Older SIGGs contain BPA in their liners!

In case you hadn't heard (it broke a few weeks ago when EcoParents was on vacation)...it turns out that SIGG water bottles made prior to August 2008 have BPA in the lining of the bottle! Boo. Yuck. BUT, SIGG maintains that there is no evidence that there is any leaching of BPA from the liner into the contents of the bottle. But, I for one, purchased SIGG bottles for my kids on the assumption that they were free of BPA completely.

The firestorm surround this discovery has rocked SIGG's reputation, for sure. SIGG'S CEO recently issued a letter addressing the controversy and announcing a voluntary exchange program.

Not sure if you have an 'old' SIGG bottle (with BPA in the liner) or a truly BPA-free one? Here's how to tell. Look inside your bottle,

• if the liner has a shiny, coppery-bronze finish, it's the OLD liner (on the right)
  

• if the inside has a dull yellow pale coating, it's their new "ecocare" liner (on the left)
  

Again, SIGG maintains that their old liner (used prior to August 2008) is a "proprietary water-based epoxy liner thoroughly tested and showed absolutely no leaching of BPA." But, the company also admits that it was less than forthright and clear in its communication and marketing of its bottles.

So, what to do??

• SIGG is offering a volunatary exchange program. You just have to pay for inbound shipping and SIGG will send you replacement bottles with their new EcoCare liner. (Note: they can't guarantee the exact same design, as their designs change from year-to-year.) Visit the exchange program website for details and to print off shipping labels. Exchange program is good through October 31 only.
• If you feel so burned by SIGG, there are other options for BPA-free and phalate-free reusable bottles. My understanding is that KleenKanteen, Thermos, and Safe Sporter are made from stainless steel, not aluminum, and therefore do not need a liner.
  
• There are also safe plastic options...HONEST! Check out the Safe Plastics Guide from IATP. Look for cups/bottles made from polypropylene or polyethylene. "Safe" plastics for food include #1, 2, 4 and 5. Avoid Polycarbonate, which is marked #7, although other non-polycarbonate are marked #7 as well (since #7 is 'other plastics').

On a personal note...as parents, all we can do is make the best decisions we can make with the information available at the time. If you, like me, have been using a SIGG bottle for the past few years to avoid BPA (as well as waste), I don't think it's worth beating yourself up! I actually trust SIGG when they say that the liners don't leach BPA. But, now knowing that they contain BPA, I will take advantage of the exchange program and get new BPA-free SIGG bottles for my family. (Heck, the lids needed replacing anyway...)