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

Charlotte ZborowskiCharlotte Zborowski

February 27, 2024

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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Semiconductor failure analysis: techniques and applications
Anssi RajalaAnssi Rajala

February 20, 2024

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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New microplastic testing standard ISO 24187 sets guidelines for analysis
Elina TenhunenElina Tenhunen

February 14, 2024

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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Alternatives to animal testing in the development of medical devices
Ville RoininenVille Roininen

January 30, 2024

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 new EU Green Claims Directive requires companies to provide more evidence for sustainability claims
Mirva HirviMirva Hirvi

January 23, 2024

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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The potential eDNA testing in environmental analysis
Pasi TuomikoskiPasi Tuomikoski

January 18, 2024

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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Food supplements: summary of EU regulations and testing requirements
Niko MarkkinenNiko Markkinen

January 10, 2024

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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Biocide regulations and testing in the EU
Heini VirtanenHeini Virtanen

January 5, 2024

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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Cosmetics efficacy testing to support product claims
Pasi TuomikoskiPasi Tuomikoski

December 21, 2023

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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Food labeling requirements in Europe: a guide to compliance testing
Anssi RajalaAnssi Rajala

December 5, 2023

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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Overview of global & European POP testing regulations and compliance testing
Krista AlasalmiKrista Alasalmi

November 27, 2023

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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Toy safety in the EU: an overview of testing requirements
Hande GüneşHande Güneş

November 16, 2023

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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Powder characterization: techniques and applications
Krista AlasalmiKrista Alasalmi

November 9, 2023

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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Nitrosamine testing requirements and recommendations by product category
Aatto RautioAatto Rautio

November 1, 2023

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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Microplastic regulations in the EU – how to ensure compliance?
Hande GüneşHande Güneş

October 18, 2023

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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Summary of EFSA guidelines for assessing the safety of nanomaterials in food – which tests are needed?
Henna VäänänenHenna Väänänen

October 4, 2023

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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Phthalates testing according to EU regulations
Anssi RajalaAnssi Rajala

September 19, 2023

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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Guide to VOC testing: regulations, methods, and standards
Krista AlasalmiKrista Alasalmi

September 8, 2023

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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Bisphenol A – overview of testing requirements in the EU
Teemu MyllymäkiTeemu Myllymäki

September 1, 2023

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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Measurlabs raises €2.5M to help sustainability companies bring their products to market faster
Alexandra ZühlkeAlexandra Zühlke

August 21, 2023

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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European medical device regulation: how to ensure compliance with EU MDR 2017/745?