PlastiPure

PlastiPure, Inc., founded in 2000 by Dr. George Bittner, a professor of neurobiology at the University of Texas at Austin, operates as a safer-plastics technology company. Dr. Bittner also founded CertiChem, a partner company focused on testing materials for hormonal activity. The business model for the two affiliated companies was designed for CertiChem to test consumer plastics for estrogenic activity (EA), while PlastiPure would develop safe alternatives to plastics found to have EA. Estrogenic activity occurs when chemicals mimic or block the actions of female sex hormones, which can lead to adverse health effects.

The company's core business is the creation, licensing, and certification of new polymer formulations and products that are free from chemicals causing estrogenic activity. This service is targeted at a wide range of industries, including food and beverage packaging, infant feeding products, pet food containers, medical supplies, and cosmetics. PlastiPure's revenue is generated by licensing its technology to manufacturers. The company asserts that simply being BPA-free does not eliminate the risk of estrogenic activity, as other substituted chemicals can sometimes exhibit even more EA. PlastiPure's approach involves ensuring that no chemicals causing EA are introduced at any point in the supply chain, from resin to final product.

PlastiPure provides a comprehensive solution that involves identifying where EA issues exist for its clients using proprietary technology and testing methods. The company has stated that its technology can be implemented to make most materials and products free of leachable estrogenic chemicals. Their testing partner, CertiChem, utilizes a robotic MCF-7 cell proliferation assay to detect estrogenic activity. A significant part of the company's history involves a legal battle with Eastman Chemical Company regarding Eastman's Tritan plastic resin. In 2013, a jury found that PlastiPure and CertiChem had made false or misleading statements about Tritan, resulting in an injunction against them. Following this, the companies launched a spinoff called ProductPure to market a baby bottle made from polypropylene, developed using PlastiPure's processes and tested by CertiChem.

Keywords: estrogenic activity testing, EA-free plastics, polymer formulation, plastic safety, endocrine disruptors, safer plastics technology, plastic certification, food contact materials, BPA-free alternatives, consumer product safety, polymer science, materials testing, chemical leaching, plastic additives, baby bottle safety, food packaging safety, medical grade plastics, cosmetic packaging, pet food packaging, plastic licensing