Packaging Testing

Recent measures aimed at reducing disposable products could foster reusable
packaging. Mérieux NutriSciences performs screening and migration tests to assess the possible release of hazardous substances during repeated use even after passing in the dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, etc.

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

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

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

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 it is carried out according to the international standard UNI CEN/TS 16640.

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.

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 labelling and support for main environmental claims (compostable, recyclable, recycled content, etc.).

Recycling exposes packaging to possible contamination sources, so it is essential to verify its safety when used in contact with food. In order 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.)

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 microwave, refrigerator, etc.)