Toyochem, the polymers and coatings subsidiary of Japan’s Toyo Ink Group, has launched a new line of Bisphenol A non-intent (BPA-NI) internal coatings for metal beverage bottles and cans. Based on acrylic emulsion and polyester resins, the new BPA-NI internal sprays and coil coatings for stay-on tab (SOT) ends are specially formulated to achieve the required performance results, while addressing BPA-related health and food safety concerns from regulators and consumers alike. Moreover, Toyochem will be marketing its BPA-NI solutions under the new brand name Lionova, as the company seeks to expand its position in markets overseas.

Traditionally, epoxy resins have been used to line the interiors of metal food and beverage cans. Since epoxy resins are made from Bisphenol A, a potentially endocrine-disrupting substance, epoxy coatings contain small traces of BPA, which is under suspicion of causing health issues. As a result, demand for BPA-NI coatings is gathering momentum as government agencies across the globe start to more strictly regulate BPA and even ban its use in food packaging altogether. This trend has resulted in a shift toward BPA-free packaging in end-use industries.

To meet with this rise in demand, Toyochem researchers in Japan applied its unique polymer design technology to formulate can coatings that do not contain BPA and have very low free monomer content. Designed with human and environmental health in mind, Lionova coating compositions are based on FDA (21 CFR175.300). In evaluation testing, styrene concentrations were below the detection limit of 0.001 µg/L. Lionova systems offer excellent bendability, durability, suitability with a wide range of container types, and retort resistance levels needed to meet the performance requirements of today’s canmakers.

“We’re pleased to introduce to the world the new Lionova lineup of BPA-NI internal food-contact coatings for metal packaging,” said Yoshimoto Nakajima, division director, packaging and industrial division, Toyochem. “The Lionova name derives from the Latin ‘nova’ meaning ‘new’ combined with ‘lion,’ the historical mascot of the Toyo Ink Group. With the rebranded Lionova lineup, we aim to expand our presence in markets in Europe and North America, where BPA non-intent solutions are in high demand, in particular with all major brands. Lionova solutions are able to offer brand owners a novel alternative to epoxy-based liners, while meeting critical mechanical and local regulatory requirements.”