EN 13727 Antibacterial Testing of Packaging Materials
The European Standard EN 13727 is specifically designed to evaluate the effectiveness of antibacterial properties in packaging materials. This standard ensures that packaging intended for food and other sensitive products meets stringent hygiene requirements, thereby protecting consumer health.
Quality managers and compliance officers must ensure their packaging adheres to these standards to avoid legal issues and maintain brand integrity. R&D engineers and procurement teams play crucial roles in selecting compliant materials and ensuring product safety throughout the supply chain.
The test involves exposing samples of packaging material to various bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria are chosen for their potential to cause foodborne illnesses. After exposure, the number of viable bacterial cells is counted before and after the test period.
The primary goal is to demonstrate that the packaging material can significantly reduce bacterial populations on its surface. The reduction factor (Rf) is calculated as follows:
Rf = (Log N0 - Log N1) / Log N0
where N0 represents the initial number of bacteria and N1 represents the number after exposure. A reduction factor greater than 2 is generally considered satisfactory, indicating effective antibacterial properties.
The testing process also includes conditioning the samples under specific humidity conditions to simulate real-world storage environments. This step ensures that the test results are relevant to actual packaging use.
Compliance with EN 13727 not only enhances product safety but also builds consumer trust, which is essential in today’s competitive market. Procurement teams must carefully select suppliers who can provide materials meeting these stringent standards.
Applied Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 13727:2003 | Method for evaluating the antibacterial activity of packaging materials intended to come into direct contact with foodstuffs. |
| ISO 22196:2011 | Antibacterial activity – Determination by exposure test on surfaces in contact with water. |
| ASTM E2487-13 | Determination of antimicrobial efficacy for consumer and institutional products using a standard membrane filtration procedure. |
The use of multiple standards ensures comprehensive evaluation, covering different aspects such as surface contact with water or direct food contact. These tests are critical in ensuring that packaging materials not only meet antibacterial requirements but also perform well across various environmental conditions.
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we offer specialized expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to conduct EN 13727 testing. Our team of microbiologists and engineers ensures that every test is conducted with precision and accuracy.
- Comprehensive Testing: We provide full-cycle testing services, from sample preparation to final analysis.
- Advanced Equipment: Utilize high-tech equipment for consistent results and reliable data.
- Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in microbiological safety testing.
- ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation: Ensures that our laboratory adheres to the highest quality standards.
We also offer training and consulting services to help clients understand the nuances of EN 13727 compliance. Our commitment is to provide not only top-tier testing but also comprehensive support for your quality assurance needs.
Competitive Advantage and Market Impact
Compliance with EN 13727 can significantly enhance a company's competitive edge by:
- Building Consumer Trust: Consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety, making packaging that meets this standard more appealing.
- Sustaining Brand Reputation: Consistent compliance with standards like EN 13727 helps maintain a positive brand image and customer loyalty.
- Meeting Legal Requirements: Ensuring product safety not only avoids legal penalties but also opens doors to international markets.
The global market for food packaging is highly competitive. Companies that can demonstrate compliance with such stringent standards are likely to gain a significant advantage over competitors who do not meet these requirements.
