Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle vs. Styrofoam / Polystyrene Food Container

Materials

• Tritan copolyester (BPA-free)

Common claims

• BPA-free
• Shatterproof
• Clear as glass

Concerns / watch-outs

• BPA-free Tritan has faced scrutiny over potential estrogenic activity from alternative plasticizers
• Plastic-on-plastic contact with acidic beverages or hot liquids should be avoided

Notes

Better than polycarbonate or BPA-containing plastics, but glass or stainless are more definitively inert. For cold water use, the risk is low. Avoid hot beverages.

Cleaner alternatives

• glass water bottle
• stainless water bottle

Materials

• Expanded polystyrene (EPS, recycling #6)

Common claims

• Lightweight insulation
• Cost-effective packaging

Concerns / watch-outs

• Styrene — the building block of polystyrene — is classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
• Leaches styrene into fatty or hot foods
• Essentially non-recyclable and environmentally persistent

Notes

One of the worst food contact materials for both health and environmental impact. Avoid using for hot or fatty foods. Opt out whenever possible in favor of glass, stainless, or even HDPE.

Cleaner alternatives

• borosilicate glass container
• stainless steel food container
• paper lunch bag