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
Plastic food contact material regulations and testing in the EU
EU regulations require plastic food contact materials to be tested for harmful substances that may migrate from the material to food.
Particle size distribution analysis – guide to method selection
Particle size distribution is a key characteristic of powdered materials. This guide helps you choose the most appropriate analytical method for your sample.
PFAS testing by EU regulations: 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.
Semiconductor failure analysis: techniques and applications
Advanced techniques, such as cross-sectional SEM and TEM, SAM, and FTIR, can be used to complement routine checks in semiconductor failure analysis.
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New microplastic testing standard ISO 24187 sets guidelines for analysis
The standard lists several analysis methods for microplastic testing and defines size ranges that particles should be filtered into to get comparable results.
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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.
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The new EU Green Claims Directive requires companies to provide more evidence for sustainability claims
Laboratory testing is key to substantiating green claims about biobased content, biodegradability, and compostability in accordance with the new directive.
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The potential eDNA testing in environmental analysis
Advanced eDNA testing methods enable the detection of hundreds of animal species from a single water, soil, or sediment sample.
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Food supplements: summary of EU regulations and testing requirements
EU legislation sets a range of requirements for the ingredients allowed in food supplements, the presence of contaminants, and authorized health claims.
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Biocide regulations and testing in the EU
The EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) sets detailed requirements for active substances, biocidal products, and biocide-treated articles.
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Cosmetics efficacy testing to support product claims
According to EU regulations, cosmetic product claims must be substantiated by robust evidence, such as clinical tests or customer perception studies.
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Food labeling requirements in Europe: a guide to compliance testing
In addition to compulsory food labeling, laboratory tests can be used to evidence voluntary claims about nutritional and health benefits.
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Overview of global & European POP testing regulations and compliance testing
The Stockholm Convention and the EU POPs Regulation aim to phase out Persistent Organic Pollutants to protect human health and the environment.
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Toy safety in the EU: an overview of testing requirements
Manufacturers and importers must ensure the chemical, mechanical, and fire safety of toys in accordance with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.
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Powder characterization: techniques and applications
Key powder properties to be determined include particle size and shape, surface morphology, density, porosity, and flow properties.
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Nitrosamine testing requirements and recommendations by product category
Although not added to materials on purpose, carcinogenic nitrosamines may be present as impurities. Their amount must not exceed product-specific legal limits.
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Microplastic regulations in the EU – how to ensure compliance?
After their recent addition to the REACH Regulation, primary microplastics must not be present in restricted products in concentrations above 0.01% by weight.
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Summary of EFSA guidelines for assessing the safety of nanomaterials in food – which tests are needed?
In addition to engineered nanomaterials, conventional food products may need testing to prove they do not contain nanoparticles or have nanoscale properties.
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Phthalates testing according to EU regulations
The EU imposes strict limits on maximum phthalate content in various product groups, including food contact materials, toys, and cosmetics.
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Guide to VOC testing: regulations, methods, and standards
Volatile organic compound (VOC) screening is vital to quality assurance in several industries, such as construction materials, fuel, and food contact materials.
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Bisphenol A – overview of testing requirements in the EU
EFSA's recent opinion on bisphenol A reduces the tolerable daily intake significantly. As a result, the EU is planning to ban BPA in food contact materials.
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Measurlabs raises €2.5M to help sustainability companies bring their products to market faster
We raised 2.5 million euros in a new seed round. The round was led by VentureFriends and joined by existing investors Lifeline Ventures, Tesi, and Curus.
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European medical device regulation: how to ensure compliance with EU MDR 2017/745?
A range of laboratory analyses, including biocompatibility and microbiological quality testing, is required to fulfill the requirements of the EU MDR.
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