Research is being conducted by the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) in the USA on the potential substitution of BPA with tetramethyl cyclobutane diol (CBDO) in epoxy resins. This monomer is already used in the synthesis of American producer Eastman's Tritan™ copolyester, an alternative to BPA-based polycarbonate.
So far, pilot tests have been carried out on low-molecular-weight resin. The resin does not have the necessary properties for use in food tins, but could be used in other applications of epoxy resins. The head of the programme, Dr Daniel Schmidt, is continuing his research with a view to synthesising a higher-molecular-weight resin that could be suitable for use in food tins. He is looking for industrial partners to produce a sufficient quantity of resin and perform tests, as well as laboratories interested in conducting toxicology tests on his product in order to ensure that it is totally safe.
For further information, visit the SNA BPA forum and read the message from Prof. Daniel Schmidt (to read the message and contribute to the forum, you must first register). You can also visit the following links:
http://www.uml.edu/News/press-releases/2013/BPA%20research.aspx