Plastic has had a lot of bad press lately – and not just for the obvious reasons. Research shows the chemical BPA (Bisphenol A), present in most plastics, can leach into liquids and foods and has been  linked to everything from reproductive health problems to cancer.

To find out more about BPA read our BPA Food File

But it’s not all bad news there are a handful of manufacturers out there who are producing BPA free bottles and containers.

Here’s our pick of the five best BPA-free bottles and lunchboxes.

1. Sistema water bottles and lunchboxes

Sistema, a New Zealand based company, have been making their brightly coloured affodable BPA free homeware plastic products for twelve years. They have a brilliant range of water bottles, from the small 330ml perfect for your handbag right up to their 1 litre sports bottle. They come in an array of bright colours and are great value for money.

Their range of lunchboxes covers everything from picnic lunch through to ‘Happy’ character – perfect for the kids.

2.  Sigg

Swiss aluminum bottle maker Sigg have kept their products BPA free since 2008.

Their funky range even includes a capsule collection by Viviene Westwood.

3. Hand painted Tiffin boxes

If you’ve ever travelled in India, you’ll recognise these as tiffin tins – lunch boxes delivered to work, usually full of hot home cooked goodies. This beautiful hand painted set by Nkuku, from Not On the High Street, is perfect for picnics in the summer or hot food in the winter.

4. Klean Kanteen Toddlers sippy cup

Klean Kanteen, an American company, have been producing their BPA free products since 2004. Check out their toddlers ‘sippy cup.’

It’s made from stainless steel with a BPA-free plastic spout.

5. Glogg Stainless Steel water bottles

Glogg produce a range of stainless steel water bottles in a variety of different sizes and different drinking lids. Choose from the sports, screw on or flip-top.

They are available from Amazon.

Photo: Thanks to Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, Texas A & M.

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