Campbell Soup Company and Del Monte Foods are planning to transition to non-BPA packaging as they look to meet the customer preferences.
The US-based soup company disclosed plans to complete its transition to cans that do not use Bisphenol A (BPA) linings by mid-2017.
The company began using cans with linings made from acrylic or polyester materials in March 2016.
Campbell Soup plans to continue to launch the new linings across the US and Canada portfolio through 2017.
In February 2012, Campbell Soup made its first announcement regarding intentions to move away from BPA linings after gathering consumer feedback. The company has, since, tested several alternatives.
The company has stated that through the process it had faced several technical glitches. Among these, included identifying linings which are intended to ensure the safety of more than 600 different recipes, such as its tomato-based products, which are naturally acidic and can react with some linings over time.
Campbell Soup Company packaging senior program manager Mike Mulshine said: "Our priority throughout this transition has been, and will continue to be, food safety. We have tested and conducted trials with hundreds of alternatives to BPA lining and believe the acrylic and polyester options will ensure our food remains safe, affordable and tastes great."
All varieties of Campbell's soups and gravies, Swanson broth and SpaghettiOs pasta will be packaged using non-BPA lined cans. The company is in line to have 75% of its soup portfolio in non-BPA lined cans by December 2016.
Campbell Soup is also testing alternatives to BPA coatings used on other packaging, including aluminum cans used for V8 beverages and metal screw top lids on glass jars. The company intends to transition these products to non-BPA packaging by 2017.
Del Monte Foods is planning to start its fresh pack production in 2016, under which Del Monte fruit and tomato products, and most of its vegetable products sold under the Del Monte brand, will be transitioned to non-BPA linings.
The move is part of the company's multidimensional initiative Quality Journey which encompasses product and packaging innovation, strategic partnerships, sustainability programs and improved farming practices.
Del Monte Foods CEO Nils Lommerin said: "Today's announcement marks a significant progression for the brand. These actions reflect our ongoing commitment to providing high quality fruit, vegetables and tomatoes, and meeting evolving consumer preferences.
"Our non-GMO and non-BPA milestones are the direct result of great dedication and major contributions from many people inside Del Monte as well as our suppliers and other partners."
Along with the transition to non-BPA linings, the company is also palnning to increase its non-GMO product offerings. Starting 2016, all added ingredients in all Del Monte vegetables, fruit cups and most tomato products will be non-GMO.
