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 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.
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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January 23, 2024
The potential of 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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