Laboratory testing services

Standard DIN 10955 specifies test methods for the sensory analysis of food contact materials and articles that are intended for direct food contact. …

Determination of the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) according to the ASTM F1249 standard. WVTR describes the amount of water vapor that passes …

Determination of the oxygen transmission rate of plastic films and sheet-like materials. The test is performed on two parallel …

Overall migration (OM) into simulant E (Tenax) measures the sum of volatile and semi-volatile compounds that migrate from a food contact material into food via the gas …

Determination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen content of an organic sample. CHNS analysis (”LECO analysis”) is performed using a flash combustion method, where the sample is combusted under 25 kPa of O2 at an elevated temperature …

Imaging of the sample using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX or EDS). Typically, several images are taken with varying magnifications to get a good overview of the sample. An EDX mapping, line scan, or point measurement is …

Standards EN 1230-1 and EN 1230-2 specify the testing procedure for assessing the odor and flavor released by food contact materials made of paper or board. This analysis applies …

Imaging of the sample using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Typically, several images are taken with varying magnifications to get a good overview of the sample. Non-conductive samples can be prepared with a metallic coating to allow imaging. For cross-section measurement, …

Screening of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from paper, board, and plastics. The method can be used to analyze volatile residues from printed packaging as well as to measure …

Accredited laboratory analysis according to the EN 1104 standard to determine the transfer of antimicrobial constituents from paper and board intended for food contact. Paper and board food contact …

This measurement detects the migration of heavy metals and aluminum to cold water from paper or board intended as food contact material. The method is …

Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used as plasticizers, which make plastics more flexible and durable. Phthalates have also been used as additives in products such as cosmetics and personal care items. Several phthalates have been …

This test is designed to measure the oxygen transmission rate of finished packages, including cups, bottles, trays, and containers. Two replica measurements are included in the displayed …

Directive 94/62/EC limits the content of heavy metals such that the sum of the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) in packaging or packaging components shall not exceed …

This metal screening analysis includes the semi-quantitative determination of 70 elements. The method can be used, for example, to determine the background concentrations of metals in environmental samples or to study the …

Determination of formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0) content in cold or hot water extracts of paper or board. The method is suitable, for example, for an analysis of formaldehyde …

Determination of the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) according to the ASTM F1249 standard. WVTR describes the amount of water vapor that passes through a material over a set period. It is an …

Determination of the oxygen transmission rate of paper and cardboard materials. The test is performed on three identical samples to ensure repeatability. Measurement conditions …

Determination of the total organic fluorine (TOF) content in combustible materials by combustion ion chromatography (CIC). TOF analysis gives …

Specific migration of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), including mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) with polyolefin oligomeric hydrocarbons (POSH) and …

Determination of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) with polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (POSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in various matrices, …

XPS is a semi-quantitative technique that allows the measurement of the elemental composition of the surface of materials. In addition, it can also determine the binding state of the atoms. XPS is a surface-sensitive technique. Typical …

Epichlorohydrin is a highly reactive electrophilic compound used to produce glycerol, plastics, epoxy glues and resins, epoxy diluents, and elastomers. The compound is included under 'Sizing agents' in the positive …

The measurement is performed using a high-resolution ICP-MS technique (ICP-SFMS), which can identify very low elemental concentrations. The measurement includes only the selected element …

This Cobb test measures the water absorption properties of paper and board. The method is not suitable for grades with grammage less than 50 g/m² or embossed paper. It is also unsuitable for highly …

Recyclability testing of paper and cardboard according to the CEPI recyclability laboratory test method (version 2, October 2022). Testing includes: Disintegration, Filtrate analysis, Determination of the coarse reject, Determination of the …

This test is used to evaluate the color fastness of dyed or printed paper or board that is intended to come into contact with food. The applied simulants are Olive oil, 3% acetic acid, Alkaline salt …

Determination of the transfer speed of optical brightening agents (OBAs), also known as fluorescent whitening agents, from paper and board. The test is performed against UV light to provide a rating for the …

Pentachlorophenol (PCP, CAS 87-86-5) is a compound that is used as a pesticide and a wood preservative. It is listed as a persistent organic pollutant in Annex I of the EU POPs …

Determination of isothiazolinones in consumer goods. Isothiazolinones are common preservatives (biocides) in cosmetics, chemical formulations, and printing inks. The following isothiazolinones are included in the analysis: 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3(2h)-one (BIT, CAS: …

In XPS depth profiling, ion gun etching cycles and XPS analysis cycles are alternated to obtain semi-quantitative information on the elemental composition (at.%) of the sample as a function of depth. The binding …

Extended analysis package for phthalates in various matrices using the GC-MS technique. Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used as plasticizers, which make plastics more flexible and durable. Phthalates are also found as additives in …

Laboratory analysis for determining the total number of colony-forming units of bacteria and bacterial spores as well as yeast and molds in dry market pulp, paper, and …

This test follows the TAPPI Test Method T559. It assesses how fluorochemicals, or other surface treatment chemicals, which can make paper both resistant to oil (organophobic) and water (hydrophobic), …

Specific migration of dialkyl ketones (DAKs) that originate from alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) hydrophobic sizing agent of paper and board. According to BfR XXXVI …

Determination of total organic fluorine (TOF) in paper, polymers, and textiles TOF analysis gives information about the total amount of organic fluorinated compounds. It can also be used to …

Determination of the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of ultra-high barrier materials. The method can also be used to test moderate barrier materials at high-temperature …

XPS is a semi-quantitative technique allowing to measure the elemental composition of the surface of materials. In addition, it can also determine the binding state of the atoms. If you wish to perform this test, please ask the …

Burst strength measures the maximum hydraulic pressure that the sample withstands without breaking. Paper's or board's burst strength is the most commonly used test value alongside SCT (short-term compression strength ). With this test, you will …

Glyoxal (CAS 107-22-2) can be used as a cross-linker in paper, board, corrugated board, and textile products. According to German BfR Recommendation XXXVI, the extract of the finished product must not contain more …

Glutaraldehyde is a slimicide used to control microbial growth in paper and paperboard packaging. Its use in food packaging is allowed according to BfR XXXVI, however, no more than 2 mg of glutaraldehyde must …

Analysis of PAH compounds from paper and board as well as products made from these raw materials (e.g., packaging materials) as required by the REACH regulation. The test package includes the following …

Determination of the grammage of paper, board and corrugated board.

Content of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in paper and paperboard according to AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK. The test package includes the following …

Recyclability testing of paper and board packages according to the PTS-RH 021:2012 method (Draft Oct 2019). The following properties are evaluated: Disintegration behavior and recyclable content, …

Bending stiffness testing is performed to evaluate cardboard's stiffness by measuring the resistance to bending with 4-point loading. The results express the bending stiffness of the material in the machine direction and the cross …

The edge crush test (ECT) measures the edgewise strength of corrugated board. The results give an indication of the board's resistance to crushing during processing and use. In the ECT test, the test specimen is loaded perpendicularly to the open …

Testing for the release of primary aromatic amines (PAA) classified as CMR 1A or 1B according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. Extraction is performed with either cold water (EN …

The method measures the diffuse blue light reflectance factor of paper and board by the ISO 2470-1 standard. The test is limited to white and near-white samples. The measurement is used to determine the whiteness level of …

Determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in paper and board. The following substances are included in the test package: PCB 18, PCB 28, PCB 52, PCB 101, PCB 138, PCB 153, PCB 180.

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], …

This method determines the tearing resistance of low-grammage paper or board with the Elmendorf method. During the test, an initial cut is made on the test specimen. This cut is then torn for a given distance using a pendulum. The work …

This test is used to measure the tensile strength and elongation of paper or board in the machine direction (MD) and the cross direction (CD). Even small variations in tensile strength can affect the functionality of the product. …

Water vapor transmission rate testing is used to evaluate the breathability of textiles. The ASTM E96 test measures the amount of water vapor that passes through the fabric in a controlled environment. The …

Air permeability is an important property for some paper grades, such as paper bags that are filled industrially. Measurlabs offers air permeance testing with the Bendtsen and Gurley methods. The Bendtsen method (ISO 5636-3) is suitable for papers …

Determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo dyes in accordance with the standard EN 14362-1.

The test determines the ash content of paper, board, and pulp upon being ignited at 525 °C. The results express the mass of the inorganics in your sample.

Determination of bisphenol S content in various matrices, including: Consumer goods made from plastic, elastomers, and rubber, Food packaging (plastic, paper, multi-materials). Testing is recommended especially for paper and board food packaging that contains recycled …

This method is used for testing the resistance to compression of complete, filled transport packages. A stacking test on complete, filled transport packages is also performed using the same apparatus.

Bursting strength measures the maximum hydraulic pressure that a material withstands without breaking. The bursting strength of corrugated cardboard is measured from the top and bottom sides of the sample, and the result is given as an …

This measurement determines the transmission rate of carbon dioxide (CO2) through a single or multi-layered plastic film or sheeting with an infrared detector. The measurement …

In this absorption test, castor oil is used to evaluate the oil absorbance of a paper or board product. During the analysis, oil is applied on top of the sample with an L&W Cobb sizing tester, and the mass of …

The Herzberg staining test by the ISO 9184-3 standard is used to determine the main fiber content of paper and board. In the test, a saturated solution of zinc chloride, iodine, and potassium …

The grease resistance of paper and board is determined by establishing the time taken for a simulated “fat material” (palm kernel oil) to penetrate (break through) the sheet of paper or board. The …

Lignin sample ash content measurement at 525°C. The result is expressed as a mass percentage of the ash from the initial sample on a dry matter basis.

The ISO 2471 standard is followed to determine the opacity (paper backing) of paper by diffuse reflectance. The test is suitable for papers and boards that contain fluorescent whitening agents, as long as the UV content of the radiation incident …

In this test, a pyramid-shaped puncture head is used to measure the puncture resistance of a board sample. During this process, combined tensile, compression, flexural, and shear forces occur. The result is given as the …

The most typical test methods to determine the roughness of paper or board are: - The Bendtsen method (ISO 8791-2) - For papers and boards with a Bendtsen value between 5 and 3000 ml/min. The test is not suitable for papers with high air permeability. - …

SCT (short-span compression test) is one of the most commonly used testing methods for determining the compression strength of paper or cardboard. In this test, the sample is conditioned in standard conditions (23 …

Analysis of 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene (CAS: 24157-81-1, DIPN) content in paper and board intended for food contact. DIPN is most often found in materials containing recycled fibers. According …

Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) is used to analyze the elemental composition of materials. AES is a surface-sensitive technique (3-9 nm) which is used for depth profiling, providing analysis of the elemental composition in depth. Secondary electron …

Bulk is the ratio of paper's or board's thickness to its basis weight.

With this test, performed according to the ISO 6587 standard, the conductivity of water extracts (hot or cold) from a paper, board, or pulp sample is measured. The extraction is performed with …

The specular gloss of paper is measured according to the ISO 8254-1 method at an angle of 75° to the normal of the paper surface. Although its chief application is for coated papers, the test may also be used for glossy uncoated papers, …

Isocyanates are used as monomers in adhesives and polyurethane plastics. Isocyanates that have been approved for use in food contact materials belong to Restriction Group (17) in Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. These substances have a group …

This testing method is used to determine the moisture content of paper or board in standard RT conditions (23 °C/ 50 % RH). The measurement is performed after exposing the sample to these conditions for a minimum of 4 hours.

The pin adhesion test measures the bond strength between the corrugated medium and the liner. It is used to analyze the strength of adhesives. Upon request, the measurement can be performed on …

General compliance testing package for single-use plastic food contact materials (FCMs) by regulation (EU) …

Screening of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from paper, board, and plastics. The method can be used to analyze volatile residues from printed packaging. For evaluation of recycling process efficiency, …

The gravimetric dish method can be used to determine the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of materials that have a high water vapor …

In this test, performed following the ISO 3781 standard, the tensile strength of paper or board is measured after the material has been immersed in water for a specified period. The test can be used to evaluate the functionality of board …

This test determines the 2-point bending resistance of paper or board by using a Taber-type tester. The bending resistance at 15° or 7.5° can be determined and expressed in terms of the bending …

This test is used to determine the quantity of acid-insoluble ash in paper, board, or pulp samples. Testing is performed according to the ISO 776 standard.

This test is used to determine the alkali reserve of papers and boards, especially those that contain alkaline pigments or other alkaline materials.

Anthraquinone is an additive used in paper pulp manufacturing processes. According to BfR XXXVI, the application of anthraquinone as an additive to raw material is no longer recommended.

Analysis package for quantifying various bisphenol compounds: bisphenol A (BPA) [CAS: 80-05-7], bisphenol B (BPB) [CAS: 77-40-7], bisphenol F (BPF) [CAS: 620-92-8], bisphenol S (BPS) [CAS: 80-09-1], bisphenol AF (BPAF) [CAS: 1478-61-1]. Testing …

The CIE whiteness test measures the whiteness of paper or board under the CIE D65 daylight standard. The method gives the complete visible spectral range (VIS) information about whiteness, unlike the ISO ( ISO 2470 ) method, which operates only …

With this test, the dimensional changes of a paper sample are measured after immersion in water. The measurements are …

With this test, the coefficient of static friction of most paper-based packaging materials can be measured. The testing standard will be chosen depending on the …

This test is used to measure the color of paper and board by the diffuse reflectance method with spectral gloss elimination as outlined in standards ISO 5631-1 and ISO 5631-2. The method is not suitable for papers that …

This method is used to determine the flat crush resistance of a corrugating medium after being fluted to A-flute geometry with a laboratory fluting device. The Concora corrugating medium test can be used for any corrugating medium that …

Determination of degree of curl after one-sided wetting as per TAPPI 466 standard for paper or board samples.

Determination of the degree of curl of paper or board by using a vertically suspended test piece as per standard ISO 11556. Curl is defined as deviation from a flat surface. …

Dioxins and furans are a family of chlorine-containing chemicals considered bioaccumulating, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can be toxic even at low doses. While regulatory limits apply mainly to food …

This test is used to determine the effect of artificial daylight (D65) on the color of paper or board. During the test, the sample is exposed to filtered xenon arc light to …

The flat crush test (FCT) is a commonly used mechanical test conducted on board materials, such as corrugated cardboard. During the test, the sample is loaded perpendicular to its surface. The resistance the board presents to the …

This test is used to determine the folding endurance of paper or board using the Köhler-Molin, Lhomargy, MIT, and Schopper testers. During the test, a narrow strip of paper is folded forwards and backward in a standardized manner, so that it …

Test package for single-use nitrile gloves to assess food contact compliance (for all foodstuffs) according to Germany's …

Grammage measures the weight of the sample in relation to its area. Grammage values are commonly used to categorize different board and paper grades. In this method, the components …

This test determines the penetration of greases and oil, commonly found in foodstuffs. The test can be used to evaluate and grade the usability of greaseproof papers and vegetable …

Horizontal impact testing by the ISO 2244 standard is used to determine the effect of a vertical impact on the horizontal edge of finished and filled cardboard containers. In the test, the packaging is placed on a …

This test is used to provide insight into the performance of coated fine papers, adhesion at carton side seams, and more. In the test, a tape is placed on both sides of the test specimen, the sample …

The Kappa number describes the lignin content or bleachability of pulp. With this test, the kappa number is determined as per the ISO 302 standard, which applies to all kinds of chemical and …

This test is used to evaluate the compressive strength of paper and board with the ring crush method. Testing is particularly useful when determining the usability of shipping containers made from fiberboard.

The Scott bond test measures the energy required to rapidly delaminate a sheet-type specimen. A z-directional rupture is initiated by the impact of a pendulum having both a controlled mass and a controlled …

The smoothness of a paper or board sample is determined with the Bekk method. This test is recommended especially for smooth grades and is not recommended for samples over 0.5 mm thick or very permeable papers. The results …

Photoinitiators are substances that are added to printing inks to initiate the curing process upon exposure to UV light. These substances are also potential contaminants in recycled fibers. The compliance of materials can be …

This test, performed by the ISO 3038 standard, is used to evaluate the strength of a glue bond in corrugated cardboard after being immersed in water. The test is especially useful for assessing …

As there is no harmonized EU regulation for using wood in food contact applications, compliance should be assessed based on other resources, such as the …

The influence of factors such as temperature, chemical reactions, and radiation can turn white or colorless materials such as art equipment, paper, and paints yellow. The yellowness number indicates the change in the yellow value of a …

With this test, the pH of water extraction (hot or cold) from a paper, board, or pulp sample is measured. The extraction is performed …