As of today, new SIGG and Laken bottles do not contain BPA. (Neither do polycarbonate-alternative bottles from CamelBak, GSI or Nalgene.) The chemical is being banned around the world. But old bottles by SIGG as well as other companies’ bottles — metal or poly — still have BPA.
Laken, which makes aluminum and stainless steel water bottles, triggered my look into the topic last month. The company recently issued a press release calling for BPA-free standards in reusable water bottles. It reported that tests from Laboratorio Químico Microbiológico S.A, a third-party laboratory in Spain, had found that “popular aluminum bottle brands” leach BPA, even while these brands advertise BPA-free products, the statement said. Laken has its bottles certified as BPA-free. The company is now working with the Outdoor Industry Association as a consultant in drafting Senator Charles Schumer’s bill to ban BPA in food and beverage containers for infants and toddlers.
For what it’s worth, CEO Wasik says SIGG bottles made prior to August, 2008 still test at “no detectable levels” of BPA. It does not leach out from the lining, the company says. In addition, Wasik says the debate has changed. He writes: “I believe that the BPA conversation has changed dramatically in the last 12 months. Last year, the primary concern was that of BPA leaching from bottles. Since that time the dialogue has evolved such that now some people are concerned about the mere presence of BPA and some states are considering legislation.”
What to do now? If you’re concerned with BPA, you might replace — or demand a refund — for the older bottles. You could buy any of the new bottles, which from major companies now contain no BPA. Or, you could drink from stainless steel bottles from the likes of Klean Kanteen, Innate, Laken, Nathan Performance Gear, or Guyout, which, unlike aluminum, have no lining and fewer chemical issues. In sum: Most, if not all, water bottles from reputable manufactures are now safe and BPA-free. At least that’s the word for now.
—Stephen Regenold
