Examinationmethods
Compliance status
The compliance status is a summary evaluation of the available information for food law assessment of the specified article and points out any open issues of compliance work.
SML (specific migration limit) analysis of individual substances for compliance assessment
Quantitative analysis of substances with limits (SML, SML(T), QM, QMA etc.) or non-evaluated substances by gas chromatography (e. g. HS-GC, GC/MS), liquid chromatography (e. g. HPLC/MS), mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) in food simulants or foodstuffs after migration or (residual) content determination in the material or article.
10 ppb screening or NIAS screening (non-target analysis) semiquantitative
Semi-quantitative screening for the presence of NIAS (non-intentionally added substances) or some SML substances by GC/MS after migration with food simulant ethanol 95% for foods with hydrophilic or lipophilic properties or simulant E (poly(2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide or Tenax ®) for dry foods. In principle, substances with molecular weights of approx. 100 - 700 Dalton (or approx. 100 -700 g/mol) can be detected.
Heavy metals / metals
Elements according to the Packaging Directive 94/62 / EC (lead, cadmium, total chromium, mercury), EDQM Publication: Metals and alloys in food contact materials or metals in accordance with Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011
Primary aromatic amines photometric sum method
Photometric sum method according to § 64 LFGB method L 00.006
PAA -Primary Aromatic Amines, specific migration by HPLC-MS/MS, multimethod
Primary aromatic amines, specific migration using a multi-method
Mineral oils MOSH, POSH and MOAH
Determination of mineral oil hydrocarbons, MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons), POSH (polyolfin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons) and MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) in food, in food simulants, in packagings or investigation of the barrier of packaging materials against it.
Set-off test from printing inks and laquers according Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006
Laboratory storage test to evaluate the inertness of printed and laquered articles in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006 (GMP), transfer of ink constituents or coating components from the printed surface on the food-contact surface, e. g. in winded reels, stacked hollow bodies, material stacks, materials/objects that are intended for direct food contact, in the laboratory. Specific migrations or NIAS screenings are required afterwards, which must be selected depending on the printing ink/varnish used in order to evaluate whether a migration is occurring (please add additional test).
Residual solvents determination
DIN EN 13628-2 (industrial method), Headspace gas chromatography FID, multi-method, listing of solvents: methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, cyclohexane, acetone, benzene, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), 1-methoxy-2-propanol, toluene, n-propyl acetate, 1-ethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methoxy -1-butanol, isododecane, 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate, 3-butoxy-2-propanol, diacetone alcohol, acetylacetone
Slip agent content in polyolefines, EA (Erucamide) and OA (oleamide), qualitative and quantitative
Slip agents based on fatty acid amides, such as Erucamide and oleamide, are among the most commonly used additives, particularly in polyethylene and polypropylene films. Analysis by GC-MS after solvent extraction, limit of detection ESA 220 ppm, OESA 120 ppm. Lower limits and other materials on request.
Organotin compounds
Determination of organotin compounds (methyltin, butyltin, octyltin, hexyltin and triphenyltin cations) after migration by multimethod.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), content determination
Substances:
acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]peryrene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene,fluoranthene, fluorene, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene, naphthaline, phenanthrene, pyrene.
With extended testing effort additionally: 5-methylchrysene, benzo[c]fluorene, benzo[e]pyrene, benzo[j]fluoranthene, cyclopenta[c,d]pyrene, dibenzo[a,e]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]pyrene, dibenzo[a,i]pyrene, dibenzo[a,l]pyrene
Overall migration acc. Reg. (EU) No 10/2011 standard test conditions (OM 0 - OM 7)
Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 (PIM)/DIN EN 1186 classical food simulants for all filling goods (no alternative tests like Isooctane testing):
A = Ethanol 10 % (v/v), B = Acetic acid 3 % (w/v), C= Ethanol 20 % (v/v), D1 = Ethanol 50 % (v/v), D2 = Vegetable oil, E = poly(2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide) (Tenax ®)
sensory analysis of packaging materials/transition of sensory perceptible substances to (test) foodstuffs
Organoleptic determination of the flavour transition (gustatory, olfactory and trigeminal sensations may be influenced by tactile, thermal, painful and/or kinaestesic effects) from packaging materials to standard test foodstuffs, commonly known as the "Robinson test", as well as change in appearance and odour of the (test) foodstuff.
Total migration rapid tests, alternative simulants or substitute tests
Substitution for food simulants according to Regulation EU 10/2011: In screening for total migration, food simulants may be substituted if, based on scientific evidence, the substitute food simulants overestimate migration compared to the regulated food simulants.
Rapid tests are carried out, for example, with the solvents isooctane (for testing non-polar materials such as polyolefins) or 95 % ethanol (for testing polar materials such as PET).
Test conditions freely configurable according to DIN EN 1186/Directive 97/48/EC alternative simulants and rapid tests with e.g. isooctane, 95 % ethanol.
Total migration special tests / Substitute test OM8 und OM9
Test conditions free configurable according to DIN EN 1186, classical food simulants (exceptionally alternative tests like Isooctane or 95 Vol.-% Ethanol testing):
Simulants: water, A = Ethanol 10 % (v/v), B = Acetic acid 3 % (w/v), C = Ethanol 20 % (v/v), D1= Ethanol 50 % (v/v), D 2= Vegetable oil, E= poly (2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide) (Tenax ®)
Substitute test for OM7 with food simulant D2: OM8 und OM9 according to Resolution (EC) 10/2011
Colourlessness of dyed plastic materials
According to the 24th Communication on the Examination of Plastics, Bundesgesundheitsblatt 15 (1972), there are "(...) no objections to the use of colourants for colouring plastics and other polymers for consumer goods (...) provided that the colourants (...) do not pass on to the foodstuffs even in visible proportions (...) when the consumer goods are used as intended". This requirement can be easily checked with the test available here.
Microbiological examination
Determination of total viabl count, yeasts and moulds resp. enterobacteria
Determination of the migration test temperature (SML and GM) for microwave applications
Tests of specific migration (SML) and overall migration (OM) on plastic articles which are intended for the use in microwave ovens shall be carried out in accordance with EN 1186-1 under the appropriate time and temperature conditions in a conventional oven. For this purpose, the temperature occurring under the worst foreseeable conditions of use at the food/packaging interface during heating of the article under the specified conditions of use shall be determined. This is done using a calibrated microwave oven at the specified heating power.
Seal strength, tensile test on strips (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
Seal strength of machine-made sealings from pouches, sacks, packages, lidding films sealed on trays, cups etc. or sealing samples according DIN 55529 or ASTM F 88 (1 inch or 15 mm wide specimen), DIN EN 868 part 5 appendix D of medical packagings inclusive description of appearance of fracture.
Determination of thickness of plastic films, aluminium foils, plane multilayer-materials and sheets
Determination by mechanical scanning (accredited test method)
Puncture resistance, quasi-statical (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
Test performed with Zwick, tensile, compression tester, testing speed 25 resp. 100 mm/min. Tests carried out at room temperature for the standard price. For tests in the thermal chamber additional charge. The minimum and maximum technically feasible temperature ranges are dependent on the material. We will gladly advise you.
Bond strength/peel force of laminates/multi-layer films/bondings (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
DIN 53357 A (historical)/ASTM F 904/DIN EN ISO 11339 peel test after separation of the laminated layers (accredited test method). In addition to determining the peel force to delaminate the laminate, we also evaluate and document the delamination characteristics resp. the delamination mechanism (peeling off of the printing ink?Remaining of the adhesive layer? Tearing of the film ? Transfer of ink to the opposite side of the material ? ...)
Surface resistance/resistivity
With circular electrode or polymeric blade electrode (Bayer electrode). Documentation in report as direct result (depending on electrode) and surface resistivity. Conditioning as agreed, measurements even under conditions deviating from the standard climate of 23°C/50% r. h. possible in climate chamber.
Tensile test paper, sealing strength of paper samples
Paper DIN EN ISO 1924-2 determination of tensile strength, stretch at break,TEA (accredited test method)
DIN EN 868-4 Annexe C, measuring the seal strength of machine-made bags or sealed samples made of paper
Gelboflextest/Brugger KFT
Wrinkle test in which a piece of film of approx. DIN A 4 size is cylindrically wrung up at an angle of max. 440 ° in the Brugger KFT tester.
Usually 100 cycles are performed, afterwards the sample is tested e. g. on hole formation, delamination, oxygen or water vapour transmission rate, optical density or the like. The base price includes the examination of max. 4 sheets over 100 cycles at an angle of max. 440 °. Other test conditions are available upon request, calculation according to time spent. Minimum sample size 280 mm x 200 mm.
Storage test/accelerated ageing in lab drying oven or refrigerator (controlled temperature)
Storage tests with or without filling good for estimating the long-term stability of materials and packages. The storage tests, depending on the requirements, could be carried out in lab drying oven (convection), refrigerator, explosion-protected heating chamber (e. g. solvent-based media, T1 - T3 max. 105 °C; T 4 max. 70 °C), climate chamber (humidity and temperature controlled, temperature and humidity cycles possible). Please select the appropriate method to avoid unnecessary costs.
Tests according to this method serve to accelerate the estimation of material ageing, e.g. also with regard to resistance to chemicals, foodstuffs or other filling materials for long-term applications. This is an assessment of purely technical aspects. For the assessment of food law conformity, please refer to the relevant legal regulations. For initial sampling, we strongly recommend parallel testing under real storage conditions to validate the validity of accelerated ageing tests.
To prepare an offer, we need the following details/information:
What type of packaging is to be tested (size, filling volume)?
How many packages are to be stored?
Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing?
What kind of filling material is involved (CAS No./Safety Data Sheet)?
How long should the packages be stored?
Under which ambient conditions should the packages be stored (temperature, controlled relative humidity)?
Tensile test aluminium films
DIN EN 546-2 determination of tensile strength RM, max. load Fmax, elongation at break A100 oder A50
Wetting tension (e. g. for determination of Corona treatment intensity)
Suitable for plastic films and sheets (Union Carbide test) as well as for plastic coatings on paper and other substrates. The test is carried out by wetting the material surface by coloured inks with specified wetting tension for determination of the critical surface tension. Standard parameter for the assessment of surface tension after corona treatment (also called "dyn-number"). Also suitable for troubleshooting e.g. anti-sealing effect, reverse side treatment, blocking or corona perforation.
Linear dimensional changes/dimensional stability/temperature stability of films and sheets
Determination of linear dimensional changes after exposure to temperature (till ca. 175°C, depending on material) of plastic films and sheets. Please select test temperature. We recommend the examination of shrinkage or shrinking stress for shrink films.
Tear resistance (also folded edges), (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
Methods available: trapezoid, trouser, on request: FhG leaflet 6 part 9 (folded edges, trapezoide - extra charge!), Graves
Abrasion test of printings acc. Dr. Ruf method
Determination of abrasion resistance of printings, laqcuers etc. The test can be performed dry (as received), wet (after immersion in water) or after storage in liquid media/filling goods respectively after other pretreatments (sterilization, UV irradiation).
Seal resistance of printings or coatings (heat resitance)
Over sealing of the sample by laboratory sealer against fine paper with smooth or structurated sealing bars, determination of max Ts [°C] till deterioration of printing or laquer (adhesion, discoloration) with constant ps [N/cm²], ts [s].
Sealing/welding properties of films/hot-tack test of films
Only suitable for flexible films. Production and testing of sealed or welded seams with our hot-tack tester (KOPP device) in accordance with ASTM F 1921. The tests are carried out using previously agreed parameters. To create sealing curves individual parameters are varied, e.g. for determining the dependence of the sealing properties on the sealing temperature Ts [° C]. Of course, sealing curves can also be determined depending on cooling time [ms], sealing pressure ps [N / cm], sealing time ts [s] or testing speed [m/s]. Usually a parameter is varied over 5 equal steps and the results are plotted graphically as a function of the variables (accredited test).
Fat permeability/fat density
Testing of paper, coated paper or plastic films with dyed palm kernel fat. The sample is coated with the test fat on the test side, then the glass plate and, if necessary, additional weights are placed on top. After the exposure time has elapsed, the fat passages with a size of up to 1 mm visible to the naked eye on the display paper within the defined test area are evaluated. If only fat penetrations up to 1.0 mm are observed, the test is considered to have been passed; in the case of fat penetrations with a size above 1 mm, the test is to be carried out under a more moderate test condition (a "worse" fat permeability group).
Impact resistance by the free-falling dart method – Instrumented puncture test
Impact resistance test in a drop impact tester, test speed approx. 4.4 m/s, for simulating impact-like stresses similar to the test of the drop hammer method (Dart Drop). In comparison to the Dart Drop test, the determination of the characteristic value is done electronically by means of a piezo force sensor in the drop probe as well as a light gate for deformation measurement and not by iterative variation of the impact mass (staircase method). Therefore, in addition to the damage force, results are also obtained for the deformation to fracture or the damage work. An older method according to specifications of the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging also allows testing of folded edges on premature damage.
Weathering test/lightfastness - artificial irradiation in the laboratory device/UV test
DIN EN ISO 4892-2; with filtered xenon arc lamp, sample area max. 240 x 400 mm²); with water sprinkling (water spray) or dry. It is also possible to determine the light fastness, e.g. of printing inks or dyed materials, according to the so-called wool scale (light fastness scale according to DIN ISO 12040 fastness level 1-8).
Curling or flatness
The curling of sheet materials depends generally on temperature and conditioning state. So multilayer materials made of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion or unequal expansion/shrinkage due to deviating hygroscopic tendency may tend to curl caused by a kind of bi-metall effect. In addition to that excessive mechanical stress in the processing of rolls can lead ot curling.
Fat-repellent impregnation of paper, lipophobic properties, Kit test
Formerly 3M kit test, classification of fat impregnation of papers by wetting tests with solutions based on castor oil, n-heptane and toluene. If the fat impermeability of plastic coatings/lacquers, e.g. on paper, is to be tested, please select the "fat permeability/fat density" method.
Shrinkage stress measurement of plastic films
Isothermal or dynamic measurement, temperature range from 40 to 140° C, MD or TD, including measurement of the contraction force after cooling in accordance with ISO 14616.
Tensile test paper wet strength
DIN ISO 3781 determination of wet breaking load after immersion in water, calculation of relative wet strength relating to initial strength of paper conditioned under standard climate.
Shear strength of glued seams (temperature range - 40 to +120° C)
5 pieces of 15 mm wide strips are taken from the seam and tested in a tensile tester under shear stress. The maximum force until the seam breaks is determined.
Anti-dew (anti-fog) test
Examination of transparent films or packages for anti-dew properties, as cold fog (storage in refrigerator T = 6° C) and/or hot fog (filling with hot tap water T = 60° C and storage at T = 23° C). The bedewing of the sample is forced by falling below the dew point, visually assessed and photographically documented.
Microtome section/ cross-sectional image
Cross section of films, moulded forms, sealed seams etc., thickness determination of visible layers included,with reflected or transmitted light microscope (accredited test method).
Density of plastic materials
DIN EN ISO 1183-1, of mono films, granules, moulded articles etc. made of polyolefins, PVC, or Polyamide. PET samples must have a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm, thin PET films cannot be tested with this method.
Coating quantity/weight of adhesives, lacquers, coatings, hotmelts, cold sealants
Gravimetric determination according FhG information sheet 11 part 1, results in [g/m²]
Note: The application weight of the cured reactive adhesives or laquer systems (e. g. polyurethane laminating adhesive in composite films or epoxy laqueres) mostly can not be determined, because the method works only by removability of the layer to be tested, e.g. by dissolving under usage of solvents. We recommend in such cases an orienting light microscopic measurement of the adhesive or lacquer layer thickness by means of a microtome cross section.
Microscopic examination with light microscopy, photographic documentation included
Microscopic examination of any samples. Invoicing according to time spent.
Moisture content/water content (residual moisture)
The choice of the appropriate method depends essentially on the expected moisture content. Higher water contents can be determined gravimetrically well with the drying oven technique. When lower water contents are expected, the water selective Karl Fischer titration should be chosen, as incorrect measurements, for example by other volatile matters can be excluded. The Karl Fischer method is, however, not intended for determination of higher water contents.
Haze/transparency
Method for quantification of the optical properties of transparent or translucent materials (not coulored opaque or metallized). The test method describes the hazing of a film caused by light scattering. A low haze value characterizes a low turbidity equivalent to a good visibility of details of filling goods or labels lying behind or under the film. By increasing the haze value, the "frosted glass effect" increases, i.e. details such as labels are ultimately only recognisable when in direct contact with the film surface.
ASTM D 1003 = calibration without compensation port, DIN ISO 13468 = calibration with compensation port.
The measured values differ slightly, but the measurements are basically carried out according to the same principle.
Gloss measurement
Reflectometer measurement to determine the degree of gloss. The measuring angle depends on the surface of the sample (measuring angle: high glossy: 20°, medium glossy: 60°, matt glossy: 85°).
Opacity measurement
The measurements are carried out using a spectrophotometer according to ISO 2471 or DIN 6125. An opacity card (Leneta) type 2 a serves as a black and white base according to DIN 6125.
Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) plastic films, laminates, coated papers and aluminium foils
Measurement is performed using the water vapor specific hydrolysis method. Usually deviating from the standard as a double determination.
Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils, etc.
Coulombmetric (oxygen specific) carrier gas method Method (Ametek/ Mocon). Usually deviating from the standard as a double determination
Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) of moulded parts, packages, pouches, bottles, etc. (only suitable for barrier materials, see also "i")
The measurement is carried out by using the the water vapor specific hydrolysis method, which allows to detect even the lowest permeabilities precisely and reproducibly. Besides the standard parameters offered, measurements can be carried out under a wide variety of temperature and humidity conditions.
Attention: This method is only suitable for packs with a good water vapour barrier. Materials with high permeation coefficients, e.g. PA, thermoplastic starch or PLA, cannot be measured due to excessive permeation.
Tightness, leakage test/pores/micro-holes/defects
These tests are used to locate defects, leaks, micro-holes (pinholes), leakages and so on in packagings, pouches, bags and films. Depending on the problem and material, various methods are used, e.g. gas detection, dye penetration, chemical copper deposition, resistance against water or visual inspection on standardized light box. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be pleased to assist you in selecting a suitable method for your questions.
To submit an offer, we need the following information:
What kind of packaging should be tested (size, filling volume)?
How many packages should be stored?
Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing?
Which contents are involved (CAS no./safety data sheet)?
Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), gravimetric test
Gravimetric determination of WVTR acc. DIN 53122 or DIN 12572/12086. We recommend the measurement by hydrolysis method acc. ISO 15106-3 (hist DIN 53122-2). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR)/ Sd- value (water vapour diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness)
Determination of the Sd value according to the gravimetric method on diffusion open and diffusion inhibiting materials with Sd values of approx. 0.03- 10 m ( equivalent to a WVTR of approx. 4- 800 g/(m²xd) depending on the material and test conditions) as a quintuple determination. For diffusion-inhibiting, diffusion-blocking and diffusion-proof materials with Sd values of approx. 10- >1500 m (corresponds to a WVTR of approx. 0.005- 125 g/(m²xd) depending on the material and test conditions), we recommend the more rapid and more cost-effective electrolysis method (then deviating from the standard as a double determination).
Nitrogen transmission rate (N2 TR) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, alufoils etc.
Testing performed with the manometric method acc. DIN 53380 T 2 resp. ISO 15105-1 (Brugger-method), also comparable to ASTM D 1434-procedure M. Usually deviating from the standard as a double determination.
Determination of (residual) oxygen and carbon dioxide content in ready-made packages
(Residual) oxygen and carbon dioxide content in sealed containers of any kind provided with modified gas atmosphere (MAP), e. g. cups, bottles, pouches, trays. The testing can be carried out with filled as well as empty packages. The method is not suitable for testing vacuum packages. Basic price, measurement of 5 emptied and cleaned packages included, additional measurements according to time.
Permeation (air, methane, helium, argon, others on request) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils
The method enables permeation measurement of permanent gases according to the non-selective manometric method. The measurement is only possible with dry gas (0% relative humidity).
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