EN 18364 Overall Migration Testing in Bioplastic Films
The European Standard EN 18364 specifies methods to determine overall migration of substances from packaging materials into foodstuffs. This standard is particularly relevant for bioplastics, which are plastics derived from renewable biomass sources such as corn starch, cellulose, or potato starch. Bioplastics represent an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based polymers; however, they come with unique challenges in terms of migration and contact material testing.
EN 18364 compliance is crucial for food packaging manufacturers seeking to ensure that their products do not introduce harmful substances into the food chain. Bioplastic films are widely used in single-use packaging applications, such as snack bags or wraps for bakery items. The overall migration test aims to quantify the transfer of chemicals from the packaging material into the food product under defined conditions.
The testing procedure involves exposing the bioplastic film to a simulated food environment (such as water, oil, or alcohol) and then analyzing the extractive solution for migrating substances using chromatography techniques. This process helps identify potential risks associated with the use of bioplastics in direct contact with food products.
Understanding the migration behavior of biopolymers is essential because it can impact both human health and environmental sustainability. Regulatory bodies like the European Commission emphasize that all packaging intended to come into contact with food must meet stringent safety standards. Non-compliance could lead to product recalls, legal consequences, and reputational damage.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to EN 18364 guidelines, ensuring accurate measurement of overall migration levels in bioplastic films. By leveraging advanced analytical equipment and experienced technical staff, we provide reliable data that supports informed decision-making by our clients. Whether you're developing new formulations or validating existing products, our comprehensive testing services ensure compliance with international standards.
It is important to note that the specific extractants used during migration testing are critical factors influencing results. Commonly utilized solvents include water, ethanol, and olive oil, each simulating different environmental conditions encountered by food packaging materials in real-world scenarios. The selection of appropriate solvent systems allows for a more realistic assessment of potential risks.
Another key aspect of this testing method is the duration of exposure. According to EN 18364, samples should be exposed to the chosen extractant for at least 24 hours but no longer than 7 days. Longer exposure times may lead to increased migration rates due to diffusion processes within the polymer matrix; therefore, it's imperative to adhere strictly to specified timeframes.
Once testing is complete, our team performs thorough analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), or other relevant analytical methods. These techniques allow us to detect even trace amounts of migrating compounds with high sensitivity and specificity.
The results generated through EN 18364 compliance testing serve multiple purposes:
- To confirm that the bioplastic film does not transfer harmful substances into food products;
- To provide valuable insights for ongoing product development efforts aimed at improving safety profiles;
- To facilitate regulatory submissions required by relevant authorities.
By offering EN 18364 overall migration testing in bioplastic films, our laboratory plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices within the packaging industry while safeguarding consumer health and welfare. Our commitment to accuracy, reliability, and precision ensures that every test conducted meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
Industry Applications
| Application Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Bakery Packaging | Safety assurance for snack bags and wrap films used in bakery products. |
| Frozen Foods | Migration checks for packaging materials used in frozen meals. |
| Snack Foods | Validation of single-use packaging for nuts, chips, and other snacks. |
| Beverages | Testing of containers used in carbonated drinks or juice cartons. |
| Dairy Products | Ensuring safety in packaging used for cheese, yogurt, and milk products. |
| Canned Foods | Migration analysis for tin cans containing various food items. |
| Application Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Bioplastic Films | Detection of potential harmful substances in biodegradable packaging solutions. |
| Paper & Board Packaging | Evaluation of paperboard used for food containers or wrapping materials. |
| Plastic Blends | Analysis of multi-layered plastics to assess migration across different layers. |
| Flexible Packaging | Comprehensive testing of pouches and wraps designed for shelf-stable products. |
| Pallet Wraps | Migration checks for pallet covers used in food transport. |
| Bottle Liners | Evaluation of liners placed inside PET bottles to ensure no contamination. |
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled expertise and state-of-the-art facilities dedicated solely to food safety testing. Our team of highly qualified scientists has extensive experience in handling complex bioplastic materials and interpreting their migration properties accurately.
We utilize cutting-edge instrumentation such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which enable precise quantification of even minute levels of migrating compounds. This level of detail ensures that our findings are not only accurate but also actionable for our clients.
Our laboratories comply fully with EN 18364 requirements, maintaining strict adherence to all procedural steps outlined in the standard. We employ rigorous quality control measures throughout each stage of testing to minimize variability and ensure consistent results across multiple batches or samples.
The diverse range of expertise within our organization allows us to provide tailored solutions suited specifically to your needs whether you're conducting initial research, validating prototypes, or performing routine compliance checks. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the migration process is considered comprehensively.
We also offer additional services such as shelf-life stability studies and accelerated ageing tests which complement our overall migration testing capabilities. These supplementary tests help to predict long-term performance under various storage conditions, providing valuable information for product lifecycle management.
Why Choose This Test?
Compliance with EN 18364 is mandatory for any packaging material intended to come into direct contact with foodstuffs. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties including product recalls, legal action, and significant reputational damage. By choosing our EN 18364 overall migration testing service, you ensure that your bioplastic films meet these stringent requirements.
Our comprehensive testing ensures not only regulatory compliance but also enhances brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to producing safe and sustainable packaging solutions. Consumers today are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions; therefore, offering responsibly sourced materials backed up by robust scientific evidence can significantly enhance customer loyalty.
In addition to meeting legal obligations, our testing helps identify potential issues early in the product development cycle allowing for rapid corrective actions if necessary. Early detection saves time and resources compared to addressing problems post-launch when they become more expensive and harder to resolve.
Our team works closely with you throughout the entire process from sample preparation through final report generation ensuring seamless communication every step of the way. We understand that timely delivery is crucial for business operations so we aim to provide rapid turnaround times without compromising on quality or accuracy.
