ASTM D6400: Industrial compostability of plastics and packaging

Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used as plasticizers, which make plastics more flexible and durable. They have also been used as additives in products such as cosmetics and personal care items. Several phthalates have been identified as endocrine-disrupting agents or as chemicals toxic to reproduction. Exposure to phthalates can occur through: Oral exposure Food: Exposure occurs via migration from food packaging., Children's toys: Children often put toys in their mouths.., Inhalation: Breathing in dust from vinyl flooring or fragrances (like perfumes) can cause exposure to phthalates via inhalation., Skin contact: Phthalates present in cosmetics, lotions, and soaps can be absorbed through the skin.. For other listed matrices apart from cosmetics, the analysis package covers the following substances included in the REACH Authorization List: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Diisobutyl phthalate DIBP 84-69-5 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 Products that contain restricted phthalates in concentrations higher than 0.1% may be removed from the market. The analysis package for cosmetic products contains the following phthalates: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 All the above-mentioned substances are prohibited in cosmetic products (Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009).

Determination of aerobic biodegradability in seawater according to OECD 306, applicable to chemicals and organic materials dissolved or dispersed in collected seawater. Two test formats are available: shake flask and closed bottle. Seawater is sampled from the field and characterized for temperature, salinity, and optionally DOC and other parameters before use; it may be filtered, settled, or aged prior to incubation. Incubations are carried out in closed glass containers under aerobic conditions at approximately 15–20°C in the dark or under diffuse light for up to 60 days. The shake-flask format tracks ultimate degradation by repeated DOC measurements over time, quantified by persulfate/UV, persulfate with elevated temperature, or high-temperature combustion. , The closed-bottle format monitors dissolved oxygen consumption at defined intervals (e.g. days 0, 5, 15, and 28). Ancillary options include heterotrophic plate counts, ATP or other microbial-activity assays, and specific chemical analysis of the test substance.. Results are presented as time-course degradation curves. Shake-flask outputs report DOC-based curves with lag phase, slope, and t50, with percentage degradation typically reported at 60 days. Closed-bottle outputs report oxygen-uptake curves with lag phase and t50, with percentage degradation reported at 28 days or test conclusion. Data are compiled on standardized sheets with validity checks. The method is referenced in several regulatory persistence and biodegradability assessment frameworks. Under REACH, OECD 306 is recognised by ECHA as a ready biodegradability test method alongside OECD 301 and 310, and data generated under the guideline can be submitted in REACH registration dossiers to fulfil information requirements on environmental fate and behaviour. OECD 306 is also listed as an accepted ready-biodegradability method under the REACH microplastics restriction (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, Appendix 15). Additionally, the EU Ecolabel for lubricants lists OECD 306 as a recommended biodegradability test method.

We offer several accredited methods for determining the total fluorine (TF) content of combustible materials: EN 14582, based on combustion ion chromatography (CIC). The method is recommended by the Nordic Council of Ministers as a quick and powerful total fluorine screening technique., EN 15408 using oxygen bomb combustion treatment followed by ion chromatography (IC). This method can be applied to plastic sheets and granules, and it is also possible to determine the total content of S, Cl, and Br., ASTM D7359-23, based on oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion, followed by CIC.. The most suitable method is typically selected based on the sample matrix. However, please let us know if you wish a specific standard to be followed. Sample preparation (air drying and milling of the sample to particles <1 mm) is included in the displayed price. This analysis is commonly used to evaluate packaging materials' compliance with the PFAS restriction outlined in the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). If TF content does not exceed 50 mg/kg (ppm), the material can be considered compliant without further testing.

GC-MS analysis of 16 PAH compounds, which are listed as high-priority pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The analyzed PAH compounds are: naphthalene [CAS: 91-20-3], acenaphthylene [CAS: 208-96-8], acenaphthene [CAS: 83-32-9], fluorene [CAS: 86-73-7], phenanthrene [CAS: 85-01-8], anthracene [CAS: 120-12-7], fluoranthene [CAS: 206-44-0], pyrene [CAS: 129-00-0], benz(a)anthracene [CAS: 56-55-3], chrysene [CAS: 218-01-9], benzo(b)fluoranthene [CAS: 205-99-2], benzo(k)fluoranthene [CAS: 207-08-9], benzo (a) pyrene [CAS: 50-32-8], dibenzo(ah)anthracene [CAS: 53-70-3], benzo (ghi) perylene [CAS: 191-24-2], indeno (123cd) pyrene [CAS: 193-39-5].

Determination of ready biodegradability in aerobic aqueous conditions in accordance with OECD 301 guideline, applicable to polymers, chemicals, and other organic materials.  The test item is incubated in mineral medium with a microbial inoculum for 28 days under controlled aerobic conditions, alongside blanks, reference substance controls, and, where relevant, toxicity controls. Results are reported as the percentage of biodegradation, along with a degradation curve. A pass/fail interpretation against the criteria specified in the guideline will also be provided. Measurlabs offers testing with three of the six methods outlined in OECD 301: OECD 301B – CO₂ evolution test (result expressed against theoretical CO₂ production), OECD 301D – oxygen depletion in the closed bottle (result expressed against theoretical oxygen demand), OECD 301F – oxygen uptake by manometric respirometry (result expressed against theoretical oxygen demand). Method selection depends on sample properties such as solubility, volatility, and expected biodegradation behavior.  All three tests can be used to support compliance with the REACH microplastics restriction under Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, which lists OECD 301B, D, and F among accepted methods for demonstrating degradability. Biodegradable polymers are exempted from the restriction.

A biodegradation analysis for determining how materials decompose in soil, conforming to the ISO 17556 standard. This standard is specific to aerobic biodegradation in soil environments, where organic materials are broken down into carbon dioxide (CO2). Please note that this analysis focuses exclusively on aerobic biodegradation and does not cover chemical analyses, material disintegration, or ecotoxicity evaluations, which are essential for a full understanding of the environmental impact of the degradation process. The analysis is, nonetheless, a valuable tool for comparing different product formulations in the initial stages of development, prior to more comprehensive biodegradability assessments. The cost of this test varies depending on the test duration. Test durations ranging from 3 months up to 24 months.

Exposure in QUV accelerated artificial weathering, including measurement of L* a* b* color coordinates and calculation of ΔE*ab.

1000 hours of exposure in QSUN xenon-arc chamber with filter Daylight Q (daylight SPD)

Targeted screening and quantification of PFAS compounds in various materials with accredited in-house LC-MS/MS methods. Number of substances covered by the method 77 substances analyzed, 126 substances listed (salts of analyzed acids, alcohols, etc.), Total of 203 substances reported, A list of substances is provided in a separate appendix together with the quotation. Examples of target analytes include PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA. The full list of compounds is available upon request. In addition to plastic and paper, the measurement is suitable for textiles, leather, wood, metals, paints, and coatings. One common application of this analysis is evaluating compliance with EU and US regulations on PFAS in food packaging. If this is the goal, a total (organic) fluorine (TOF) analysis should be conducted in addition to the targeted screening. We are happy to provide a single offer that includes both analyses.

Measurement of the solution/extraction behavior of polymers in water according to the OECD 120 test guideline. The test is typically applied to polymer powders or granules, preferably with particle size in the approximate range of 0.125-0.25 mm, to determine how much polymer-related material passes into the aqueous phase under defined conditions. In the test, three 10 g test portions are agitated with 1 L of water at 20 °C for 24 hours in stoppered vessels. The aqueous phase is separated by centrifugation or filtration and analyzed to determine solubility. Results are reported as the concentration of polymer-related material in the aqueous phase, determined by direct analysis, residue analysis after evaporation, or gravimetric determination of the undissolved fraction. This test can be used to prove polymer solubility for compliance with the REACH microplastic restriction outlined in Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055. The pass criterion is solubility higher than 2g/liter.