NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
April 11, 2008                                                                                 

Contacts:    
Tracey Halliday
(202) 463-6718

Jennifer Tzitzon
(202) 463-6705   

AMERICAN BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION  STATEMENT ON PLASTIC CONTAINERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recent media attention on plastic bottles has raised concern among consumers about the various plastics they come into contact with each day.  Consumers should rest assured that the beverage industry’s containers pose no public health risk – including any alleged risk associated with bisphenol-A. 

It is important to know that the numbers placed on the bottom of plastic containers simply indicate the type of plastic from which the item is made.  Known as resin codes, they are not placed on products to identify the presence of bisphenol-A.  Rather, they are intended to help consumers know whether, and how, a plastic item is recyclable. This system was developed in the 1980s to meet recyclers’ needs and provide a uniform national system using resin codes numbered 1 through 7.

Our industry’s bottled water and soft drink containers are made from polyethylene terephthalate, one of the most commonly used types of plastic in the world.  Commonly known as PET and identified with a 1 resin code, this type of plastic does not contain any BPA.  Many of our other beverages are packaged in PETE, also polyethylene terephthalate and identified with a 1 resin code, which does not contain any BPA.  Additionally, juice containers, boxes and cartons, which may be made from mixed plastic identified with the resin code of 7, do not contain BPA.

Most importantly, our containers are hygienically sealed, allowing us to bring our products to market in a shelf-stable way, and are 100 percent recyclable.  Consumers trust us because we are committed to providing them with products that are refreshing, convenient and, above all, safe. 

# # #

The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

-30-