Commonly used coatings include:

Epoxy resins are used to prevent corrosion in aluminum and steel cans. Many epoxies are made with a building block substance known as BADGE, from which chemicals of high concern known as bisphenols (e.g. BPA) may migrate. Concerns about food safety have resulted in development of new bisphenol-free epoxies, though further assessment is required to determine food contact safety.

Oleoresins are mixtures of plant oils and resins. They do not adhere well to metals and have limited corrosion resistance, so can only be used in contact with mild foods (e.g., beans). They have been used as an alternative to BPA-based epoxy resins.

Vinyl plastic is very flexible and frequently used as a top coat over other coatings. Vinyl coatings cannot withstand high temperatures. Chemicals of concern such as phthalates may be used as plasticizers in vinyl coatings.

Acrylics (polyacrylonitrile, PAN) are resistant to stains and corrosion, but can be very brittle and alter flavors and smells of food products

Polyesters

Are easy to handle and adhere well to metal, but are not stable under acidic conditions and corrode easily. Some PET-coated cans may be labeled as “BPA reduced cans,” meaning that the PET coating is applied over a BPA-based epoxy resin inner coating.

Polyolefins provide protection from corrosion, adhesion, and flexibility. They have been used as a BPA-free alternative for can coatings.