Chemical Testing of Packaging Materials

In today's global market, packaging analysis plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and compliance of packaging materials. Consumers and regulatory bodies demand packaging that not only protects the product but also guarantees the absence of harmful chemicals or substances that could potentially pose health risks. On top of this is the demand for effective sustainable packaging and the regulatory requirements that come with it. Coming into effect in August 2026 is the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2025/40 (PPWR) that promotes recyclable and reusable packaging and imposes new targets on packaging materials. 

With increasing focus on mitigating risks associated with global supply chains, continual demand for novel and well-performing materials and sustainable choices, chemical testing of packaging materials is critical to ensure safety and meet regulatory, client or consumer expectations. 

Pioneers in Packaging Chemical Testing
Intertek, a leading global quality assurance provider, operates state-of-the-art chemical testing laboratories specialising in packaging material analysis. Supporting material development, product development and production, our scientists have decades of experience analysing polymers, plastics, labels, inks and dyes, adhesives, closures, and multi-layer laminates and films. Our dedicated scientists and packaging experts collaborate with clients to optimise products, problem-solve, analyse toxic components, investigate contamination, address regulatory compliance, and enhance food safety.

Comprehensive Packaging Material Analysis

Intertek brings together the unique combination of analytical chemistry, polymer expertise and an unmatched toolbox of analytical techniques to evaluate packaging materials, chemistries, and structures. Our material analysis capabilities encompass a diverse range of techniques and instrumentation. We conduct in-depth testing on all components used in packaging and packaging materials, such as paper, foams, films, polymers, adhesives, inks, coatings, and metals. Our services range from comparing materials to identifying and isolating trace contamination to failure analysis, in both intermediate materials and final packaging products.

Key Areas of Packaging Material Chemical Analysis:

• Additives Analysis: Examination of additives used in polymers and plastics.
• Adhesives Testing: Chemical and physical testing and quality assurance programs
• Contamination Analysis: Identification of contamination and inclusions within packaging materials including investigation of discolouration, particulates or malodours
• Chemical Trace Analysis: Detection and measurement of trace chemicals present in the materials.
• Trace Metals Analysis: Detection and measurement of trace metals present in the materials.
• Extractables and Leachables: Analysis of substances that can be extracted or leached from packaging materials. 
• Food Contact Migration Studies: Migration testing for food packaging according to Regulatory Guidances.
• Failure Analysis and Investigations: Determination of the root cause of failures such as sealed pouch burst, gels in recycled materials, adhesive failures and delamination
• Materials Analysis: Understanding the composition and properties of packaging materials.
• Materials Characterisation: Understanding the formulation of materials and reverse engineering for improvement.
• Non-intentionally Added Substances (NIAS): Determination of NIAS for food contact materials
• Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation EU 2025/40 (PPWR): Analysis of PFAS and heavy metals
• Polymers and Plastics Testing: To evaluate polymeric materials used in packaging applications, as well as product chemistry and physical properties of plastic bottles and other containers
• Potential Toxics in Packaging: Analysis of potentially toxic components in packaging materials, including PFAS and Bisphenol-A 
• REACH Compliance: Ensuring compliance with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations.
• Phthalates Analysis
• Bisphenol-A Detection Testing and Analysis
• Due Diligence and Conformance Assessment  

Testing for Potentially Harmful Substances and Toxic Metals

Our cutting-edge laboratories are equipped to detect and quantify toxic chemicals and metals, such as cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, PFAS, and phthalates, in various components of packaging materials. The analysis includes an array of techniques including, but not exclusive to, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, LC-MS-MS, GC/MS, and TD-GC-MS, ensuring precise results at trace levels.

NMR Analysis of packaging materials by NMR
NMR analysis of packaging materials helps clients to determine and understand the composition and formulation of packaging materials. Data from these studies can drive insight into material, product, and process development. Our expert polymer NMR teams have supported global developers of packaging materials for over 20 years including these key areas: 

• Polyesters: PET, PEN, Aliphatic Acid Polyesters. Products include bottles, food trays and films providing structural information, co-monomer levels and end-group analysis
• Polyolefins: HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE. Products include heat-resistant food trays, bottle tops and cartons providing analysis for composition, branching and sequencing of the polymer chain
• Vinyl Based Materials: PVC, EVA. Products include bottles, detergent containers and clothing bags providing compositional information and plasticiser levels

Collaborate with Intertek for Safe Packaging Solutions
Intertek can support you in improving shelf appeal, ensuring safety, and guaranteeing products make it through the distribution process, by providing you with the science to have data-backed confidence in your products. 
Intertek offers global-scale analytical testing services for packaging materials, providing invaluable insights into the safety and compliance of packaging products. To ensure your packaging meets the highest safety standards and is fit for purpose, our experts bring together the unique combination of analytical science, polymer and materials expertise to evaluate packaging materials, chemistries and structures.