PPG unveils next-gen BPA-and PFAS-free coatings for aluminium can easy-open ends

Aluminium beverage cans continue to lead in innovation, with a significant industry update from PPG Industries, Inc., a Fortune 500 American supplier of paints, coatings and speciality materials. The company has expanded its range of BPA-and PFAS-free coatings for aluminium can ends, representing a key advancement for can manufacturers and beverage brands focused on enhancing product sustainability and maintaining quality assurance.

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The expanded portfolio features three core coatings engineered explicitly for both internal and external applications on aluminium can ends, commonly known as "easy-open ends." Each coating solution is tailored to address distinct manufacturing or end-product challenges, ranging from flavour preservation to optimising production efficiency, whilst ensuring full compliance with global food contact regulations.

Viktoria Tager, PPG global easy-open ends strategic market manager, Packaging Coatings, stated, "Our beverage end coating solutions address critical challenges in the beverage industry while meeting food contact regulations. Our latest solutions maintain performance across a diverse range of beverage products and manufacturing processes, making them a proven and reliable choice for the metal packaging industry."

The three extended portfolios include:

• PPG Innovel Pro PPG2489: The workhorse lineup includes an internal coating solution designed to support high-speed stamping lines and endure demanding manufacturing conditions. Its versatility makes it ideal for a range of beverages, including seltzers, ready-to-drink cocktails, beer and wine. Additionally, the solution contributes to up to a 20 per cent reduction in overall carbon footprint and delivers high thermal stability through low film weight application.

• PPG Innovel EVO PPG6720: Another internal waterborne coating solution, developed explicitly for beer applications, supports lower VOC emissions, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional solvent-based coatings. It is engineered to deliver enhanced performance, particularly under hot-fill and pasteurisation conditions.

• PPG iSENSE PPG5018: The external coating solution is available in both gold and clear finishes, optimised for high-speed production lines and designed to deliver consistent protection across global manufacturing operations.

The coatings are formulated with Bisphenol A non-intent (BPA-NI) and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances non-intent (PFAS-NI), aligning with growing regulatory demands and beverage brand initiatives aimed at eliminating potentially harmful chemicals from packaging materials.