BRUSSELS — The Epoxy Resin Committee (ERC) has completed a study that found the food and water sector uses about 17,600 tons of epoxy resins every year, according to a press release.
Epoxy resins are used to reduce leaks and corrosion as sealants for water pipes, noted the release. They also prolong shelf-life in food cans and shield food from manufacturing machinery in production machinery.
“The range of epoxy uses in the food and water sectors is astonishing. No single material would be available to adequately substitute them in all applications,” said Ralf Maecker of the Epoxy Resin Committee, in the release. “Epoxies have been subjected to thorough assessments by European and American food authorities in the past few years and represent a safe, affordable solution for the most diverse consumer applications.”
Epoxy resins contribute to less expensive canned food and various other packaging to preserve food flavor, stated the release. They are also used as temporary and long-term fixtures in water pipes.
ERC has about €806 ($US 907) million annual sales in Europe, reported the release. It employs thousands of workers across seven European countries.
