SIGG Bottles, not as safe as we have been lead to believe?

SIGG Replacement Bottles - Update

Thanks to a CleanLife reader and one of CleanLife's favourite companies, BIOME (www.biome.com.au) we have discovered a little more about the SIGG saga detailed below.

The really good news is that SIGG are offering to replace your bottles with their new BPA free version. You need only return your bottles by mail, free post and notify them of which bottle you would like for a replacement. Full details are below in an email sent to one of our CleanLife readers from the Australian SIGG distributor;

"Our company is distributing SIGG in Australia.
First of all we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your loyalty and trust towards our products.
After headlines dominating some internet blogs over the past few days about “SIGG and BPA” we would like to clarify the situation with some firsthand information based on facts.
The former SIGG liner (applied until July/August 2008) did undergo regular tests, which were carried out under the watchful eyes of highly regarded, independent laboratories in Europe and the U.S.A. (to view the tests please log on to http://www.siggaustralia.com.au )
All of the test results show: No leaching of BPA! in the former SIGG liner. (BPA information for Australia and New Zealand are published under http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/c...isphenol-a.htm http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/news...ndfood4218.cfm )
Based on these facts, we are confident, that the former SIGG liner is safe!
However, if you feel in any way uncomfortable with your SIGG bottles that still have the former SIGG liner, SIGG offers you to swap it for a new bottle with the new “EcoCare-Liner”, introduced in Summer 2008.
The new SIGG “EcoCare-Liner” is a powder-based, co-polyester that has been thoroughly tested and certified not only to be 100% BPA-free and as well free of phthalates, BADGE, BFDGE & NOGE.
Just log on to http://www.siggaustralia.com.au choose your favourite design, write the SIGG-Code on a piece of paper with your address details and send your old liner bottle to the address below:
SIGG Exchange Reply Paid: 86193 Werribee VIC 3030
All costs involved of handling/ postage goes on us.
We hope that you will continue to have confidence in the quality and safety of SIGG products. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us"

The other good news your retailer should also be able to issue a replacement free of charge, if you would like to deal in person. Additionally although it may not give you complete peace of mind, despite the epoxy resin previously used containing BPA, there has not been any evidence at this stage to suggest that it has leached into water contained in the bottles.

To find out a whole lot more about this story and to help you make your decision about your next reusable water bottle purchase, check out the 'accidental greenie' blog from BIOME founder Tracey Bailey. It is very open and honest about the whole saga.
http://accidental-greenie.blogspot.com/search/label/SIGG

For those of you looking for an alternative brand / type of drinking flask, a safe option is usually pure stainless steel. These are becoming readily available, but ensure you are not being exposed to nickel and other contaminants by choosing 18/10 or surgical grade stainless steel items. As Tracey rightly points out their are many cheap versions that are likely to be bulk manufactured and not the highest in quality.

Happy water guzzling

Gina




Previous blog on this topic.......................on 12/10/09

I am so sick and tired of companies telling blatant lies!!

The latest in this list of unethical companies is SIGG! Yes I was shocked too. These guys sell re-usable bottles that we greenies like to drink from so we avoid plastic and the potential BPA and other nasties that they can contain. There was murmurs some time ago that the epoxy resin used to line SIGGs bottles may leach a number of toxic compounds, however an 'independent' report was swiftly released (now I am wondering just how independent it really was), showing that their was no leaching of BPA into the contents (water) in bottles. The bottles were said to be BPA free! While it may (or may not) be true that the lining does not leach, the bottles (we now find out, thanks to the environmental working group) were made of BPA based epoxy resin as the lining, up until mid 2008, so many of us (including me) may still be using bottles containing BPA. The bottles are no longer lined with BPA epoxy resin, but they still do use a lining, and at this stage they won't reveal the contents of this lining.

In the US you can get a replacement, new bottle (if you want one!) from SIGG retailers, I am not sure of the situation in Australia, so you may need to contact the shop you purchased from.

Patagonia, who is in the green retail world, a GIANT, is now refusing to sell the bottles, so hopefully SIGG will suffer from this.

To any CleanLife readers who have been using these bottles, we are very sorry, we have been too!


Read the full report below.

http://www.ewg.org/kid-safe-chemicals-act-blog/2009/09/sigg-it%E2%80%99s-not-easy-not-being-green/

If you have news or updates on this story, please let us know.


Sick to the stomach

Gina

PLANET ARK , Fremantle

Planet Ark Stores
Helping you to create a
healthy, harmonious &
environmentally sound home


SAVING THE PLANET
BEGINS IN OUR HOMES….

Most of us spend over half our lives in the home.

We may have little influence over what happens at work or school, but at home we can really exercise control over the quality of our personal environment.

The choices we make today in our homes can affect our own health and the health of

the planet.

Planet Ark Stores make these choices easy and affordable. We do this by providing

the products and information necessary to make your home safer for you and the

environment.

SAVE ENERGY & WATER

With our energy and water efficient showerheads, a family of four can save 170,000

litres of water per annum.

With much less water to heat, you can save up to $300 a year in power and water bills

– saving the environment and your wallet at the same time!

We offer light globes that can last up to 10 years using 80% less electricity than

normal light bulbs.

SAFER RENOVATING

Next time you renovate, think about the wellbeing of your family and our environment


We stock plant-based paints and varnishes, floor finishes and other materials made

from naturally renewable resources

If you suffer health problems from living and working in ‘sick buildings’, you really

must use these materials.

PURE WATER

Pure water is an essential element. Look after your family’s health by

purifying your drinking and showering water with our high grade filters

and purifiers.

SOLAR POWER

We sell the best range of solar powered lights, radios, portable solar

ovens, solar garden lights and much more.

PERSONAL CARE

Planet Ark stocks the purest, plant-based personal care range. Products

include plant-based shampoos and body care, mineral crystal deodorants,

organic sanitary range and hand made vegetable oil soaps.

EDUCATION

The store is an interactive learning centre. It provides easy to understand

advice on things you need to know – everything from household cleaning

to home renovation.

You can also check out the Planet Ark Internet Site at www.planetark.com

SAFER CLEANING

You should always use products made without phosphates,

petrochemicals, fragrances & dyes.

The Planet Ark range of cleaning products are available in single packs or

in bulk. At our refill bar, if you bring in your own container [or take one

from our recycling bin], you get a minimum 10% discount!

It’s a great way to save money and resources.

We stock an extensive range of fibre technology cleaning cloths, mitts,

window cleaning tools and mops. They use special fibres and water to

clean without toxic chemicals.

We also have chemical-free high pressure steam cleaners which clean and

disinfect any surface and kill dust mites. These are essential for those

suffering from asthma and allergies.

HOW PLANET ARK
CHOOSES PRODUCTS

We look at the totality of the product: where and how the ingredients

were derived, through to their processing, packaging and ultimate

disposal. We also concentrate on the products impact on human health.


With an estimated 1 in 6 people now having some form of allergy or

environmental illness such as asthma, protecting personal health is a key

part of our philosophy.

PRODUCTS STOCKED

. Plant-based paints, varnishes & floor oils

. Water & energy saving showerheads

. Plant-based cleaning & personal care products

. Energy saving lighting

. Hand powered washing machines

. Flushable and 100 % compostable disposal nappies

. Range of plant- based baby products

. Water & air filters

. Garden & pest control products

. Fibre technology cleaning cloths, mitts & mops

. Chemical free steam cleaners

. Rechargeable batteries and chargers

. Environmental books and software

Visit Planet Ark Fremantle today at 37 Cantonment St, Fremantle WA or phone (08) 9430 5054