Epoxy resins made from different sources than the BPA might experience accelerated yellowing, decrease in structural integrity and they usually cost 30-100% more expensive to produce. Recent progress in industrial chemistry allow avoiding these negatives effects with novel bio-based alternatives to BPA-based epoxy. At Nerpa Polymers, we work on developing formulations where 20-50% of the BPA-based molecules are replaced with resin made from bioglycerol. 

EPICHLOROHYDRIN: A KEY COMPONENT
In the epoxy manufacturing process, epichlorohydrin (ECH) is reacted with BPA to create an epoxy molecule. Our world would have looked completely different today if there had been no molecule like epichlorohydrin invented. The triangle-shaped structure in the picture below allows for the 95%+ of epoxy and significant percentage of other polymers to exist.

Safety concerns associated with Epichlorohydrin include its carcinogenic hazard and its irritant effects on the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. This molecule is also suspected of causing reproductive and developmental effects.
As with the BPA, the quality of raw materials and the technological process of epoxy resin production predetermine whether any free ECH is present in the product that arrives on the store shelve. At Nerpa Polymers, we only use raw materials that have passed numerous quality control tests to protect our customers from harmful effects that could arise from negligent manufacturing processes leading to exposure to a free form of the molecules described in this blog post. Did you know about the role of BPA and Epichlorohydrin in the epoxy production and safety concerns related to these compounds? Share your thoughts in the comments below!