The alternatives to BPA in plastics (like BPS) are quite likely no better than BPA itself…but there’s a new substitute being developed which has the potential to truly offer a safe alternative. Bisguaiacol-F, or BGF, is made from a byproduct of the paper making industry called lignin. These lignin fragments are converted into a compound that has a similar shape as BPA (and thus predicted to have similar mechanical/thermal properties), but a different molecular structure to help ensure it doesn’t produce hormone-like responses in the body. More work remains, so the soonest we’d see BGF on the market is in five years or so. In the meantime, minimize the use of plastics in food and beverage storage and serving.