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.
Hande GüneşNovember 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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Krista AlasalmiNovember 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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Aatto RautioNovember 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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Hande GüneşOctober 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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Henna VäänänenOctober 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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Anssi RajalaSeptember 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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Krista AlasalmiSeptember 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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Teemu MyllymäkiSeptember 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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Alexandra ZühlkeAugust 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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Juha KeskiväliAugust 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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Hande GüneşAugust 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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Niko MarkkinenJune 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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Paula HirsiläMay 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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Charlotte ZborowskiMay 10, 2023
Thin film depth profiling: guide to 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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Ville RoininenApril 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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Mirva HirviMarch 3, 2023
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.
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Niko MarkkinenFebruary 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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Heta NieminenFebruary 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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Juha KeskiväliJanuary 27, 2023
PAH analysis – overview of EU regulations and testing requirements
Several EU regulations place restrictions on the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (better known as PAH compounds) in food and consumer products.
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Ville LiljeströmJanuary 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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