Regulations around Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, are changing in food contact materials. In the EU, this is now set out in Regulation (EU) 2024/3190. That Regulation confirms both the restriction of BPA in many food contact materials and a transitional framework, rather than an overnight stop for all products.

For Harfield customers, the practical message remains straightforward: there is no need for immediate concern. This page explains what BPA is, why regulations are changing, what the EU position means in practice, and why Harfield sees copolyester as the best BPA-free alternative for many reusable tableware applications.

What is BPA?

BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a substance used in the manufacture of certain food contact materials and articles. The EU text specifically notes that it has been used in certain plastics, including polycarbonate, as well as in other food contact applications such as coatings and varnishes.

Why are regulations changing?

The regulatory position changed following a new scientific assessment. The EU Regulation states that EFSA’s 2023 opinion concluded that BPA can have adverse effects, that the tolerable daily intake was set far lower than before, and that dietary exposure was considered a health concern for all population groups. On that basis, the EU concluded that BPA use in many food contact materials should be prohibited.

For customers, the most important point is not the detailed toxicology. It is simply that the regulatory direction has changed, and suppliers of affected food contact materials must respond accordingly.

What is the EU position in practical terms?

The EU Regulation does not simply say that all existing articles must be replaced immediately. It sets out a transitional approach and recognises that the market needs time to adapt. The Regulation also notes, in several places, that continued use may be justified for certain critical applications where alternatives are not yet suitable, showing that the legal framework is based on managed transition rather than instant blanket replacement in practice.

That is why Harfield’s customer message is calm and practical:

there is no need to replace products already in use simply because the regulations are changing
for most customers, there is no need to take any action now
if replacement tableware is needed, polycarbonate remains the best option while stocks are available
if a BPA-free option is preferred, copolyester is the best choice

The first point reflects the EU transitional approach. The remaining points are Harfield’s practical guidance and commercial recommendation based on that position and on the needs of the sectors we serve.

Why has polycarbonate been so widely used?

Polycarbonate has been widely used in professional reusable tableware because it offers strength, durability and long service life. For high-use environments such as education, healthcare and hospitality, that combination has made it a trusted material choice for many years.

That is why this change matters commercially. The issue is not simply replacing one material name with another. It is about finding a material that still meets the practical demands of professional meal service.

What are the alternatives to polycarbonate?

For Harfield customers, the main alternatives are typically:

copolyester
polypropylene
melamine
crockery

However, these materials do not offer the same balance of durability, appearance, weight, safety and long-term practicality. That is why a simple material switch is not always the best answer.

For a side-by-side view, customers should refer to our materials comparison table, which explains the strengths and limitations of each option.

Why does Harfield see copolyester as the best BPA-free alternative?

Harfield sees copolyester as the strongest BPA-free alternative for many reusable tableware applications because it offers the closest overall fit for customers who still want a high-quality, durable and professional solution.

In practical terms, copolyester is the best route for customers who want:

a BPA-free material
a modern, future-facing choice
strong day-to-day performance
a high-quality appearance
a solution that reflects the standards expected from Harfield

This is Harfield’s technical and commercial view based on the demands of the sectors we serve. It is not because copolyester is the only alternative available, but because it is the alternative that best matches the performance and quality many customers expect from a premium reusable tableware solution.

Why not simply move to melamine?

Melamine may be familiar in some catering settings, but familiarity is not the same as being the best long-term choice.

For Harfield’s markets, we believe copolyester is the better BPA-free option because it is a more future-facing material choice and more closely supports the combination of durability, appearance and professional reusability that customers want from a premium replacement.

For customers looking to move away from polycarbonate without stepping down in overall quality, copolyester is the stronger direction.

Why not simply switch to crockery?

Crockery may suit some dining environments, but in many professional settings it introduces disadvantages that reusable plastic tableware is specifically designed to avoid.

Crockery is heavier, breakable and often less practical in demanding service environments. In sectors such as education and healthcare, that can mean more breakages, greater disruption and higher replacement costs over time.

For many Harfield customers, the goal is not simply to replace polycarbonate with any available material. It is to choose the most suitable material for professional everyday use.

How is Harfield responding?

Harfield has been preparing for this change and will continue to support customers with clear guidance and practical replacement routes.

Our position is simple:

existing products already in use can continue to be used with confidence
polycarbonate remains the best option while stocks last
for customers who would prefer a BPA-free option, copolyester is the best choice
where appropriate, polypropylene may also have a role as a more basic, value-led option

This approach allows customers to make decisions based on real operational need, rather than reacting unnecessarily.

Where can I compare the materials in more detail?

Our materials comparison table is the best place to compare polycarbonate, copolyester, polypropylene, melamine and other common materials used in reusable tableware.

It is designed to help customers understand not just what the materials are called, but how they differ in practical use, and why Harfield sees copolyester as the best BPA-free alternative for many products.

The technical conclusion

The direction of regulation is clear. In the EU, BPA has been restricted in many food contact materials under Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, and that Regulation is built around a transitional framework rather than the idea that all existing articles in use must be immediately replaced.

For Harfield customers, the practical conclusion is therefore straightforward:

There is no need to do anything now.
There is no need to replace products already in use simply because regulations are changing.
Polycarbonate remains the best option while stocks last.
If you would prefer a BPA-free option, copolyester is the best choice.

BPA, polycarbonate and the future of reusable tableware