Migration of microplastics from food contact materials & packaging

Analysis for quantifying dioxins and furans (PCDD/F) in various packaging materials (e.g. food and cosmetics packaging) and their raw materials, including plastics, paper, and rubber. 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 and feed, packaging materials can be a source of indirect exposure to dioxins and furans. Recycled materials tend to pose relatively high risks, depending on the quality of the raw material and the effectiveness of the decontamination process. The following substances are included in the analysis: Dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) 2,3,7,8-TCDD. 2,3,7,8-TCDF. 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD. 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF. 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD. 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF. 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD. 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF. 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD. 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF. 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD. 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF. OCDD. 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF. 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF. 1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF. OCDF. Testing is often performed for the following reasons: Analyzing recycled PE, PP, and LDPE intended for cosmetics packaging according to CosPaTox guidelines., Analyzing paper and board bleached with elementary chlorine according to the requirements of TemaNord 2008:515 guidelines..

Determination of the total organic fluorine (TOF) content in combustible materials using combustion ion chromatography (CIC). By default, TOF is analyzed as total fluorine (TF). If required, total inorganic fluorine (TIF) can be measured as well, and TOF calculated as the difference between TF and TIF. 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.

Content of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in plastic and rubber and products made from them (e.g., toys, kitchenware) according to AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK. If PAH levels are sufficiently low, the product may be granted a GS mark (a voluntary German product safety label). The test package includes the following substances: 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] , Benzo(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(j)fluoranthene [CAS: 205-82-3] , Benzo(e)pyrene [CAS: 192-97-2] , Benzo(a)pyrene [benzo(def)chrysene] [CAS: 50-32- 8] , Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene [CAS: 193-39-5] , Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene [CAS: 53-70-3] , Benzo(g,h,i)perylene [CAS: 191-24-2].

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: Exhaustive solvent extraction after cutting or cryogrinding of the sample, 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.

Targeted screening and quantification of 164 PFAS compounds in various materials with accredited in-house methods based on ISO 23702-1, CNS 15808, and CEN/TS 15968. The service includes both LC-MS/MS analysis of low-volatility PFAS and GC-MS/MS analysis of volatile PFAS substances. 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.

Cyclosiloxanes are the primary building blocks of siloxane polymers and, ultimately, silicone rubber. Hence, cyclosiloxanes can remain in the final silicone article as residual impurities. Several cyclosiloxanes (D4, D5, D6; see table below) are considered harmful to the environment and human health. These three substances are listed in the REACH Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC). Substance Abbreviation CAS N:o Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane D4 556-67-2 Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane D5 541-02-6 Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane D6 540-97-6 The Nordic Swan Ecolabel criteria for greaseproof paper sets the limit values for D4, D5, and D6 impurities in silicone coating as 400 ppm per substance and 1000 ppm for the sum of D4, D5, and D6. In addition to the restricted substances listed above, this analysis package includes the quantification of cyclosiloxanes D3, D7, and D8.

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.

Analysis of PAH compounds in plastic, rubber, paper, board, and products made from these raw materials (e.g., textiles, toys, packaging materials) as required by the REACH Regulation. Test package includes the following substances: Benzo(a)pyrene [benzo(def)chrysene] [CAS: 50-32-8] , Benzo(e)pyrene [CAS: 192-97-2] , Benzo(a)anthracene [CAS: 56-55-3] , Chrysene [CAS: 218-01-9] , Benzo(b)fluoranthene [CAS: 205-99-2] , Benzo(j)fluoranthene [CAS: 205-82-3] , Benzo(k)fluoranthene [CAS: 207-08-9], Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene [CAS: 53-70-3].

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

Printing ink set-off can occur on the reverse side of printed labels, lids, cups, and packaging film, either in a stack or in the reel after printing. This creates a potential for low-molecular-weight substances to transfer to the unprinted surface of the packaging that makes contact with the packed contents. We offer two food simulant options for set-off testing: Ethanol solution for plastic and polymer-coated materials, Simulant E (Tenax) for the above and paper and board. The price includes a simple risk assessment based on the Swiss Ordinance for printing inks (SR 817.023.21), EU regulations for food contact materials, and EFSA's Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. More extensive risk assessment is available upon request.