The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) developed by the European Union in line with its circular economy objectives and is expected to come into force in 2025 provides a comprehensive legal framework not only directly affects waste management, but also the chemical safety of packaging. This regulation introduces new binding obligations for all manufacturers who bring packaged products or packaging to the European market themselves. One of the most important components of PPWR is the strict control of chemical substances that may be contained in packaging materials and could pose a risk to human health and the environment. In this context, the scope and importance of the analytical tests that packaging manufacturers have to carry out to demonstrate the chemical safety of their products have increased significantly. As Nano-Test Labor Services we have the technical infrastructure and regulatory expertise to meet all the analytical requirements imposed by the PPWR.
PFAS and Total Fluorine Analysis: Control of Eternal Chemicals
The PPWR introduces strict limits for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances in packaging materials. Especially in the case of packaging that comes into contact with food, the placing on the market of PFAS-containing materials is gradually prohibited. This regulation entails the obligation for manufacturers to analytically prove that their products are free of PFAS. In the Nano test laboratories, we offer two complementary analysis strategies to comply with PPWR regulations:
- Total Fluorine Analysis (Total Fluorine): Detection of organofluoro compounds in packaging materials as screening parameters. This analysis, carried out by flame ion chromatography (CIC), provides a quick and reliable pre-assessment of the presence of PFAS.
- Targeted PFAS analyses: Determination of certain PFAS compounds (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHXS, etc.) with low quantification limits using an LC-MS/MS system. Our analyzes are carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the European Union (EURL) reference laboratory.
Heavy Metal Analysis and Migration Tests
In addition to the final disposal of the packaging (recycling or composting), the control of substances that can turn into food during the interaction with the contained product is also the focus of the work of PPWR. In this context, the determination of the total concentrations of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium) is a crucial requirement, especially for packaging containing recycled ingredients. NANO-TEST performs the determination of these metals in the PPB range with ICP-MS and ICP-OES devices.
In addition, for packaging that comes into contact with food, the tests Overall Migration (Overall Migration) and to specific migration Basic requirements within the framework of the PPWR and the relevant EU legislation (1935/2004/EC and 10/2011/EU).
Our laboratory performs migration tests under certain temperature and time conditions using suitable food simulants and evaluates the results based on the relevant legal limits.
Nias, MOSH/MOAH, Bisphenols and Phthalates: Advanced Chemical Risk Assessment
The PPWR conformity is not limited to the control of known and regulated substances. The proof and risk assessment of Added Substances (NIAS), which may unintentionally arise during the manufacturing process of packaging materials, are increasingly required by the supervisory authorities. Nano-Test performs screening and identification of NIAS using high-resolution devices such as GC-MS and LC-QTOF-MS and evaluates the data obtained in the context of toxicological risk assessment principles.
Contamination with mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) continues to pose a significant problem, especially in recycled cardboard and paper packaging. The separate quantitative determination of the fractions MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons) and MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons) takes place in our laboratory using an LC-GC-FID system. We also offer the analysis of Bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenol analogues as well as from phthalate esters (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP) under specific migration conditions whose use in plastic packaging is restricted. Analyzes for Primary Aromatic Amines (PAA) are required in particular for multi-layered packaging containing azo dyes or which have been used to produce aromatic polyurethane-based adhesives in the context of the PPWR Ordinance and the corresponding plastics application regulation.
Beyond the analysis: Technical advice on PPWR
The requirements of our customers are not limited to analytical measurements. In view of the complex PPWR rules, many manufacturers are looking for technical support to clarify which tests are mandatory for their product group, which limit values apply and how the analysis results are to be taken into account in the declaration of conformity. As a Nano-Test Labor Services, we offer a comprehensive PPWR technical advice that complements our analytical services. In accordance with the composition of your packaging material, the intended use and the requirements of the target market, we determine the required test package, interpret the results in accordance with the legal regulations and support you in preparing the necessary technical documentation for your approval applications.
In order to secure your export to the European market, to make the PPWR transition process smooth and to document the chemical safety of your products according to international standards, we are at your side with the specialist staff at NANO-TEST and our GLP-compliant analytical infrastructure.