The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which was drafted by the European Union in line with its circular economy goals and is expected to take effect in 2025, provides a comprehensive legal framework that directly affects not only waste management but also the chemical safety of packaging. This regulation introduces new mandatory requirements for all manufacturers who place packaged products or packaging itself on the European market. One of the most important components of the PPWR is the strict control of chemical substances that may be present in packaging materials and could pose a risk to human health and the environment. In this context, the scope and significance of the analytical tests that packaging manufacturers must perform to demonstrate the chemical safety of their products have increased significantly. At Nano-Test Labor Services, we have the technical infrastructure and regulatory expertise to meet all analytical requirements imposed by the PPWR.
PFAS and Total Fluorine Analysis: Monitoring the “Forever Chemicals”
The PPWR introduces strict limits on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in packaging materials. In particular, for packaging that comes into contact with food, the placing on the market of materials containing PFAS will be phased out. This regulation requires manufacturers to provide analytical evidence that their products are free of PFAS. At Nano-Test Laboratories, we offer two complementary analytical strategies to ensure compliance with PPWR regulations:
- Total Fluorine Analysis: Detection of organofluorine compounds in packaging materials as a screening parameter. This analysis, performed using flame ionization chromatography (CIC), provides a rapid and reliable preliminary assessment of the presence of PFAS.
- Targeted PFAS Analyses: Determination of specific PFAS compounds (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, etc.) with low limits of quantification using an LC-MS/MS system. Our analyses are conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL).
Heavy Metal Analyses and Migration Tests
In addition to the final disposal of packaging (recycling or composting), PPWR’s work also focuses on monitoring substances that may migrate into food when the packaging comes into contact with the product it contains. In this context, determining the total concentrations of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium) is a critical requirement, particularly for packaging that contains recycled materials. Nano-Test performs the analysis of these metals in the ppb range using ICP-MS and ICP-OES instruments.
In addition, for packaging that comes into contact with food, testing for overall migration and specific migration are fundamental requirements under the PPWR and the relevant EU legislation (1935/2004/EC and 10/2011/EU).
Our laboratory conducts migration tests using appropriate food simulants under specific temperature and time conditions and evaluates the results against the relevant regulatory limits.
NIAS, MOSH/MOAH, Bisphenols, and Phthalates: Expanded Chemical Risk Assessment
PPWR compliance is not limited to the control of known and regulated substances. Regulatory authorities are increasingly requiring the detection and risk assessment of unintentionally added substances (NIAS) that may inadvertently arise during the manufacturing process of packaging materials. Nano-Test performs the screening and identification of NIAS using high-resolution instruments such as GC-MS and LC-QTOF-MS and evaluates the resulting data in accordance with toxicological risk assessment principles.
Contamination with mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) remains a significant problem, particularly in recycled cardboard and paper packaging. In our laboratory, we perform separate quantitative determinations of the MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons) and MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) fractions using an LC-GC-FID system. We also offer analysis on our LC-MS/MS and GC-MS platforms for bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenol analogs, as well as phthalate esters (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP) under specific migration conditions, the use of which is restricted in plastic packaging. Analyses for primary aromatic amines (PAA) are required, particularly for multilayer packaging that contains azo dyes or in the manufacture of which adhesives based on aromatic polyurethane were used, in accordance with the PPWR Regulation and the corresponding Plastic Applications Regulation.
Beyond Analysis: Technical Consulting on PPWRs
Our customers’ needs extend beyond analytical measurements. Given the complex PPWR regulations, many manufacturers seek technical support to determine which tests are required for their product group, what limit values apply, and how the analysis results should be incorporated into the declaration of conformity. At Nano-Test Labor Services, we offer comprehensive PPWR technical consulting that complements our analytical services. Based on the composition of your packaging material, its intended use, and the requirements of the target market, we determine the necessary testing package, interpret the results in accordance with legal regulations, and assist you in preparing the required technical documentation for your approval applications.
To ensure your exports to the European market, facilitate a smooth transition to the PPWR, and document the chemical safety of your products in accordance with international standards, we are here to support you with Nano-Test’s expert staff and our GLP-compliant analytical infrastructure.