Over the past couple of years, there has been much controversy about the little-understood chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA).

The compound is the source of much debate, and this is in part due to the fact that scientists simply cannot agree if it is harmful or not.  Numerous studies have been conducted over the past few decades but with varying results.  This led many lawmakers and companies to err on the side of caution and attempt to limit the public’s exposure to the chemical, particularly among children.

Bisphenol A is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.  Polycarbonate is used to make common household items like baby bottles and water bottles.  Epoxy resin is used to coat the inside of cans for canned foods.

Infants and small children are estimated to have the highest level of exposure to BPA due to its prevalence in baby bottles and canned formula.  They are also especially vulnerable because they are less able to eliminate foreign chemicals from their bodies.  Because of this the majority efforts to limit BPA exposure have been directed at children’s products like baby bottles and canned formula.

Manufacturers began using BPA in plastics in the 1940s, but it did not draw controversy until several decades later.  In 1982, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) did a study to determine the possible harmful effects of BPA.  Scientists tested large doses of BPA on mice and found several negative side effects.  However, they did not test the effects of consuming relatively low doses of BPA.  As a result, the NTP found that ingesting low doses of BPA were not harmful, and the EPA set daily intake standards for BPA.

In the coming years, other studies began to investigate the potential harms of low doses of BPA.  Although scientists have not come to a consensus, the studies showing harmful affects of BPA have received much media attention.  The California State Legislature proposed a ban of BPA in children’s products in September 2008, but it failed to pass.  In 2009, twenty different U.S. states introduced legislation to try to limit children’s exposure to BPA.  The FDA and the NTP have both now declared that they have “some concern” about the effects that BPA has on people.  However, no federal regulation has been implemented thus far.

European scientists and lawmakers have been just as split on the issue as Americans, but in January 2011, the European Union banned polycarbonate baby bottles that contained BPA.  The ban included the manufacturing of baby bottles containing BPA as well as the sales and marketing of such products.

Canada has been the most aggressive country in limiting the public’s exposure to BPA.  The Canadian government banned BPA in baby bottles and canned formula back in 2008, and the final phase out of the chemical was complete in March 2010.

Due to heightened media attention and controversy, many corporations and retailers have voluntarily stopped making or selling products with BPA.  Fortunately, LA Container is one of those companies.  All of our polypropylene and polyethylene containers are BPA free and can be purchased through our online container store.

LA Container Inc. Manufactures and Distributes the LA-Vials.  Three of these polypropylene plastic hinged lid vials are very suitable to use as plastic tube  storage and transportation of Baby Formula Powder. These Baby Formula Plastic containers are very popular with moms around the world.

The parts numbers for the Baby Formula Containers are:

VL-20-H 

VL-21-H

VL-22-H

They are available online at www.lacontainerstore.com and come in a convenient 50 pack bag. They hold enough formula for 2, 4 , 6 ounces of mixed baby formula. The tube diameter fits perfect into most baby bottles.  And are also easily filled with baby formula scoops provided in most manufactures formula.  They are very convenient for the purse or Diaper bag..No reason to carry mixed formula in bottle when you can mix the dry baby formula into a baby bottle filled with water as you need.For more information or samples of this item please visit our website at www.lacontainer.com.

LA Container has been marketing the Squeeze Top Plastic containers for over 2 years.

The PopTop style container has been very popular with the wellness centers in California.  Since the legalization of Medical Marijuana the Philips RX Pop Top Vials have a tremendous market with the California distributors of Medical Marijuana.   We currently offer 4 different sizes from the 13 dram, 19 dram, 30 dram and  60 dram sizes and a selection of  5 colors including clear.  We are currently working on other sizes of the pop top vials.   The small plastic containers are certified to be Child resistant with  an easy open one handed squeeze near the top of the container. The Squeeze Tops also make a great Pharmacy container and are all made with a hinged lid top.  Most of the SqueezeTop Vial  orders are shipped out the same day for next day delivery in Southern California. For more information on our  patented plastic Pop Top containers please see the link below. The hinged lid plastic vials are also available at the online store  www.lacontainerstore.com

Here is a short video by Drew Carey at Reason.tv about medical marijuana.

LA Container Inc.  has produced the first prototype of a new square  polypropylene container that locks. This will be the first in series of containers in approximately 25 different sizes.  To find out information and release dates about our small plastic boxes please visit our website or contact one of our plastic packaging specialists.

Container style = Lockcons.

L&A Plastic Molding Inc.

Will begin testing a new Bio Degradable Resin for it’s polypropelene plastic hinged lid containers . The tests will take place in October of 2007. (see the photo below)

For more information on our entire line of Flip Top Plastic Containers visit our website.

The resin is Manufactured by Cereplast USA . Here are the specs for the material.

About Cereplast

Cereplast Hybrid Resins(TM), also known as Biopolyolefins(TM), replace 50 percent or more of the petroleum content used in traditional plastic resins with bio-based materials such as starches from corn, tapioca, wheat and potatoes. With nearly the same physical characteristics and price point as traditional polyolefin, Cereplast Hybrid Resins(TM) are an ideal way for plastic manufactures to reduce their reliance on petroleum. For more information on cereplast resins visit www.cereplast.com .