Elements (Cd, Al, Hg, Pb) in aqueous extracts of paper and board

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 national legislation of member states. This test package is based on the requirements of French Information note n°2012-93 (Note d'information n° 2012-93) for coated and non-coated wood intended for food contact. The following analyses are included in the displayed price: Test parameter Test method/standard Method of extraction or preparation Transfer of odor and flavor into food DIN 10955 Water extract or contact with model food Heavy metals in water extract (Pb, Cd, Hg) ICP-MS Cold or hot water extract (EN 645 / EN 647) Formaldehyde in water extract EN 1541 Cold or hot water extract (EN 645 / EN 647) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB118, PCB153, PCB180) GC-MS In-house method Pentachlorophenol (PCP) content GC-MS CEN/TR 14823 In addition to the tests listed above, a pesticide screening should be performed for wood treated with antifungal substances (so-called "anti-blue" protection). The analysis covers 715 substances and is available for an additional cost of 298 EUR. In most cases, this test package is sufficient to establish food contact compliance of non-coated wood or articles thereof. If the wood has been coated with a lacquer or varnish, has been painted, or contains adhesives, complementary testing could be required (e.g., migration of primary aromatic amines, migration of mineral oil (MOSH/POSH and MOAH hydrocarbons). Our experts are happy to support you by reviewing the documentation of the coating material and/or the adhesive to determine the full scope of required testing.

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 migration by the German BfR Recommendation XXXVI. The migration limit for formaldehyde is 1.0 mg/dm² of paper or board. Formaldehyde is used in various chemicals and additives that are used in paper and board production.

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 be detectable in 1 kg of the finished product.

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 645) or hot water (EN 647). Testing is relevant for materials and products containing, for example: polyurethane-based sizing agents, recycled fibers, azo dyes. Per the current regulations, the detection limit is 0.002 mg/kg for individual PAAs; the detection limit for the sum of PAAs 0.01 mg/kg.

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: 2634-33-5), 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MIT, CAS: 2682-20-4), 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CMIT, CAS: 26172-55-4), CMIT/MIT mixture (CAS: 55965-84-9). Maximum content limits for isothiazolinones are specified in several EU directives and regulations, including the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, the Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, and the Food Contact Plastics Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.

Determination of the total organic fluorine (TOF) content in combustible materials by combustion ion chromatography (CIC). TOF analysis gives information about the total amount of organic fluorinated compounds. It can also be used to evaluate the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the material, even though individual PFAS compounds can't be analyzed with this method. The analysis is suitable for many different materials. Please describe the sample in detail when requesting an offer to help us prepare a quote quickly.

We offer bisphenol A (BPA) content determination for various matrices, including: Consumer goods made from plastic, elastomers, and rubber, Toys and childcare articles, Food packaging (plastic, paper, multi-materials), Food (herbs, spices, nuts, coffee, etc.). Extraction is possible with various techniques, including: Cold water extract (EN 645), hot water extract (EN 647), or solvent extract (EN 15519) from packaging containing recycled fibers for compliance according to German BfR recommendation XXXVI, Acetonitrile extract of food contact materials for compliance according to French regulation LOI n° 2012-1442, Release into aqueous simulant from child care articles for compliance according to EN 14372 and EN 14350, Release into aqueous simulant from toys for compliance according to Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. For food contact materials, we also offer a low LOD method that meets the 1 μg/kg detection limit specified in Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190. Our experts are happy to provide a quote for BPA testing with this method.

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 or elements from the list below: Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, Ir, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr. NOTE: The price is applicable for the first measured element. The price for extra elements from the same sample is 40 €/element.

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 evaluate the overall presence or absence of PFAS compounds, even though this method cannot identify individual PFAS. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and a quote for your sample batch.

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 solution (saliva simulant), Distilled water. Color transfer is assessed against a greyscale according to standard EN 646.