Standard Scope
European testing standards specify analytical protocols for measuring residual solvents in flexible packaging structures intended for direct or indirect food contact applications. Converting facilities execute test procedures defined in en 13628 using static headspace gas chromatography to verify solvent removal efficiency after flexographic or gravure printing. The standard governs printed paper, paperboard, plastic film, and foil laminates used in food containment.
Verification stops when packaging materials utilize solventless adhesive and water-based ink systems exempt from volatile organic compound monitoring.
Testing Methodology
Test specimens are cut into standardized surface areas and sealed inside airtight glass vials. Heating the sealed vials inside thermal equilibrium chambers volatilizes retained organic solvents into the surrounding headspace gas volume. Automated sampling needles draw headspace aliquots and inject them into gas chromatographs equipped with capillary columns and flame ionization detectors.
Quantitative calibration compares analyte peak areas against target compound responses of ethanol or ethyl acetate standards. Results are reported in milligrams of total residual solvent per square metre of packaging material. Laboratories must run blank samples to prevent matrix contamination from background laboratory air.
Compliance Boundary
Mass concentration limits set by brand owners typically require total residual solvents below five milligrams per square metre. Multi-layer barrier laminates with high gas retention characteristics require extended thermal equilibrium times during sample preparation.
