When choosing a water bottle or lunch box, the label BPA free may be one of the first things you look for. To use this information effectively when making a choice, it is helpful to understand what it refers to and what other characteristics should be considered alongside it.
What does BPA free mean?
BPA is the abbreviation for bisphenol A, a substance used in the production of certain plastics and resins. The BPA free indication concerns this specific substance. It should be read in the context of the product and its supporting documentation, without assuming it alone signifies that a product is "suitable for every use."
A material declaration and a laboratory result are not the same thing. When a test report states "not detected," it means that BPA was not found in the analyzed sample within the limit of the method used. This clarification defines the result without extending it to components or models not included in the test.
Check the cap, straw, and seals too
A water bottle may have a body made of glass or steel, but a cap made from a different material. Seals, spouts, straws , and any coatings also deserve attention. Reading the composition of the different components helps to understand which part of the product the test information refers to.
The same applies to a lunch box with a lid, cutlery, or dividers: look for indications referring to the specific model you are purchasing, rather than automatically assuming that the characteristics of one container apply to all its accessories.
BPA free and food contact: what to read together
For an item intended to hold food or drinks, also check its suitability for food contact and the instructions. The "BPA free" label alone does not indicate whether the product is microwave-safe, can hold boiling liquids, or is dishwasher-safe.
- Materials: composition of the body and its components.
- Intended use: permitted foods and beverages.
- Temperature: limits specified for the model.
- Maintenance: washing and care instructions.
To learn more about these differences, read FCMs and food contact: what to check on the product sheet.
How Salto presents this information
Salto uses the BPA free label where the documentation associated with the product allows it. When the result concerns components that have been tested, the description specifies their scope. Materials, controls, and conditions of use should be read together to choose the item that best suits your habits.
Consult the Salto quality, materials, and controls page and browse the water bottles in our catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Does BPA free mean I can use any beverage?
The permitted beverages and temperatures depend on the instructions for each individual product. Always check these indications before use.
Does a glass water bottle only have glass components?
It may have a cap, seals, or straw made of different materials. The complete composition helps you understand the product beyond just the material of the body.
For general information on bisphenol A, consult the EFSA information page.