A Declaration of Conformity Covering Only the Base Polymer
Base polymer declarations certify monomer purity at the reactor gate but omit all converter additives, breakdown products, and finished article migration limits.
Article 15 Declaration of Conformity
Meaning
A formal written document verifies that plastic materials and articles intended for food contact comply with the applicable European regulations. This Article 15 Declaration of Conformity must accompany the material at all stages of marketing, excluding the retail stage. The document establishes the chemical and regulatory status of the plastic, providing transparency for downstream manufacturers.
Information Requirement
Specific details regarding the identity of the manufacturer, the chemical composition, and the presence of restricted substances must be included. It designates the types of food with which the material can safely come into contact, as well as the temperature limits for processing or storage. These parameters are based on scientific testing and the known limits of the polymer matrix.
Compliance Demonstration
The document links the material formulation directly to the test reports generated by analytical laboratories. It details the exposure scenarios used to evaluate the migration of substances, ensuring that the plastic remains stable under the intended conditions. These records are updated whenever there is a change in the starting substances or the manufacturing process, keeping the compliance file aligned with the physical reality of the product.
Supply Chain
Downstream converters rely on these assertions to assess their own compliance. It creates a continuous chain of accountability from the polymer producer to the packaging manufacturer. This flow of information prevents uncertified materials from entering the market.