In recent packaging news, on July 30, ConAgra completed the switch-over from BPA (bisphenol-A) liners to cans which are designed with a BPA-free coating, according to a recent article at Packaging Digest. The change is complete for both U.S. and Canadian canning facilities. ConAgra, Inc. owns many iconic canned-food brands including Chef Boyardee, Van Camp’s, Libby’s, Hunt’s, and Rotel.

In 2010, ConAgra began canning some foods in cans made with non-BPA liners; since that time, it has worked closely with Ardagh Group, a producer of glass and metal products, in developing a non-BPA liner compatible with all of the canned products ConAgra produces, including those with high acidity content.

Although BPA has been proven to be safe, ConAgra decided to go to non-BPA coatings largely due to the fact that consumers prefer cans without BPA, according to Wes Wasson, senior director, packaging technology and cost optimization at ConAgra. The cost to produce the non-BPA cans is higher, however. When interviewed, Wasson said the added cost would not be passed on to the consumer. Additionally, the new cans will have the same shelf life as the old cans, which Wasson said is typically about two years.

Ultimately, ConAgra Foods’ objective is to produce foods consumers will have confidence in and that are safe for their families.

At REA JET, we know changes are made in the packaging industry every day. As packaging manufacturers work to design packaging that is innovative, easy for consumers in terms of opening, pouring, storing, or even disposing of, changes become necessary in the coding and marking industry as well. Packaging and coding of dates, nutrition information, ingredient labels, and other data go hand-in-hand. At REA JET, we work diligently to provide quality, cost-effective solutions to a variety of industries.