EN 20914 Overall Migration Profiling in Biodegradable Plastics

The European standard EN 20914 provides a comprehensive approach to overall migration profiling within biodegradable plastics, which is critical for ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. This test method addresses the potential risks of chemical migration from packaging materials into food products during storage and distribution.

Biodegradable plastics are increasingly favored in the food industry due to their environmental benefits; however, it is essential to verify that they do not introduce harmful substances through migration. The overall migration profiling as per EN 20914 involves a series of tests designed to identify all detectable migratable materials from packaging into food simulants.

This service ensures that the biodegradable plastics used in food contact applications meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting consumers and ensuring compliance with international regulations. The testing process is detailed and robust, incorporating multiple stages to comprehensively evaluate migration risks.

During specimen preparation, various types of food simulants are used to mimic real-world conditions under which the packaging may come into contact with food products. This includes water, oil, alcohol, and acidic solutions like vinegar or lemon juice. The specimens are then subjected to controlled temperature and time conditions that simulate actual storage environments.

The results from these tests provide a detailed profile of all migratable substances identified in the food simulants. These profiles help manufacturers understand which components of their packaging could pose risks if they migrate into food products. By identifying potential issues early on, companies can make necessary adjustments to their formulations or production processes before releasing products to market.

Overall migration profiling is particularly important for biodegradable plastics because these materials often contain additives designed to enhance performance but which might also contribute additional elements that could potentially migrate into food. Understanding the complete picture of what may be migrating allows companies to take proactive steps towards maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

The testing process not only helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements but also supports ongoing efforts by manufacturers to innovate in sustainable packaging solutions without compromising on consumer health and safety.

Applied Standards

Standard Number	Title of Standard
EN 20914-1	Overall migration profiling in biodegradable plastics - Part 1: General requirements and test methods for food contact materials
EN 20914-2	Overall migration profiling in biodegradable plastics - Part 2: Determination of overall migration into water, oil, alcohol and other simulant media

Benefits

Compliance with EN 20914 ensures that your biodegradable packaging materials are safe for use in food contact applications. By profiling overall migration, you can verify that no harmful substances migrate from the packaging into the food product. This not only protects consumer health but also enhances brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to safety.

Ensures compliance with EU regulations and international standards
Reduces legal risks associated with non-compliance
Improves customer trust through transparent quality assurance processes
Supports sustainable practices by using biodegradable materials effectively

The detailed profiling provided by this test helps manufacturers make informed decisions about material selection and formulation, leading to more effective and safer packaging solutions.

Why Choose This Test

Ensures full compliance with the latest EU regulations for biodegradable plastics
Provides a comprehensive overview of all potential migratable materials from packaging into food simulants
Identifies specific risks associated with particular types of biodegradable plastics and their additives
Supports ongoing efforts to innovate in sustainable packaging solutions while maintaining high standards of safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What does overall migration mean?

Overall migration refers to the total amount of substances that can migrate from packaging materials into food simulants under specified conditions. This includes both volatile and non-volatile components.

Why is it important for biodegradable plastics?

It's crucial because even biodegradable materials can contain additives that might migrate into food products, potentially posing health risks. Profiling overall migration helps ensure these substances are safe.

What kind of food simulants are used?

The test uses water, oil, alcohol, and acidic solutions like vinegar or lemon juice to simulate real-world conditions under which the packaging might come into contact with food.

How long does it take?

The test typically takes several weeks, depending on the complexity of the specimen and the number of simulants used. Results are usually available within 4-6 weeks.

Is this test mandatory?

While it's not always legally required, complying with EN 20914 demonstrates your commitment to safety and can be a significant selling point for customers.

What kind of reports will I receive?

You'll receive detailed reports outlining all migratable substances identified in the food simulants, along with their concentrations and potential risks. This information is invaluable for making informed decisions about your packaging materials.

Can you customize the testing?

Yes, we can tailor the test to your specific needs, whether it's focusing on particular types of simulants or extending the duration of exposure.

What if I don't meet the criteria?

If the results indicate that there are issues with migration, our team can work closely with you to identify the root cause and suggest modifications to your packaging or material composition.