Material Testing Insights
Read articles by our experts and guest authors on the practical implications of regulations, scientific advancements, and the ideal uses of different analysis methods.
Top articles
Biocompatibility testing of medical devices according to ISO 10993
Some biocompatibility testing according to ISO 10993 is typically needed to bring new medical devices to market in the EU and the US.
PFAS regulations in the EU: overview of restrictions and compliance testing options
The use of toxic PFAS compounds has been regulated in the EU for over a decade, with restrictions getting stricter each year.
EN 13501-1 standard for fire classification of construction materials: Overview of performance classes & criteria
Several reaction-to-fire tests are typically required to determine the correct fire performance class for construction products according to EN 13501-1.
November 9, 2023
Overview of nitrosamine testing requirements in the EU
Although not intentionally added, nitrosamines may be present as impurities in rubber-based materials, food, or pharmaceuticals.
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November 1, 2023
Microplastic regulations in the EU – how to ensure compliance?
According to the REACH Regulation, intentionally added microplastics must not be present in restricted products in concentrations above 0.01% by weight.
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October 18, 2023
Summary of EFSA guidelines for assessing the safety of nanomaterials in food – which tests are needed?
In addition to engineered nanomaterials, conventional food products may need testing to prove they do not contain nanoparticles or have nanoscale properties.
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October 4, 2023
Phthalates testing according to EU regulations
The EU imposes strict limits on maximum phthalate content in various product groups, including food contact materials, toys, and cosmetics.
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September 19, 2023
Guide to VOC testing: regulations, methods, and standards
Volatile organic compound (VOC) screening is vital to quality assurance in several industries, such as construction materials, fuel, and food contact materials.
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September 8, 2023
Bisphenol A – overview of testing requirements in the EU
Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 bans bisphenol A in food contact materials marketed in the EU. BPA restrictions also apply to toys, cosmetics, and consumer products.
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September 1, 2023
Measurlabs raises €2.5M to help sustainability companies bring their products to market faster
We raised 2.5 million euros in a new seed round. The round was led by VentureFriends and joined by existing investors Lifeline Ventures, Tesi, and Curus.
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August 21, 2023
Medical device testing in Europe: how to ensure compliance with EU MDR 2017/745?
A range of laboratory analyses, including biocompatibility and microbiological quality testing, is required to fulfill the requirements of the EU MDR.
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August 15, 2023
Elemental analysis – methods and applications
The choice of the most appropriate elemental analysis technique is based on factors including sensitivity, sample characteristics, and elements of interest.
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August 10, 2023
Overview of testing requirements for cosmetic products in the EU
Test results on chemical composition, physical properties, and microbiological quality are required to demonstrate that cosmetics are safe and effective.
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June 5, 2023
EU regulations on food contaminants – how to ensure compliance?
Laboratory testing is needed to ensure that food contaminant levels stay below the limits set in Regulation (EU) 2023/915.
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May 29, 2023
Recycled plastic, paper, and board in food contact materials – overview of regulations
Recycled materials can be used in food contact applications, but they require an enhanced compliance assessment to ensure chemical safety.
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May 10, 2023
Thin film depth profiling: guide to method selection
Choosing the most appropriate thin film depth profiling technique is key to obtaining all the required information at optimal sensitivity.
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April 13, 2023
Overview of EU policy on biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics
According to the EU, biobased and biodegradable plastics can provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials, but only when used appropriately.
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March 3, 2023
PFAS regulations in the EU: overview of restrictions and compliance testing options
The use of toxic PFAS compounds has been regulated in the EU for over a decade, with restrictions getting stricter each year.
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February 1, 2023
Characterization of thin films – what do we want to know?
Doctoral researcher Heta Nieminen writes about the significance of thin films in our modern society and provides an overview of key characterization methods.
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January 27, 2023
PAH analysis – overview of EU regulations and testing requirements
Several EU regulations restrict the presence of PAH compounds in food and consumer products, in addition to which they are priority substances in water policy.
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January 25, 2023
Old, Modern, Advanced, and What Not – X-ray Scattering
Ville Liljeström, a staff scientist at Aalto University, writes about the history of X-ray scattering and recent developments in the method.
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January 18, 2023
Comparison of microplastic concentrations in different types of water samples
We sent five water samples to the laboratory to compare microplastic concentrations. The results show that bottled water contains more plastic than tap water.
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January 16, 2023
Revised EU Drinking Water Directive: overview of testing requirements
Read on to discover what the new requirements are and how to ensure compliance with them.
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