Why You Should Care: What BPA Free Means to Your Body and the Environment

When you go to take a sip from your Nalgene that’s full to the brim with crisp cool water, you probably notice how well it performs, no matter where you take you bottle. That’s because all Nalgene bottles are crafted with superb durability, performance, and safety in mind. We like to think that we’ve made waves when it comes to water bottles, and you might have noticed that Nalgene displays that our products are all BPA-free. Nalgene bottles are born from science, and ever since our company developed the first plastic pipette jars in 1949, we’ve looked for ways to create the best bottle out there today.

There are a lot of questions about plastics in general, and why some plastics are BPA-free, and why others aren’t. Most Nalgene bottles are made of Tritan, an impressive plastic that is tough, rugged, lightweight, and above all else, safe. There are many things about Tritan that make it stand out among the pack, but one of our favorite parts about it is that it’s a BPA-free material. Not only that, but some of our Nalgene bottles are also made from Tritan Renew, a material that is made of up to 50% certified recycled materials. Safe and sustainable? That’s definitely something to write home about.

What Is BPA?

Let’s talk a little bit about BPA. You’ve probably read about BPA before, or seen that products are BPA-free (like our bottles), but there’s not a lot of explanation as to what BPA actually is. BPA (bisphenol A) and other bisphenol compounds have commonly been used in food containers since the 1960’s, and not only in plastic items. These compounds have also been used in metal, such as in metal cans, and are intended to prevent the food or beverage from coming into direct contact with the metal itself.

What Makes Tritan Different?

Nearly all Nalgene bottles are made from Tritan, and it’s definitely not any old ordinary plastic. Tritan is first and foremost a BPA-free plastic, which means it’s not manufactured with bisphenol A (BPA) or other bisphenol compounds, such as bisphenol S (BPS).

We know that there are a lot of questions about the safety of plastics and BPA, and there’s also a lot of conflicting information out there. Here’s the deal: the best way to know if a plastic is safe is to know that it’s been thoroughly tested through reliable methods, and not every plastic is put to the test like Tritan is. Tritan is held to rigorous standards, and is thoroughly tested by independent third-party laboratories, in order to ensure it is entirely safe for you and your family. This means that not only are your Nalgene bottles BPA-free, but they’re held to stringent safety standards, and undergo testing that some of those other plastics don’t. 

Besides the fact that it’s BPA-free, there’s a lot more to brag about when it comes to Tritan. Tritan is impact resistant, meaning Nalgene bottles are built to last, and can be used without fear of shattering. These bottles are also tough, meaning that you’ll have your Nalgene for years to come, and it will help combat the 2.5 million plastic water bottles that are thrown in the garbage every hour in the United States.

Tritan is also durable, and meant to withstand everything life has to offer. That means you can throw your Nalgene in the dishwasher to ensure it’s clean without a second thought. And despite all the heavy-lifting it does, Tritan is incredibly lightweight, and it’s designed to go with you wherever you go, from the trail to the office and beyond.

Nalgenes Made Of Recycled Materials

Yes, yes, you’ve heard us mention a few times that our bottles are BPA-free. But did you know that some of our bottles are actually also made of recycled materials? The creators of Tritan have gone above and beyond by introducing Tritan Renew to the world. This line of Tritan is made with up to 50% certified recycled content, and includes all of the other benefits that Tritan has to offer. That means your Nalgene can be durable, high-performing, and safe, all while utilizing innovative sustainable technologies.  

Tritan Renew is fueled by innovative recycling technology, which transforms single-use plastics into safe and rugged new materials. Using recycled materials helps offset the use of fossil fuels, and can even lower greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing a Nalgene already helps reduce landfill waste, and by selecting a bottle with Tritan Renew, you’re doing even more good for the planet.

We’re Proud Of Our BPA-Free Plastics 

Innovation is always something that’s been at the heart of Nalgene, since Chemist Emanuel Goldberg developed the first plastic pipette jars before founding the Nalge Company.  When our labware scientists started spending time outdoors in the 1960s, they took their laboratory bottles along, because they were lightweight and waterproof. Being born from science means we’re always looking for ways to innovate.

Making our bottles from Tritan and Tritan Renew means making a bottle for you that is durable, high-performing, and safe. When you choose a Nalgene, you know that your bottle is not only BPA-free, but also made with sustainability and safety in mind.