When you’re choosing a can for your product, the "liner" is arguably just as important as the liquid inside. This thin interior coating is the only thing standing between your beverage and the raw aluminum, ensuring the flavour stays exactly how you intended.

Currently, there are two primary options for can liners: traditional Epoxy and the newer BPANI (BPA Non-Intent). If you’re deciding which one to spec for your next production, here is a practical look at how they compare.

A quick note on terminology

BPA is Bisphenol A, the building block of traditional epoxy coatings. BPA-NI (also written BPANI, or sometimes NBPA) means BPA Non-Intent (BPA isn't intentionally used.) "Gen 1" and "Gen 2" are informal labels for older vs. newer non-BPA coatings, not standardized specs, so the only reliable way to know what a liner is actually made of is to ask your supplier for that specific product's technical and regulatory documentation.
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Also, it is important to note that the can body and can end don't have to use the same liner. So when you're checking compliance, check both.
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At a glance

The table below describes the typical characteristics of each family. Treat it as a starting point for a conversation with your supplier as the details vary by product.
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In summary, Epoxy remains the long-established industry standard, prized for its barrier properties and durability, but it contains BPA and is now restricted in some markets. Non-BPA coatings remove the BPA question; the newer ("Gen 2") non-BPA epoxies in particular now come close to matching classic epoxy reliability. Which is right for you depends on your beverage's chemistry and your target markets.
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So, if the newer Non-BPA seem to check all the boxes, why isn't everyone using them?

The answer comes down to a mix of industry habits, cost considerations, and regulatory landscapes.

While the newer non-BPA is a more recent innovation that addresses BPA concerns, they are still gaining ground in the market. Traditional Epoxy liners have a decades-long track record of reliability and are often the most cost-effective choice for local distribution. Many manufacturers continue to use Epoxy because their production lines are already optimized for it, and it remains a safe, legal option in many major markets including Canada and most of the US.

Does California ban epoxy (BPA) liners?
No. California has not banned epoxy or BPA liners in aluminum cans. What California has is Proposition 65, which works on exposure, not mere presence. Under Prop 65, a business must provide a "clear and reasonable" warning before exposing someone to a listed chemical above its safe-harbor level. If exposure is below the safe-harbor level, no warning is required. BPA was added to the Prop 65 list as a reproductive toxicant in 2015, with the warning duty effective in 2016.
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However, California never set a safe-harbor level for oral (ingested) exposure to BPA, which is why canned food and beverage sellers historically relied on point-of-sale BPA warnings. This is a big reason many companies selling into California simply move to non-BPA coatings to sidestep the BPA-specific warning question altogether. But as noted above, a non-BPA coating can still carry other Prop 65 considerations, so don't assume the switch ends the conversation.

Is BPA being banned in the EU?
Yes. Under Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, the EU has banned BPA in food-contact materials, including the interior coatings of beverage cans. The regulation entered into force on 20 January 2025, with phased transition periods depending on the type of article.
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For most single-use food packaging, which includes standard beverage cans, the compliance deadline is 20 July 2026 (an 18-month transition). Products already lawfully on the market before a deadline can generally be sold until stocks run out. So if you plan to sell into the EU, plan on non-BPA (BPA-NI) liners and confirm the timeline that applies to your specific format with your supplier.

How to spec the right liner (a short checklist)

Because "Gen 1/Gen 2" and "BPA-free" are less formal labels for easier understanding, here's what we recommend asking before you commit to a run:
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- Which exact coating is on the body, and which is on the end?
- Is it BPA-NI?
- What does the full regulatory statement say for each market you sell into (Canada, US/California, EU, others)?
- What's the pack history for a beverage like yours, especially if it's high-acid, high-salt, or otherwise aggressive?
- Does the coating meet the EU 2024/3190 requirements if Europe is on your roadmap?

FAQ

What does BPANI mean?
BPANI (or BPA-NI) stands for BPA Non-Intent. The coating is not made with intentionally added Bisphenol A. You'll also see "NBPA" (non-BPA) used the same way.
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What's the difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2 BPANI liners?Is BPA being banned in the EU?
These are informal labels rather than product codes or names. Broadly, "Gen 1" non-BPA coatings were often acrylic or polyester chemistries, while newer "Gen 2" coatings include non-BPA epoxies engineered to perform like traditional epoxy. Always confirm the actual chemistry of the specific product with your supplier.

Is BPA-free the same as Prop 65 compliant?
No. A coating can be BPA-free and still contain other substances on the Prop 65 list (such as styrene or GMA). Prop 65 is about whether exposure exceeds a safe-harbor level, not just whether a chemical is present, so review the full declaration for each product.

Do the can body and the lid use the same liner?
Not necessarily. Bodies and ends are made differently and can use different coatings, so check the compliance documentation for both.

Can I still sell BPA-lined cans in Canada and the US?
Generally yes, epoxy/BPA liners remain legal in Canada and most of the US. The main considerations are California's Prop 65 warning rules and any export markets (like the EU) with stricter limits.