While looking through our various stylish and affordable water bottles, you may notice that we frequently boast that our bottles are “BPA-free.” If you find yourself scratching your head wondering “what is BPA, and why is it important that this bottle is free of it,” look no further! Here are some quick facts about BPA, and why we at KOR proudly make a point of keeping it out of our bottles.

What is BPA, anyway?

BPA, also known as bisphenol-A, is an industrial chemical that is commonly used in commercial products, most notably in several forms of plastic. This can include typical water bottles, food containers, and various kinds of hygiene products. It became popular in the 1950s to mix BPA with other kinds of synthetic compounds in an attempt to make stronger plastics. BPA is also found in resins that are frequently coated inside canned foods to keep the metal from corroding.

Plastic isn’t just bad for the environment, it can be bad for you!

This is where the science comes in. BPA mimics the effect that estrogen hormones have on our bodies. Because our bodies are very sensitive to changes in our hormone levels, exposure to excess levels of BPA is considered potentially harmful. Prolonged exposure to products containing BPA have been linked to infertility, negative effects on babies, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and various other kinds of health problems. In fact, the EU, China, Malaysia, and Canada have all already taken steps to restrict the amount of BPA usage in products (especially for infants). To date, there are no official federal regulations on BPA in the United States. What’s worse is it is actually quite easy for BPA to enter our bodies - and until recently it could be found in all sorts of products.

Showing up where it shouldn’t

Unfortunately, BPA can show up in a number of ways throughout our everyday lives. In addition to packaged foods, the synthetic is often used in products ranging from eyeglass lenses, CDs and DVDs, toiletries, sports equipment, various kinds of household electronics, and more. It can even be found in thermal papers, such as receipts. Even more unfortunately, the most common way BPA enters our bodies is through our diet. When food containers are made from BPA, trace amounts of it are not entirely sealed into the product. As a result, it ends up mixing with the food in the container.

What you can do

Don’t panic! Even though it may seem like we are surrounded, avoiding BPA is relatively easy and just requires a bit of due diligence when purchasing products. The first line of defense will be avoiding food products that contain BPA. An easy way to do this is by simply avoiding packaged foods as much as possible. Fresh or frozen foods are the best, but foods in glass containers are fine as well. If you’re willing to get technical, check the type of recycling label on the food container. Containers labeled with a 1,2, 4, or 5 in the middle of the recycling symbol are safe, but if there is a 7 (“other”), dispose of it.

What KOR is doing

At KOR, your health is our priority. We strive not only to rid the world of disposable water bottles, but also inspire people to become more health-conscious. Hydration and health have always been hallmarks of our brand, and in order to deliver you the very best, we need to make sure our water bottles are designed with your health in mind, too. That’s why every KOR bottle is made from a BPA-free Eastman Triton polyester - an FDA-approved, health safe material that’s durable and beautifully clear. Your water bottle should be designed from the ground up to benefit your health. Check out our new KOR+ bottle - a bottle that takes consideration of your health to the next level (including being BPA-free).