What is changing with BPA regulations?

Regulations around Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, are changing for food contact materials. In the EU, these changes are already set out in Regulation (EU) 2024/3190. In Great Britain, the Food Standards Agency consulted on implementing a similar ban on BPA and related bisphenols in food contact materials.

For Harfield customers, the key message is simple: regulations are changing, but there is no need for concern. Harfield is prepared and will continue to offer trusted reusable tableware solutions for professional use.

When do these changes take effect?

In the EU, Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 entered into force in late 2024, and for repeat-use final food contact articles manufactured using BPA the main transition date is 20 July 2026. The Regulation says those articles may be first placed on the market until 20 July 2026 if they complied with the previous rules. For certain repeat-use articles used as professional food production equipment, the longer transition date is 20 January 2028.

The EU framework also provides that repeat-use final food contact articles first placed on the market within the applicable transition period may remain on the market for up to one further year for transfer and sale. European Commission guidance published in December 2025 explains this practical effect.

In Great Britain, the FSA consultation on a proposed ban was published on 2 October 2025 and closed on 24 December 2025. The FSA has since published its summary of responses.

What does this mean for Harfield customers?

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

There is no need to panic and no need to make immediate changes. Harfield has been preparing for this change and will continue to support customers with clear advice, suitable product options and practical guidance.

Can I continue to use Harfield products with confidence?

Yes.

Products already in use can continue to be used with confidence. The EU rules are built around a transitional approach rather than immediate blanket replacement of articles already in service, and the practical effect is that customers do not need to treat existing Harfield products as suddenly unsafe or unusable.

Do I need to replace my existing tableware?

No.

There is no need to replace existing Harfield tableware simply because regulations are changing. For most customers, there is no need to do anything at all.

What should I do next?

For most customers, the answer is simple: nothing for now.

There is no need to replace existing Harfield products or make immediate changes. Products already in use can continue to be used with confidence.

If you do need to buy replacement tableware, polycarbonate remains the best option while stocks are available. Once those stocks are exhausted, copolyester is the next best option, offering a high-quality and durable alternative for professional use.

If you would prefer to move to a BPA-free option, copolyester is the best choice.

Why should customers continue to trust Harfield?

Harfield has built its reputation on supplying durable, reusable tableware for demanding professional environments. As regulations change, our commitment remains exactly the same: clear information, dependable products and practical solutions for the future.

We are already preparing our ranges and helping customers choose the right path forward with confidence.

Is Harfield still a safe choice for schools, hospitals and other professional settings?

Yes.

Harfield remains a safe and dependable choice for professional meal service. Our products are designed for repeated use in sectors where durability, consistency and day-to-day performance matter.

As the market evolves, Harfield will continue to supply practical, reusable solutions that customers can trust.

What material will replace polycarbonate in the Harfield range?

For many professional reusable tableware applications, Harfield sees copolyester as the best long-term alternative to polycarbonate, particularly for customers who would prefer a BPA-free option.

It offers a strong combination of appearance, durability and professional performance, making it the natural next step for customers who want a high-quality reusable alternative.

Are there alternatives to polycarbonate?

Yes. Depending on the product and the application, alternatives may include copolyester and polypropylene.

However, not all materials perform in the same way, and not all are equally suitable for the demanding environments Harfield serves.

If you are comparing options, our materials comparison table explains the differences between polycarbonate, copolyester, polypropylene, melamine and other common materials, including where each is best suited.

Why is Harfield recommending copolyester?

Harfield is recommending copolyester as the best alternative for customers who would prefer a BPA-free option without stepping down in overall product quality.

It offers a premium look, strong durability and excellent suitability for repeated professional use, making it the strongest all-round replacement route for many products once polycarbonate stock is no longer available.

In simple terms, if you want a BPA-free reusable tableware solution that still reflects the performance and quality Harfield is known for, copolyester is the right direction.

Is polypropylene an option?

Yes.

Polypropylene remains a useful option in some parts of the range, particularly where value and practicality are the main priorities.

However, it is not the closest like-for-like alternative to polycarbonate. For customers looking for a higher-quality replacement, especially where a BPA-free option is preferred, copolyester is generally the better choice.

Why is copolyester better than melamine?

For Harfield’s markets, copolyester is the better long-term choice because it is BPA-free and more closely matches the priorities that matter in professional reusable tableware: durability, product longevity, modern compliance expectations and a high-quality appearance.

Melamine may be familiar in some catering settings, but Harfield does not see it as the best forward-looking replacement for polycarbonate. Where customers want a durable, professional and reassuringly modern material choice, copolyester is the stronger option.

Why not switch to crockery instead?

Crockery may suit some dining environments, but for many professional settings it brings clear disadvantages compared with durable reusable plastics. It is heavier, breakable and often less practical in fast-moving or high-volume service environments.

For sectors such as education and healthcare, that can mean higher replacement rates, more disruption and greater risk in use. Harfield’s focus remains on reusable products designed for real-world professional service, where durability, safety and long-term practicality matter every day.

Will Harfield help customers choose the right material?

Yes.

Harfield will continue to support both distributors and end users with clear guidance on material choice, product replacement and the most suitable route forward.

For customers who are happy to continue with polycarbonate while stocks remain available, that remains the best option. For customers who would prefer to move to a BPA-free solution, Harfield can help identify the most suitable copolyester alternative.

Where can I compare the available materials?

You can compare the available options in our materials comparison table, which sets out the strengths and limitations of each material and explains where each is best suited.

This is designed to help customers make informed decisions and understand why Harfield sees copolyester as the best BPA-free alternative for many polycarbonate products.

Do you need advice on the best replacement for polycarbonate? Contact Harfield today or view our materials comparison table to explore the right option for your application.

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