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

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. This may lead to stricter BPA migration limits in the upcoming years.

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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?
Juha KeskiväliJuha Keskiväli

August 15, 2023

Elemental analysis – methods and applications

The choice of the most appropriate elemental analysis technique is based on factors including sensitivity, sample characteristics, and elements of interest.

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Elemental analysis – methods and applications
Hande GüneşHande Güneş

August 10, 2023

Overview of testing requirements for cosmetic products in the EU

Test results on chemical composition, physical properties, and microbiological quality are required to demonstrate that cosmetics are safe and effective.

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Overview of testing requirements for cosmetic products in the EU
Niko MarkkinenNiko Markkinen

June 5, 2023

EU regulations on food contaminants – how to ensure compliance?

Testing is needed to ensure that food contaminant levels stay within the limits of Regulation (EU) 2023/915, which recently replaced Regulation (EC) 1881/2006.

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EU regulations on food contaminants – how to ensure compliance?
Paula HirsiläPaula Hirsilä

May 29, 2023

Recycled plastic, paper, and board in food contact materials – overview of regulations

It is possible to use recycled materials in food contact applications, but an enhanced compliance assessment is required to ensure their chemical safety.

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Recycled plastic, paper, and board in food contact materials – overview of regulations
Charlotte ZborowskiCharlotte Zborowski

May 10, 2023

Thin film depth profiling: guide for method selection

Choosing the most appropriate thin film depth profiling technique is key to obtaining all the required information at optimal sensitivity.

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Thin film depth profiling: guide for method selection
Ville RoininenVille Roininen

April 13, 2023

Overview of EU policy on biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics

According to the EU, biobased and biodegradable plastics can provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials, but only when used appropriately.

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Overview of EU policy on biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics
Mirva HirviMirva Hirvi

March 3, 2023

PFAS testing in accordance with EU regulations

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.

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PFAS testing in accordance with EU regulations
Niko MarkkinenNiko Markkinen

February 23, 2023

How to fulfill Amazon's testing requirements for dietary supplements?

For supplements to be listed on Amazon, they must not contain forbidden drug residuals. Lab testing is needed to demonstrate compliance with this policy.

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How to fulfill Amazon's testing requirements for dietary supplements?
Heta NieminenHeta Nieminen

February 1, 2023

Characterization of thin films – what do we want to know?

Doctoral researcher Heta Nieminen writes about the significance of thin films in our modern society and provides an overview of key characterization methods.

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Characterization of thin films – what do we want to know?
Juha KeskiväliJuha Keskiväli

January 27, 2023

PAH analysis – overview of EU regulations and testing requirements

Several EU regulations place restrictions on the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in food and consumer products.

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PAH analysis – overview of EU regulations and testing requirements
Ville LiljeströmVille Liljeström

January 25, 2023

Old, Modern, Advanced, and What Not – X-ray Scattering

Ville Liljeström, a staff scientist at Aalto University, writes about the history of X-ray scattering and recent developments in the method.

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Old, Modern, Advanced, and What Not – X-ray Scattering
Pihla PietiläinenPihla Pietiläinen

January 18, 2023

Comparison of microplastic concentrations in different types of water samples

We sent five water samples to the laboratory to compare microplastic concentrations. The results show that bottled water contains more plastic than tap water.

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Comparison of microplastic concentrations in different types of water samples
Niko MarkkinenNiko Markkinen

January 16, 2023

The revised EU Drinking Water Directive brings about stricter legislation on materials in contact with water

Read on to discover what the new requirements are and how to ensure compliance with them.

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The revised EU Drinking Water Directive brings about stricter legislation on materials in contact with water
Paula HirsiläPaula Hirsilä

December 28, 2022

MOSH and MOAH testing of food contact materials – how to ensure safety and compliance?

The migration of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) from food contact materials should not exceed the limits set out by the European Union.

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MOSH and MOAH testing of food contact materials – how to ensure safety and compliance?
Niko MarkkinenNiko Markkinen

December 20, 2022

Testing for non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials

NIAS screening can seem complicated, as thousands of different substances may unintentionally end up in FCMs. Check out our expert tips on the topic.

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Testing for non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials
Juha KeskiväliJuha Keskiväli

December 12, 2022

Guide to gas testing: samples, methods, and standards

Gas testing can be tricky, as gaseous samples pose challenges for sampling and shipping. A careful testing plan is key to overcoming such challenges.

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Guide to gas testing: samples, methods, and standards
Kia BertulaKia Bertula

November 29, 2022

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.

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Particle size distribution analysis – guide to method selection
Jesse KalliomäkiJesse Kalliomäki

November 28, 2022

Superficial science – using ALD and MLD to enhance the properties of solid surfaces

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) have applications in the fields of microelectronics and medical technology, among others.

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Superficial science – using ALD and MLD to enhance the properties of solid surfaces
Joel NoutereJoel Noutere

November 23, 2022

The advantages of Organ-on-Chip technology in drug development

Joel Noutere from AKITA discusses the advantages of Organ-on-Chip technology as compared with more traditional approaches to drug development.

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The advantages of Organ-on-Chip technology in drug development
Petra KaukonenPetra Kaukonen

November 16, 2022

Rediscovering the hidden potential of lignin

More efficient utilization of lignin improves the sustainability of the biorefinery industry and speeds up the transition from fossil-based materials.

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Rediscovering the hidden potential of lignin
Ville RoininenVille Roininen

November 11, 2022

Mechanical testing of plastic materials – standards and methods

Mechanical tests help ensure the safety, quality, and durability of plastic materials. Testing is usually performed according to industry-specific standards.

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Mechanical testing of plastic materials – standards and methods
Veikko LinkoVeikko Linko

November 9, 2022

Resolving DNA origami folding in real time

Veikko Linko, Associate Professor of Biomedicine Technologies, discusses a new analytical technique for resolving the black box problem in DNA origami.

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Resolving DNA origami folding in real time
Sanna LaukkanenSanna Laukkanen

November 3, 2022

Textile testing requirements and practices in the EU

Regulatory requirements for textiles in the EU cover chemical safety and labeling. Performance should also be assessed to ensure quality and sustainability.

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Textile testing requirements and practices in the EU
Paula HirsiläPaula Hirsilä

October 27, 2022

EU Declaration of Compliance for plastic food contact materials

All producers of plastic food contact materials in the EU have to provide a Declaration of Compliance for their products.

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EU Declaration of Compliance for plastic food contact materials
Oona KorhonenOona Korhonen

October 4, 2022

Biocompatibility testing of medical devices

Biocompatibility testing is a crucial step in guaranteeing the safety of medical devices. We offer a wide range of tests according to the ISO 10993 standards.

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Biocompatibility testing of medical devices
Juha KeskiväliJuha Keskiväli

September 29, 2022

REACH testing requirements for chemicals

REACH legislation requires producers and importers of chemicals to register substances with EU authorities. We offer the necessary testing to comply with REACH.

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REACH testing requirements for chemicals
Mirva HirviMirva Hirvi

September 20, 2022

Screening for microplastics in water samples

Detection of microplastics in water samples can be useful in several industries. Measurlabs provides microplastic testing services in accredited laboratories.

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Screening for microplastics in water samples
Ville RoininenVille Roininen

August 26, 2022

Fire testing of textiles and furnishings: standards and methods

Read about what standards apply to fire testing of textiles and furnishings, how testing conditions are determined, and more.

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Fire testing of textiles and furnishings: standards and methods
Teemu MyllymäkiTeemu Myllymäki

August 17, 2022

How to compare material testing laboratories – 10 aspects to consider

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

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How to compare material testing laboratories – 10 aspects to consider
Niko MarkkinenNiko Markkinen

August 15, 2022

Plastic food contact material regulations and testing in the EU

EU regulations require plastic food contact materials to be tested for harmful substances migrating from the material to the food.

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Plastic food contact material regulations and testing in the EU
Oona KorhonenOona Korhonen

August 4, 2022

How to determine the biobased content of materials

How is bio-based carbon content determined with AMS, how to interpret the results correctly, and assess the bioproportion of the final product.

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How to determine the biobased content of materials
Shima MoosakhaniShima Moosakhani

July 8, 2022

Thin film thickness measurements – guidelines for method selection

When are XRR, ellipsometry, and cross-sectional SEM and TEM the correct method to choose for your film thickness measurements?

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Thin film thickness measurements – guidelines for method selection