About the Company
The Handi-Craft Company, makers of Dr. Brown’s products, has demonstrated one of the most dramatic turnarounds in its handling of the issue of BPA.

Head of Consumer Relations Scott Rhodes was on the record with Z Recommends in November 2007 as stating that the interest in BPA is a “scare tactic” being perpetuated by opportunists, a similar line to that taken by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, of which the company is an active member.

However, the company made good on plans announced through Z Recommends to develop a glass version of their Natural Flow bottles, which they released on-schedule in January 2008, and they have plans to launch a polypropylene bottle in April.

Both developments have come as welcome news to Dr. Brown’s significant consumer base, whose members have been working on adaptations of the company’s Natural Flow vent to Born Free and Gerber Classic bottles for months. Rhodes confirmed for Z Recommends that all parts will be compatible between bottle lines, with the exception of the 3.5-oz. glass bottles, which cannot take vents from the larger polycarbonate and polypropylene bottles (4 oz.).

The company also offers polyamide plastic bottles in some international markets.

Company Rating
Fair. Dr. Brown’s would be eligible to rise from “Fair” to “Good” in our company ratings by offering a non-polycarbonate version of their sippy cup, a design and aesthetic challenge many other companies have surmounted with little difficulty. Scott Rhodes, Head of Consumer Relations for Handi-Craft, stated that the company is always open to parents’ interest and comments. He encouraged anyone with questions about their products or policies to contact him directly. We’d add specifically that if you will not be buying a Dr. Brown’s sippy cup because it is made of polycarbonate, but would have serious interest in an alternative, that you contact him as well at the number below.

BPA-Free Products
Bottles: 3.5 oz. glass and 7 oz. glass Natural Flow bottles, 4 and 8-oz. polypropylene Natural Flow bottles.
Pumping Supplies: None.
Cups: None
Other: Microwave Steam Sterilizer (bottles included with set are not BPA-free)

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 20th, 2009 at 4:45 am and is filed under BPA Articles, BPA-Free Water Bottles, Dr. Brown's Products. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.