A History of Change: Rubbermaid and BPA
For many years, Bisphenol A (BPA) was a common component in many plastic products, including some older food and beverage containers. However, widespread consumer health concerns about the potential effects of BPA—particularly its status as a hormone disruptor—led to a significant shift in manufacturing. As a result, Rubbermaid, like many other companies, voluntarily moved away from using BPA in its consumer food storage lines. This has been a major point of reassurance for consumers, but it has also introduced new considerations regarding plastic alternatives.
Identifying Your BPA-Free Rubbermaid Products
The easiest and most reliable way to confirm that your Rubbermaid container is BPA-free is to check the packaging and the product itself. Many products will have a prominent "BPA-Free" label printed directly on the sticker or molded into the plastic base. This direct labeling removes any guesswork. The popular Brilliance and Easy Find Lids collections are consistently highlighted as BPA-free and are among the company's best-selling lines for kitchen storage.
The Rise of Tritan Plastic
For its high-end Brilliance series, Rubbermaid uses a type of plastic called Eastman Tritan copolyester. This material is a key part of the brand's BPA-free marketing strategy. Tritan is celebrated for being transparent like glass but significantly more durable and shatter-resistant. It is also designed to resist odors and stains, keeping containers looking newer for longer. This material is specifically engineered to be free of BPA and other bisphenol compounds.
Beyond BPA: Understanding the Broader Safety Picture
While BPA-free labeling is reassuring, it is not the complete picture of plastic safety. Recent information has emerged that prompts a more nuanced look at food storage. In 2025, a lawsuit against Rubbermaid and Ziploc alleged that some products made from polyethylene and polypropylene released microplastics when microwaved or frozen. The lawsuit claims that this makes them potentially unfit for their advertised purpose. This highlights that even 'safe' plastics can have limitations, especially when subjected to heat or extreme cold.
This development does not necessarily mean your containers are unsafe for all uses, but it does emphasize the importance of following recommended usage instructions. For example, using vented lids for microwaving can reduce issues, and avoiding extreme temperature swings may also be prudent based on these new concerns.
Comparing Different Food Storage Options
To help you decide what's best for your needs, here is a comparison of common food storage container materials:
| Feature | BPA-Free Plastic (e.g., Tritan) | Polypropylene (PP) | Glass | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPA-Free | Yes | Generally, check label | Yes | Yes |
| Durability | High, shatter-resistant | Good, but can become brittle | Very high, but can shatter | Very high, dent-resistant |
| Microwave-Safe | Yes, with vents | Yes, check product | Yes | No |
| Freezer-Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher-Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Potential Chemical Leaching | Low (no BPA); microplastic concerns | Low (no BPA); microplastic concerns | None | None |
| Weight | Very light | Light | Heavy | Moderate |
| Clarity | Crystal-clear | Translucent | Crystal-clear | Opaque |
Tips for Safe Food Storage
- Verify the Label: Only purchase new Rubbermaid containers that are clearly marked as BPA-free.
- Match Container to Use: Use microwave-safe containers with vented lids for reheating, and consider glass for longer-term storage or heavy heating tasks.
- Be Mindful of Temperature: Avoid putting piping hot food directly into plastic containers. Allow it to cool first. While modern plastics are durable, extreme thermal shock can potentially degrade materials over time.
- Avoid Damaged Containers: Discard any plastic containers that are cracked, scratched, or showing signs of wear. Damage can create pathways for chemicals or microplastics to migrate into food.
- Hand Wash When Possible: While most are dishwasher-safe, hand washing can extend the life of your plastic containers and reduce potential wear and tear caused by high temperatures and harsh detergents.
- Check the Recycling Code: For older or unmarked plastics, check the recycling code on the bottom. Codes 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), and 5 (PP) are generally considered BPA-free, while code 7 can include polycarbonate plastics that may contain BPA.
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, whether a Rubbermaid food container is BPA-free and safe depends on the specific product and your usage habits. For the vast majority of consumers, using modern, BPA-free Rubbermaid products as intended is a safe choice. The company's transparency on materials and adherence to safety standards, like using Eastman Tritan, is a testament to its commitment to consumer well-being. For those with greater concerns about microplastics or chemical migration, the comparison table above highlights alternative materials like glass or stainless steel that offer different benefits. By being an informed consumer and following safe handling guidelines, you can ensure your food storage is both convenient and safe.
For more specific information, refer to Rubbermaid's official product guides or contact their customer service. For instance, the Rubbermaid Commercial Products FAQ addresses BPA-related questions for commercial-grade items.
