Targeted PFAS analyzes according to PPWR: complete compliance by identifying specific compounds

While the Total Fluorine Analysis allows a comprehensive screening of the organofluoro content of a packaging material, Targeted PFAS analyzes are the next mandatory step to get the source of a positive finding identify and demonstrate compliance with the legal limits. The PPWR Regulation of the European Union and related legislation (e.g. the REACH restriction list, the Plastics Regulation 10/2011/EU) define clearly defined limits and prohibitions for certain PFAS connections. In order to confirm the legal conformity of a packaging product, it is therefore essential to quantify which specific PFAS compounds are present in the sample and at what concentrations. Nano-Test offers targeted PFAS analyzes in accordance with the guidelines of the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) in our LC-MS/MS laboratory, which according to ISO 17025 accreditation and the GLP principles works.

Scope of Targeted PFAS Analysis and Regulatory Context

Targeted PFAS analysis is the quantitative determination of specific PFAS compounds listed in a predefined list using a validated analysis method. The standard PFAS panel offered by Nano-Test covers the compounds that are most common in packaging materials and are the focus of the supervisory authorities:

• Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (PFCA): PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFNA (perfluoronanic acid), PFDA (perfluorodecanoic acid), Pfunda (perfluorundecanoic acid) and compounds with other chain lengths.
• Perfluorosulfonic Acids (PFSA): PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFHXS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid), PFBS (perfluorobutanesulfonic acid).
• Other regulated PFAS compounds: short-chain alternatives such as PFHXA (perfluorohexanoic acid), GENX compounds (HFPO-DA and its salts) and PFHPA (perfluoroheptanoic acid).

The selection of these compounds was made taking into account not only the PPWR, but also the restrictions in Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation, the list of persistent organic pollutants (POP) of the Stockholm Convention and national regulations for materials containing food come into contact (e.g. the national PFAS limits in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands).

Depending on the specific requirements of our customers, the scope of the analysis can be expanded to include additional connections.

Analytical methodology: high selectivity and sensitivity with LC-MS/MS

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is considered a reference method for targeted PFAS analysis. This technique enables the determination of the target compounds with high selectivity and sensitivity, even in complex packaging matrices. The analysis method used by Nano Test includes the following steps:

1. Sample preparation and extraction: After the packaging sample has been homogenized, it undergoes a solvent extraction process optimized to ensure quantitative recovery of the target PFAS compounds from the matrix. In this phase, isotope-labeled internal standards (e.g., 13 C-PFOA, 13 C-PFOS) are added to separately correct the extraction efficiency and matrix effects for each sample.
2. LC-MS/MS analysis: After the extract has been separated on a reverse-phase liquid chromatography column, it is fed to a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer (QQQ). Each target PFAS connection is monitored via a unique precursor ion and two different production transitions. One transition is for quantitative determination, while the other acts as a qualifier. This Multi-Reaction Monitoring (MRM) strategy ensures maximum analytical reliability by minimizing the risk of false positive results.
3. Quality Control and Validation: With each analysis run, the parameters of the method of recovery rate, sensitivity (LOD/LOQ) and repeatability are continuously based on procedure blind samples, matrix-added samples and certified reference materials (CRMS) monitored. Our laboratory uses validated methods that meet the performance criteria defined in the EURL guidelines.

Of total fluorine results for targeted analysis: an integrated test strategy

In Nano-Test, the PPWR-PFAS compliance strategy, which we recommend to our customers, is based on structuring the overall fluorine and targeted PFAS analyses as a two-stage, complementary process. A positive signal from the overall fluorine analysis serves as a trigger to determine which specific PFAS compounds need to be investigated. This integrated approach allows our customers to avoid unnecessary and costly analyses while ensuring completeness required by PPWR. The results of the targeted analysis are compared with the relevant legal limits to assess conformity, and our final report clearly and clearly interprets the impact of the results in the regulatory context.

In order to fully document the PFAS compliance of your packaging intended for export to the European market, please contact our team of experts to learn more about Nano-Test's targeted PFAS analysis services and integrated PPWR advice. experience.