Food Contact Materials (FCMs)

IIP – Italian Institute of Plastics – offers services that include:

• analytical controls for food compliance of food contact materials  (FCMs), plastic, paper and cardboard, steel, aluminum, rubber, silicone, glass, chrome plate, tin plate, according to the main regulations (Reg. No. 1935/2004 / EC, Reg. No. 10/2011 / EU, Reg. No. 2023/2006 / EC and subsequent amendments DM 21/03/1973);
• technological suitability tests through tests in a traditional oven, in a microwave and in the fridge to verify the performance characteristics of the product for the purpose which it is intended;
• development of new methods of analysis in relation to the monomers and additives listed in Annex I of the n-CONTROL ° 10/11 / EU;
• permeability to gas measurement of materials and containers (WVTR / O2TR / CO2TR) to assess the compatibility between packaging and food (shelf life);
• mono and multilayer analysis by spectroscopic (FT-MIR, confocal Raman microscopy ..);
• characterisation of raw materials and manufactured goods through thermal analysis, rheological, mechanical (DSC, TGA, MFI, slip tester, dynamometer …);
• technical and legislative support in relation to the complexity of the legislation on materials and articles intended for contact with food seen the continuous evolution both from the legislative point of view and technically. Assistance in preparing of food compliance statements comply with standards.

At the Packaging characterization laboratory tests are performed on products made from different materials intended for contact with food.

The legislation on food packaging has suffered in recent years a growing constantly and rapidly, thanks to greater attention and sensitivity on the part of the main actors, end-users – consumers, food production companies and / or large-scale distribution.

The willingness on the part of these subjects, as well as the public authority, to have increasing collateral in respect to food safety and to compliance with the regulations, is leading to a growth of the characterization requirements of packagings intended to contain foods.