Meaning
Compliance testing protocols verify that plastic materials intended for food contact do not release harmful substances above established thresholds. The process of en 13130 validation demonstrates that specific monomers and additives remain within their legally defined migration limits. This evaluation is necessary for commercializing food-grade packaging resins.
Analytical Method
Laboratory testing involves exposing polymer samples to food simulants under defined temperature and duration conditions. The en 13130 validation procedure uses techniques like gas chromatography or mass spectrometry to quantify substance transfer. Migration behavior depends on the initial concentration of the migrant, the polymer thickness, and the diffusion coefficient.
These analyses must be performed with calibrated instruments to ensure accuracy. The testing limits the maximum allowable concentration of substances such as bisphenol A or various plasticizers to protect consumer safety.
Compliance Verification
Regulatory bodies use these testing reports to grant certificates of conformity for specific food contact applications. Completing an en 13130 validation ensures the resin meets European union regulations for plastic materials. This certification is a prerequisite for suppliers selling polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate to packaging converters.
Moulding Requirement
Processors must ensure that their molding conditions do not alter the migration profile of the certified resin. High melt temperatures during extrusion can generate volatile degradation products that are not covered by the initial en 13130 validation. Consequently, molders must maintain tight control over process parameters to prevent thermal degradation and preserve regulatory compliance.
