EN 15267 Styrene Residue Detection in Polystyrene Cups
The European Standard EN 15267 outlines a procedure specifically designed to detect styrene residues in polystyrene cups. This is crucial for ensuring food and beverage safety, as styrene can potentially migrate from packaging materials into the contents. Our laboratory specializes in this test, providing accurate and reliable results that are compliant with international standards.
The significance of detecting styrene residues cannot be overstated, particularly in single-use containers like polystyrene cups. Styrene is a colorless organic compound that can cause irritation to skin and eyes if it comes into contact during manufacturing or use. Continuous exposure at high levels may lead to more severe health issues such as cancer. Therefore, compliance with EN 15267 is not just a regulatory requirement but also an essential step towards safeguarding public health.
The testing procedure involves several steps which ensure precision and accuracy. Firstly, the cups are carefully selected based on their composition and expected use in food contact scenarios. Secondly, they undergo rigorous extraction processes to release any potential styrene residues into a solution. This phase is critical as it determines whether the subsequent analytical stages will be accurate or not.
Once extracted, the sample is analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), an analytical technique capable of identifying and quantifying volatile organic compounds like styrene with high sensitivity and specificity. The results obtained from this analysis provide clear evidence regarding the presence and level of styrene residues in each cup.
Our team ensures that all tests are conducted according to EN 15267 guidelines, guaranteeing consistency across different batches or types of polystyrene cups produced by various manufacturers. This standardization helps maintain a high level of confidence among stakeholders regarding the safety and quality of these products.
Scope and Methodology
| Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| Sample Selection | Polystyrene cups are chosen based on their composition and intended use in food contact scenarios. |
| Extraction | The cups undergo extraction processes to release any potential styrene residues into a solution. |
| Analytical Technique | Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is used for identifying and quantifying volatile organic compounds like styrene. |
| Acceptance Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Residue Limit | The maximum allowable amount of styrene residue in polystyrene cups as per EN 15267. |
| Statistical Significance | Results must show consistent compliance with the standard across multiple samples. |
Benefits
- Achieve compliance with international standards ensuring product safety.
- Enhance brand reputation by demonstrating commitment to high-quality manufacturing practices.
- Reduce risk of product recalls due to non-compliance or health concerns.
- Support ongoing research and development efforts aimed at improving packaging materials' safety profile.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
- Informed decision-making: Customers gain confidence knowing that their products meet strict regulatory requirements.
- Increased trust: Positive outcomes from our tests foster stronger relationships between suppliers and customers.
- Competitive advantage: Compliance with EN 15267 can set your company apart in the market.
