BPA regulations are changing. There is no need for concern.

Regulations around BPA in food contact materials are changing, and we understand that customers may have questions.

The most important message is simple: there is no need to panic, and there is no need to make immediate changes.

Products already in use can continue to be used with confidence. If you are not currently looking to replace tableware, there is no need to do anything.

Harfield has been preparing for this change and will continue to offer trusted, reusable tableware solutions for professional use.

What this means for you

For most customers, it means very little in day-to-day terms.

There is no need to replace existing Harfield products simply because regulations are changing. Products already in use can continue to be used as normal, and there is no need for immediate action.

If you are looking to buy replacement tableware, polycarbonate remains the best option while stocks are available. If you would prefer a BPA-free option, or if polycarbonate stocks have been exhausted, copolyester is the best choice.

Why customers continue to trust Harfield

Harfield has built its reputation on durable, reusable tableware designed for demanding professional environments such as education, healthcare and hospitality.

As regulations change, our commitment remains exactly the same: to give customers clear information, dependable products and practical guidance.

We are not reacting at the last minute. We are already preparing our ranges and helping customers understand the best path forward with confidence.

Do you need to do anything now?

For most customers, the answer is simple: no.

There is no need to replace existing tableware or make changes purely because regulations are changing. If your current products are in use and performing as they should, you can continue using them with confidence.

This is not a situation that requires immediate action. It is simply a change that Harfield is already planning for on your behalf.

Buying replacement tableware

If you do need to buy replacement tableware, our guidance is straightforward.

Polycarbonate remains the best option while stocks last.

It continues to offer the durability and performance customers expect, and while stocks remain available it is still the best replacement choice.

For customers who would prefer to move to a BPA-free material, copolyester is the best alternative. It offers a high-quality, durable and professional solution that fits naturally within the Harfield range.

Why we recommend copolyester

Not all alternative materials offer the same level of performance.

For customers who want a BPA-free option without stepping down in quality, copolyester is the strongest choice. It combines a high-quality appearance with the durability and repeated-use performance needed in professional environments.

In other words, if you are looking for a future-facing BPA-free solution that still reflects the quality Harfield is known for, copolyester is the right direction.

Why not simply move to melamine or crockery?

Some customers may look at other materials, but not all materials are equally suitable for the sectors we serve.

In education, healthcare and other high-use environments, tableware needs to be durable, practical and designed for repeated professional use. That is why we believe copolyester is a better BPA-free choice than melamine for many applications.

It is also why many customers continue to prefer durable reusable plastic tableware over heavier, breakable alternatives such as crockery.

Compare the available materials

The right material depends on your priorities, your environment and how the product will be used.

To help you make an informed choice, we provide a materials comparison table showing the strengths and best uses of different materials, including polycarbonate, copolyester, polypropylene, melamine and more.

This makes it easier to understand the options available and why copolyester is the best BPA-free alternative for many products in the Harfield range.

The key message

The key message is simple:

There is no need to do anything now.
Existing products can continue to be used with confidence.
Polycarbonate remains the best option while stocks last.
If you would prefer a BPA-free option, copolyester is the best choice.

Speak to us

If you would like advice on the best option for your application, we will be happy to help.

Contact us today to discuss replacement options, BPA-free alternatives, or to view our materials comparison table.