Analytics makes packaging safe and compliant
Hardly any other area is currently as much in the focus of regulatory requirements as packaging materials. The stringent EU Packaging Regulation and REACH Regulation – the EU Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals – are increasingly restricting the use of hazardous or critical substances.
We support you during the comprehensive analysis of packaging materials – whether plastics, paper composites, metals or multilayer packaging. We test specifically for hazardous constituents such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), plasticizers and filler materials, heavy metals and other critical constituents. Our accredited testing activities give you legal certainty and enable you to make well-founded statements about the conformity and material composition of your packaging.
Fast and reliable analysis
of packaging materials
- Fast, precise testing for freedom from halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine)
- Analysis of the total fluorine content (TF) and the sum parameters TOF, AOF and EOF for the evaluation of the overall levels of PFASs
- Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) for the precise quantification of halogens and sulfur in a wide range of sample matrices
- ICP-OES for analysis of heavy metals such as lead and lead compounds
- Plastics inspection with the focus on plasticizers, filler materials and additives
- Analysis of the thermal decomposition behavior
- Determination of the water content of samples using Karl Fischer titration (KFT)
- Analysis for solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
The right test method for every analysis
Combustion ion chromatography (CIC)
Mit der Verbrennungsionenchromatographie (CIC) analysieren wir Verpackungsmaterialien schnell und zuverlässig auf halogenhaltige Verbindungen (F, Cl, Br, I) und Schwefelverbindungen. Der ermittelte Fluorgehalt als Summenparameter (TF) kann als Hinweis auf das mögliche Vorhandensein von PFAS dienen. Das Verfahren eignet sich für Kunststoffe, Papierverbunde und andere brennbare Proben. Es liefert präzise quantitative Ergebnisse zu Halogenen und Schwefel und wird sowohl für die Qualitätskontrolle von Rohstoffen, Zwischen- und Endprodukten als auch zur Überprüfung der Einhaltung regulatorischer Anforderungen eingesetzt.
Optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES)
We use ICP-OES to analyze packaging materials specifically for their inorganic elements, in particular metals and certain non-metals. The method permits the reliable determination of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium or chromium (VI) as well as other REACH-relevant elements. In this way, statutory limits can be reliably checked and conformity as per the EU Packaging Regulation verified.
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
DSC is an effective technique for analyzing the thermal characteristics of packaging materials. It determines melting points, glass transition and decomposition temperatures; it also provides important information about material identification, purity and processing quality. In packaging analysis, this technique helps to detect material changes caused by additives, plasticizers or other REACH-relevant substances. In this way statements can be made about suitability for food contact, long-term stability and recyclability.
Thermogravimetry (TGA)
Using TGA, we analyze the thermal stability and composition of packaging materials. The method precisely determines the proportion of organic and inorganic components, detects decomposition processes and acquires material losses, e.g. due to volatile constituents. In packaging analytics, TGA provides important information about additives, filler materials or other REACH-relevant substances and thus supports quality assurance and the evaluation of recyclability.
Gas chromatography (GC-MS & GC-FID)
Using GC-MS and GC-FID, we analyze packaging materials for solvents, plasticizers, additives, decomposition products and other REACH-relevant substances. Used for VOC analyses, NIAS tests and migration tests, this method supports the verification of conformity with the EU Packaging Regulation.
Karl Fischer titration (KFT)
KFT is a highly sensitive method for determining the water content in packaging materials. It permits the precise analysis of plastics, paper composites and other hygroscopic materials to control moisture as a potential influencing factor on product safety, food compatibility and material stability. KFT is used for both quality assurance and checking conformity with the EU Packaging Regulation and the REACH Regulation.
Added value at Quality Analysis
Speed
You receive from us precise measurement results, even at short notice. We have both the necessary personnel and a large number of analysis systems for the precise analysis of packaging materials.
Variety of analyses
We analyze organic and inorganic substances using various analytical methods in the areas of microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal and wet-chemical analytics.
Analysis systems
Our technical equipment is suitable for all requirements related to packaging analytics. We rely on market leaders such as Spectro, Metrohm, Netzsch, Bruker, Agilent, Hach as well as many others.
Accreditation
The Accreditation of our inspection methods and measuring rooms signifies for you certainty, dependability and objectivity.
Accredited test laboratory
for packaging analytics
Our DAkkS accreditation in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 stands for certified quality and maximum certainty. You benefit from test methods compliant with standards, validated methods and internationally recognized test results. As a reliable partner, we support you during packaging analytics with the verification or exclusion of critical substances such as PFASs and plasticizers – for instance within the framework of the REACH Regulation and the EU Packaging Regulation.
You can read more about the advantages our accreditation offers you here:
Frequently asked questions about the topic of packaging analytics
What does REACH stand for?
The abbreviation REACH stands for registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals. This is the European Union's comprehensive regulation on chemicals (Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006).
Why is packaging testing important in the context of REACH and the EU Packaging Regulation?
Packaging tests help to identify hazardous or regulated substances such as PFASs, plasticizers and heavy metals in packaging materials. This information is crucial for compliance with the REACH Regulation and the EU Packaging Regulation, which place clear requirements on constituents, recyclability and product safety. Without sound analyses, there is a risk of recalls, market bans or liability issues.
Which substances in packaging are assessed particularly critically?
Above all, the focus is on PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium), plasticizers (e.g. phthalates), flame retardants, solvents containing VOCs as well as substances containing nonylphenol. Coatings containing fluorine on paper or cardboard packaging are also increasingly coming into focus. These substances are considered hazardous to the health and extremely persistent; they are therefore subject to strict limits.
What is an NIAS test and when is it required for packaging?
NIAS stands for "non-intentionally added substances". These substances include by-products and decomposition products, impurities or residues, which can occur in particular in plastics with food contact or in recycled materials. The NIAS test identifies these substances and evaluates possible health risks. According to EU regulations, this test is an essential part of the verification of conformity for food packaging.
Quality Analysis
the right partner
for chemical analytics
What can we analyse for you?
We would be pleased to advise you about the numerous possibilities and combined analytical methods. The goal: the best, most cost-effective and most efficient analysis of your material.