Mineral Oil Findings in Recycled Fibre Food Packaging
Recycled paperboard packaging requires verified functional barriers and HPLC-GC-FID test dossiers to prevent gas-phase MOSH and MOAH food contamination.
DIN EN 14719
Analytical Method
Quantitative determination of mineral oil content in paper and board intended for food contact follows a specific extraction protocol using organic solvents. The din en 14719 standard describes the procedure for measuring the amount of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons present in the fibres of the material. It was developed to address the contamination issues found in recycled paper stocks.
This method relies on solvent extraction followed by gas chromatography.
Solvent Usage
Ethanol and hexane mixtures are typically employed to leach the mineral oils from the cellulose matrix during the test. The din en 14719 procedure requires a specific contact time to ensure that both the surface oils and those trapped inside the fibres are fully recovered. Once the extraction is complete, the liquid is filtered and prepared for separation in the laboratory.
Pulp Assessment
Monitoring the purity of incoming raw materials is the primary use for this standard in a paper mill. By applying din en 14719, a manufacturer can screen recycled pulp for high levels of mineral oils from printing inks or adhesives. This data is essential for determining if a batch of board requires additional cleaning or a functional barrier to be safe for food applications.