Material Testing Insights

Read articles by our experts and guest authors on the practical implications of regulations, scientific advancements, and the ideal uses of different analysis methods.

Top articles

PFAS regulations in the EU: overview of restrictions by product category

PFAS regulations in the EU: overview of restrictions by product category

The use of PFAS – also known as "forever chemicals" – has been regulated in the EU for more than a decade, with limits getting stricter in recent years.

How to compare material testing laboratories – 10 aspects to consider

How to compare material testing laboratories – 10 aspects to consider

Read our tips on how to compare material testing laboratories and select the best-suited one for your testing needs.

Alternatives to animal testing in the development of medical devices

Alternatives to animal testing in the development of medical devices

The safety and legal compliance of medical devices can often be assessed without resorting to animal testing, especially in lower-risk device categories.

Kia Bertula
Kia Bertula

December 11, 2024

Medical device extractables and leachables testing by MDR requirements

Characterization of extractables and leachables helps medical device manufacturers evaluate the risks that arise from the chemical composition of the device.

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Medical device extractables and leachables testing by MDR requirements
Niko Markkinen
Niko Markkinen

November 27, 2024

PFAS in food packaging: compliance testing by EU and US regulations

While PFAS use is still authorized in some food contact applications, the compounds are being phased out of food packaging on both sides of the Atlantic.

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PFAS in food packaging: compliance testing by EU and US regulations
Pihla Pietiläinen
Pihla Pietiläinen

November 19, 2024

Metsä Spring teamed up with Measurlabs to ensure the compliance of fiber-based Muoto packaging

Measurlabs' expertise played a key role in ensuring that Metsä Spring's novel packaging solution fulfills European food contact compliance criteria.

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Metsä Spring teamed up with Measurlabs to ensure the compliance of fiber-based Muoto packaging
Meeri Rantanen
Meeri Rantanen

November 15, 2024

PFAS-free testing for consumer products: how to verify the absence of forever chemicals

As there are thousands of chemicals within the group, substantiating PFAS-free claims requires both targeted analysis and fluorine content testing.

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PFAS-free testing for consumer products: how to verify the absence of forever chemicals
Kamal Mundoli
Kamal Mundoli

November 11, 2024

Trace elemental analysis of thin films and silicon wafers: A method comparison

Tiny contaminant concentrations can compromise the functionality of semiconductor components, making trace elemental analysis crucial for quality control.

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Trace elemental analysis of thin films and silicon wafers: A method comparison
Ville Roininen
Ville Roininen

November 5, 2024

Viscosity testing techniques, standards, and applications

Choosing the most appropriate viscosity testing technique, based primarily on sample properties, is key to obtaining accurate and reproducible results.

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Viscosity testing techniques, standards, and applications
Kimmo Kaukanen
Kimmo Kaukanen

October 30, 2024

EN 13501-1 standard for fire classification of construction materials: Overview of performance classes & criteria

In most cases, several reaction-to-fire tests are required to determine the correct fire performance class for construction products according to EN 13501-1.

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EN 13501-1 standard for fire classification of construction materials: Overview of performance classes & criteria
Hande Güneş
Hande Güneş

October 24, 2024

SEM vs TEM: How to choose the most suitable electron microscopy technique for your application

Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy are both powerful techniques for high-resolution imaging, but they have some key differences.

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SEM vs TEM: How to choose the most suitable electron microscopy technique for your application
Anssi Rajala
Anssi Rajala

October 7, 2024

Overview of ISO 16094 standards for microplastic analysis of water samples

ISO 16094 standards will outline the procedures for microplastic analysis of clean water samples using vibrational spectroscopy and thermoanalytical methods.

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Overview of ISO 16094 standards for microplastic analysis of water samples
Niko Markkinen
Niko Markkinen

September 16, 2024

Cosmetic packaging testing by EU regulations and industry guidelines

The safety and compliance of cosmetic packaging are frequently assessed using migration tests adapted from those employed for food contact materials.

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Cosmetic packaging testing by EU regulations and industry guidelines
Joshua Reeder
Joshua Reeder

September 6, 2024

Overview of stable isotope analysis applications in research and industry

Some of the most popular applications include geological, ecological, and archaeological research, as well as verification of food and textile origin.

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Overview of stable isotope analysis applications in research and industry
Ryan Johnsson
Ryan Johnsson

August 16, 2024

Polymer characterization techniques and applications

Polymeric materials' complex structure presents analytical challenges that can be overcome through the use of a combination of characterization techniques.

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Polymer characterization techniques and applications
Henna Väänänen
Henna Väänänen

August 9, 2024

How can manufacturers prepare for the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation?

The new PPWR will impose strict recyclability criteria, ban PFAS in food contact materials, and prohibit certain types of plastic packaging.

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How can manufacturers prepare for the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation?
Sanna Laukkanen
Sanna Laukkanen

August 2, 2024

Paper and board recyclability testing by European industry standards

EU sustainability policy requires all paper and board packaging to be designed for recycling by 2030. Recyclability can be validated using standardized tests.

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Paper and board recyclability testing by European industry standards
Niko Markkinen
Niko Markkinen

July 8, 2024

Testing to substantiate food contact material labeling in the EU

FCMs can be marked with various performance labels, such as dishwasher-safe or microwave-safe, if they can be shown to withstand the relevant conditions.

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Testing to substantiate food contact material labeling in the EU
Fanny Törnqvist
Fanny Törnqvist

July 5, 2024

How Measurlabs accelerated Interlinked's MDR submission process

Read how Measurlabs eased Interlinked's MDR submission process by offering all the necessary tests and proactive expert support.

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How Measurlabs accelerated Interlinked's MDR submission process
Teemu Myllymäki
Teemu Myllymäki

July 2, 2024

The hidden costs of inefficient laboratory testing procurement

Laboratory testing procurement has many pitfalls from wasting time on project management and searching for laboratories to simply overpaying for analyses.

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The hidden costs of inefficient laboratory testing procurement
Joshua Reeder
Joshua Reeder

June 17, 2024

Solid recovered fuel analysis to ensure consistent fuel quality

Solid recovered fuel (SRF) is more variable than traditional fossil fuels, requiring thorough chemical and physical characterization to ensure high quality.

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Solid recovered fuel analysis to ensure consistent fuel quality
Pihla Pietiläinen
Pihla Pietiläinen

June 6, 2024

Product safety in the EU: Why were consumer products found dangerous in 2023?

Our overview of serious risk alerts registered on the Safety Gate portal in 2023 reveals the reasons why consumer products are most often found dangerous.

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Product safety in the EU: Why were consumer products found dangerous in 2023?
Elina Tenhunen
Elina Tenhunen

June 4, 2024

The role of the Biological Evaluation Plan (BEP) in the biocompatibility evaluation of medical devices

Preparing the BEP before large-scale testing starts helps companies choose the most appropriate testing procedure, which in turn helps minimize animal testing.

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The role of the Biological Evaluation Plan (BEP) in the biocompatibility evaluation of medical devices