Analysis of Plastic and Paper Packaging | Food Packaging Safety

Main Analyzes on Packaging

Analysis of Plastic and Paper Packaging: A Critical Step in Food Safety

Packaging materials in contact with food are of great importance for product quality and human health. Chemical substances that can pass from packaging materials to food can pose serious health risks. For this reason, plastic and paper/cardboard-based packaging should be subjected to detailed analysis.

Nanolab offers comprehensive and accredited analysis services that evaluate the compliance of food packaging with legal regulations.

Main Analyzes on Paper and Cardboard Packaging

Despite their natural content, paper and cardboard packaging in contact with food can carry risks due to certain additives and contaminants. Below you can find analysis topics specific to this type of packaging:

Azo Dyes: The presence of these dyes, which can turn into carcinogenic aromatic amines, is examined. It is especially sought in printed packaging.
Extractive Residue Soluble in Chloroform: Substances that may pose a health risk are analyzed by determining the soluble organic components of the packaging.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH): These combustion-derived chemicals are environmental pollutants and can contaminate packaging materials.
Phthalate Content: Phthalates, used as plasticizers, are restricted due to their hormone disrupting effects.
Overall Migration: Measures the total amount of substances that migrate from the packaging to the food. It is evaluated according to European Union legislation.
Benzophenone: Used as a UV preservative, this substance can migrate from packaging printing inks.
Solvent Residue: It is analyzed whether the volatile chemicals used in the production process remain on the packaging.
2,6-Diisopropylnaphthalene (DIPN): A contaminant originating from recycled paper. Its migration into food is evaluated in terms of health.
Bisphenol A (BPA): A compound widely used in plastic packaging. Monitored for endocrine disrupting effects.
3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD): Occurs as a by-product in some production processes. Controlled due to its potential carcinogenic effect.
Elemental Content (Heavy Metals): Toxic elements such as lead, cadmium and mercury are detected.
Bisphenol S (BPS): An alternative to BPA and its health effects are still under investigation.
1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol: This packaging-derived compound is classified as a carcinogen.
Pentachlorophenol (PCP): Packaging material is monitored for residues of a banned pesticide.
Primary Aromatic Amines (PAA): Can be found in some inks and paints. Restricted due to their carcinogenic effects.
Formaldehyde: May be used in resins and adhesives. May cause respiratory and skin irritation.
Epichlorohydrin: Used in paper packaging production, analyzed for toxic effects.
Total Nitrogen Content: Helps identify protein-based additives used in packaging.

Main Analyzes in Plastic Packaging

Plastic packaging is widely used in the food industry due to its advantages of lightness and durability. However, it should be carefully examined in terms of health due to the additives and production residues in its structure. As Nanolab, we perform the following analyzes on plastic-based packaging:

General Migration: The total amount of all substances that pass from the content of the plastic to the food is determined.
Phthalate Analysis: The presence of phthalates, which are used as plasticizers and can affect the hormone system, is checked.
Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS): The passage of these compounds used in plastic products into food may pose a risk to the endocrine system.
Solvent Residues and Monomer Residues: Volatile chemicals and monomer residues remaining in the packaging after production are detected.
Specific Migration Tests: Analyzes the migration of specific chemicals (e.g. heavy metals, amines, formaldehyde, etc.) from packaging into food.
Elemental Analysis (Heavy Metals): The potential of toxic elements such as lead, cadmium and mercury to contaminate food from packaging is evaluated.

Safe Packaging Tests with Nanolab

Nanolab supports you with the following advantages in packaging materials:

Reliable results with accredited laboratory infrastructure
Analyzes in accordance with the European Union and Turkish Food Codex
Fast reporting and technical advice
Scientific assurance in product development and market launch

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Packaging Analysis. You can also consult us on Imitation and Adulteration Analysis.

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