CHEMISTRY SERVICES

Packaging Testing

Packaging is vital in the food industry, providing security, support, and facilitating transportation. At Mérieux NutriSciences, we specialize in helping our customers discover the perfect packaging solution that meets their desired outcome and complies with international regulatory standards.

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We Support Through Various Services:

  • Technical and legislative assistance for compliance
  • Evaluation of supporting documentation (e.g., conformity declaration, labeling, etc.) and drafting of appropriate analytical protocols,
  • Assessment of compliance with positive lists of substances used in the production of specifically regulated materials
  • Cutting-edge technologies: new extraction methods and high-resolution mass spectrometry

Reusable Packaging

In the effort to decrease the use of disposable products, there is a growing opportunity for reusable packaging. At Mérieux NutriSciences, we conduct comprehensive screening and migration tests to evaluate the potential release of harmful substances even after repeated use, including exposure to the dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, and more.

Biodegradability and Compostability

Mérieux NutriSciences performs composability studies according to UNI EN 13432:2002 standard. The tests we perform simulate the real conditions of a composting plant:

  • Characterization,
  • Biodegradability,
  • Disintegration,
  • Compost quality and ecotoxicity.

Migration Tests

Specific migration is quantifying certain substances (monomers, additives, plasticizers, elements metals, etc.) in a food simulant. This test is very important as the specific migration limits for certain molecules are regulated by standards.

Renewable Raw Material Content

Bio-based materials mainly derive from renewable raw materials. Thanks to a specific test, the percentage of renewable raw material with respect to fossil raw material can be identified: it is based on carbon-14 dating and carried out according to the international standard UNI CEN/TS 16640. 

Product Performances

Whether recycled, compostable or biobased, packaging or objects in contact with food must guarantee the physical and mechanical characteristics that allow their perfect use. Mérieux NutriSciences performs tests to verify resistance and evaluate performance, such as:

  • Traction, tearing, compression
  • Drilling, fracture, abrasion
  • Load, fall
  • Testing of the requirements of bags for separate waste collection according to UNI
    11451, UNI 7315, UNI 13592
  • Resistance of materials and colors to repeated washing on tableware and reusable
    packaging.

Product Sustainability

To provide a global service on product sustainability, Mérieux NutriSciences collaborates with specialized consultants for:

  • Life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies
  • Minimum Environmental Criteria (MEC)
  • Carbon footprint, Water footprint
  • Circular economy
  • Environmental product labeling and support for main environmental claims (compostable, recyclable, recycled content, etc.).

Recyclability

Recycling exposes packaging to possible contamination sources, so verifying its safety when used in contact with food is essential. To prove its safety, Mérieux NutriSciences performs:

  • Assessment of the barrier effect
  • Screening for the presence of hazardous substances, intentionally or
    unintentionally added (non-targeted and targeted approaches, in particular on
    specific markers in recycled products)
  • Analysis of contaminants from the recycling process (e.g. MOSH and MOAH in
    paper, degradation products such as stabilizers and antioxidants in plastics, etc.)

Packaging Safety

Many compostable items or objects from renewable sources (bioplastics, paper, etc.) are designed for food contact (containers, plates, dishes, bags): Their safety and suitability must be tested through:

  • Overall and specific migrations
  • Sensory tests (according to ISO 13302:2003) to rule out organoleptic changes in food
  • Screening of Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS)
  • Analysis of specific dangerous contaminants, e.g., PFAS, MOSH/MOAH, etc.
  • Evaluation of the technological suitability (instrumental and organoleptic tests
    after use in the microwave, refrigerator, etc.)
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Our methods apply to diverse product types, including:

Plastics

Paper and Cardboard

Ceramics

Stainless Steel

Aluminum

Other Non-regulated Materials

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Chemistry Testing Resources

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Sample Pick-Up

Arrange convenient and secure pickup of your samples through our fleet of couriers.

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Sample Supplies

Supplies are available for sampling, packing, storing, and shipping your samples.

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MyMXNS Portal

Manage your daily food safety system with our easy-to-use, reliable customer portal.

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