Beware of BPA
While the controversy over the dangers of bisphenol-A (BPA) rages on, many suppliers have simply removed products containing BPA from their product line entirely. However, for distributors selling drinkware, it’s not enough to assume all drinkware products are BPA-free. Jim Martin, vice president of Kaufman, Texas-based Numo noted that the company’s product line is also BPA-free, but cautioned distributors about a couple of BPA issues that can come up when placing orders. “One potential issue for distributors is to be cautious when ordering closeouts and discontinued items from suppliers, as they may be old stock manufactured before the BPA issues. The same holds when placing reorders,” he said. Martin also warned that BPA can creep up where you least expect it. “Take the time to understand the decorating methods that are being used on your items, particularly as they relate to product safety. If a mug or bottle is BPA-free and Prop 65-compliant when blank, don’t think that it is after it’s been decorated,” he said. The most important thing to do before placing a drinkware order is to ask questions.
On the Brink of Drink
How to get your part of drinkware revenue