) surrounded by three chasing arrows, which indicates the type of plastic. By looking at this code, you can determine the plastic’s type and whether it may contain BPA.
Plastic Recycling Codes and Their Meanings
| Number | Code | Plastic/Resin Name | Common Use Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PET / PETE | Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | Soft drink bottles, cooking oil bottles |
| 2 | HDPE | High-Density Polyethylene | Reusable food storage containers |
| 3 | PVC | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Credit cards, debit cards |
| 4 | LDPE | Low-Density Polyethylene | Plastic shopping bags, cling film |
| 5 | PP | Polypropylene | Microwave-safe containers, food storage |
| 6 | PS | Polystyrene | Foam drink cups, food packaging |
| 7 | Other | Other plastics (may include BPA) | Polycarbonate plastics, some plastic containers |
Detailed Explanation of Each Recycling Code
- Code 1 (PET)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common plastics used today, typically found in beverage bottles and cooking oil containers. PET is generally considered BPA-free and is safe for single-use. It can also be used in the fiber industry if the molecular weight is sufficiently high. - Code 2 (HDPE)
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a strong, durable plastic often used for bathroom products, large beverage bottles, and reusable food storage containers. HDPE is resistant to impacts and UV rays, and it is generally BPA-free. - Code 3 (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the only plastic type that is free of BPA, but it is not recommended for food contact due to its chlorine content. PVC contains plasticizers to make it flexible, and these plasticizers could pose health risks. PVC is mainly used for non-food products like pipes and window frames. - Code 4 (LDPE)
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is commonly used in plastic bags and food wrap. It is lightweight, flexible, and mostly considered BPA-free. LDPE has a higher level of transparency than HDPE, which is why it is commonly used for cling film and other light-duty applications. - Code 5 (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a heat-resistant, chemically stable plastic commonly found in microwave-safe containers and food storage items. PP is BPA-free and is considered safe for food contact. - Code 6 (PS)
Polystyrene (PS) is often used for foam products, such as disposable cups and food containers. While it has decreased in popularity for food applications due to potential health risks, it is still used in packaging, especially for fast food. PS is not recommended for food storage. - Code 7 (Other)
Code 7 covers a range of plastics, including polycarbonate (PC), which may contain BPA. These plastics are often used in items like reusable water bottles, baby bottles, and other containers. Code 7 is typically not recommended for food contact, especially under high-temperature conditions, as BPA may leach out.
BPA-Free Plastic Containers: What You Need to Know
In summary:
- Codes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6: If you see these recycling codes, you can generally assume that the plastic bottle or container is BPA-free. These types of plastics are typically safe for everyday use, with minimal concerns regarding chemical leaching.
- Code 3 (PVC): Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) has historically been associated with the use of BPA. Though it is no longer widely used in food and beverage containers, it can still be found in some products, such as plumbing pipes and certain food packaging. PVC containers may contain BPA, so it’s advisable to avoid them for food storage, especially under heat.
- Code 7 (Other): This category encompasses a range of plastics, including polycarbonate (PC), which often contains BPA. Since code 7 covers a variety of materials, it’s not possible to definitively state whether a product contains BPA based solely on the code. However, if the product is made from polycarbonate plastic, it likely contains BPA. Be cautious with plastics marked with code 7, especially for items that come in contact with food.
Wholesale BPA-Free Baby Bottles: Quality You Can Trust
At Expnest, we offer BPA-free baby bottles that combine durability and safety. Unlike many other brands that use low-quality resins in their BPA-free bottles, our bottles are made from high-quality materials, ensuring they won’t crack or break easily, even if dropped. Our BPA-free bottles are manufactured using premium plastics such as PP, PC, Tritan, SK, Petg, Acrylic, PCTG, AS, and more—all of which are 100% BPA-free, food-grade safe, and comply with European and U.S. food safety standards.
Our products have been thoroughly tested and certified through third-party testing, including FDA, LFGB, and EC1935-24 certifications, guaranteeing their safety and reliability.
Order Information:
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 500 to 3,000 pieces.
- Lead Time: Approximately 30 days for mold production.
If you’re looking to start your own business in BPA-free bottles, feel free to reach out to us for a quote today. Let Expnest help you provide safe, durable, and high-quality products to your customers!
