Packaging Material Testing
Definition
According to Article 3 of European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC, 'packaging` means all products made of any materials of any nature used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of goods, from raw materials to processed goods, from the producer to the user or the consumer.
Purpose
To prevent any impact thereof on the environment or to reduce such impact, thus providing a high level of environmental protection.
Limited Value
Sum of Pb, Cd, Hg and Cr(Ⅵ) shall not exceed 100ppm according to Directive 94/62/EC.
Test Objects
Packing carton, wood frame, spool box, plastic bag, bubble bag, polyfoam, fixing equipment, sheet, cordage, dope, ink, tape, mucus, cable tie, label, instruction, etc.
EU Packaging Directive Testing
What is the EU Packaging Directive?
The aim of the EU packaging directive is to ensure that no one who is responsible for packing or filling products into packaging or importing packed or filled packaging into Europe, may place that packaging on the market unless it fulfils the essential requirements and is within the heavy metal concentration limits.
What are the requirements under the directive?
The essential requirements under the directive are, in summary:
The packaging volume and weight must be the minimum amount to maintain the necessary levels of safety, hygiene and acceptance for the packed product and for the consumer
The packaging must be manufactured so as to permit reuse or recovery in accordance with specific requirements
Hazardous substances within the packaging must be minimised in emissions, ash or leaching from incineration or landfill
In addition to this there are heavy metals limits for cadmium, mercury, lead and chrome VI in packaging and packaging components. The total weight of such metals should not exceed 100ppm.
How do I comply with the directive?
The key to compliance with the packaging directive is through good record keeping; enforcement officers may assess the compliance of any packaging by requesting technical documentation on both the packaging essential requirements and the heavy metal limits. The documentation must be produced within 28 days of being requested.
Why do I need to comply with the directive?
Failure to comply with the requirements under the packaging directive could result in a variety of measures including recall of the product, withdrawal from the market, and rejections during import.
Adhesives Testing
Adhesives testing to identify restricted substances in products
Due to the complex nature of adhesives, it is not surprising that a large number of chemicals restricted or otherwise, can be found within them. Some of the chemicals likely to be found in adhesives are classed as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) and include substances such as formaldehyde, phthalates, flame retardants and biocidal products. The European Union (EU) regulation REACH, legislates the permitted limits of SVHCs within consumer products for the region.
It is important to test adhesives used in consumer products in order to ensure that they do not contain restricted chemicals in levels above the maximum concentration limits, as stipulated in legislation.
Chemical tests and analysis for adhesives
Formaldehyde Testing
Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that is classed as an SVHC and is therefore regulated under REACH. Formaldehyde is widely used in industrial manufacturing and is found in everyday consumer products such as handbags, footwear, accessories, garments, beauty and cosmetic products.
Phthalates Testing
Phthalates are high production volume chemicals used primarily as plasticizers in polyvinylchloride (PVC) and Polyurethane (PU) products. There are several different kinds of phthalates used for a wide variety of consumer products including toys, garments, footwear, accessories, luggage and food contact materials. Phthalates are also classed as an SVHC and regulated under REACH.
California Proposition 65 Screening
Adhesives can be screened to indicate the likelihood of chemical compliance with United States (US) regulation California Proposition 65. This is an essential regulation to test against if you are importing products into the US.
PAH Testing
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100 different chemicals which can be found in leather, rubber, plastics, lubricants, paints and other products. PAHs are classes as SVHCs and are regulated by REACH.
REACH Screening
Adhesives can be screened to indicate the likelihood of chemical compliance with REACH regulation, an essential regulation to test against if you are importing, manufacturing or retailing products into the EU.
Flame Retardants Testing
Flame retardant chemicals are added to or treat potentially flammable materials, including textiles and plastics, and are often found in thermoplastics, thermosets, textiles, and coatings that inhibit or resist the spread of fire. Flame retardants are regulated by a number of EU legislations, including REACH, RoHS, Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Water Framework Directive (WFD).
