Paperboard Recycled Content Verification Essentials for Retail Compliance
Recycled paperboard verification requires valid chain of custody certificates, mass balance ledgers, and lab migration test reports to clear retail compliance.
Tenax Simulant MPPO
Adsorbent Simulant
Solid adsorbent material is utilized to simulate the migration of volatile chemicals from paperboard packaging into dry foods. Testing laboratories use Tenax simulant MPPO to measure the potential transfer of mineral oils and plasticizers from recycled fibers. This high temperature polymer possesses a high affinity for organic compounds, mimicking the action of dry food.
Laboratory Extraction
The test involves placing the paperboard sample in direct contact with the polymer powder at a set temperature and time. After exposure, the Tenax simulant MPPO is extracted with a solvent and analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. This procedure measures the quantity of substances that would migrate into food under normal storage conditions.
These results are used to determine if the packaging complies with food contact standards.
Safety Assessment
High migration levels indicate that the board requires a functional barrier to prevent contamination of the food product. Utilizing Tenax simulant MPPO is an internationally accepted method that provides consistent and reproducible results for compliance filings. It helps manufacturers identify which grades of recycled paperboard are safe for direct food contact.
The test is a primary method of packaging safety evaluations in the European Union, where compliance with migration limits is strictly enforced for dry foods.