Laboratory analysis of microplastics
FILAB is a microparticle analysis laboratory offering ISO 17025-accredited microparticle testing services. We specialize in the detection, quantification, and characterization of micro-sized and nano-sized particles in solids, liquids, polymers, and finished products. Our analytical experts use cutting-edge techniques such as SEM-EDX, FTIR, GC-MS, and µFTIR imaging to provide accurate and reliable particle testing, contamination assessment, and material failure investigations.
You would like to carry out a laboratory analysis of microplastics
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are small particles of plastic (between 1 µm and 5 mm) that are insoluble in water and dispersed in the environment. They may be fragments of plastic objects resulting from degradation, synthetic fibres or plastic microbeads increasingly used by the cosmetics, paint and detergent industries, as well as in certain agricultural, medicinal and construction products.
Laboratory identification of these microplastics is now essential for many industries.
What is microparticle analysis?
Microparticle analysis refers to the examination of microscopic particles—typically between 1 µm and 100 µm—found in materials such as polymers, liquids, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. These particles may originate from wear, production processes, environmental exposure, or contamination. The goal is to identify the composition, source, and impact of these microparticles.
Classification of microplastics
Particles intentionally manufactured to be small, such as the microbeads used in skincare products, cosmetics and detergents.
Particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastic objects (bottles, bags, textile fibres, etc.) under the effect of environmental factors (UV, mechanical abrasion, temperature). These two types of source can be differentiated using appropriate microplastic analysis.
SPM microparticle analysis
Synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) are small particles of plastic material, generally between 1 µm and 5 mm. They may originate from the degradation of larger plastics or be intentionally manufactured in this form.
Analysis of SPMs allows us to determine their chemical nature, size and concentration in various samples, which is essential for assessing their industrial impact. SPMs also pose major problems for industry, particularly in terms of contamination of finished products and regulatory compliance.
A qualified microplastics laboratory can characterise these particles in detail.
How can FILAB assist you in the qualification, analysis and detection of microplastics?
FILAB, expert in microplastics and SPM analysis
FILAB, a microplastics analysis laboratory, has developed solid expertise in the research and analysis of microplastics (including SPM) in cosmetic products.
Analysis carried out during the characterization of microplastics
Identify the chemical nature to determine the polymeric composition of the microplastics present in the samples.
Characterise morphology and structure, to know the shape, size and structure of particles.
Qualify and quantify microplastics, identifying and classifying them by type and size (SEM-EDX, micro-RAMAN)
Analyse biodegradability criteria (OECD 301) in aerobic aqueous environments (Method F)
Our technical resources for microplastic analysis
FILAB is a laboratory specialising in the identification and analysis of microplastics using state-of-the-art analytical equipment. We use advanced techniques to detect the presence of microplastics in various materials and complex matrices.
Applications of microparticle testing
FILAB supports industrial clients and research partners with microparticle testing for:
- Detection of microplastics in water, polymers, and food packaging
- Particle contamination in medical devices and pharmaceutical injectables
- Root-cause analysis in polymer or plastic failures
- Evaluation of foreign particles in cosmetics or personal care products
Microparticle testing is a critical analytical process used to detect, identify, and characterize tiny particles—typically ranging from a few microns to 100 microns—in various types of materials such as polymers, powders, liquids, medical devices, and consumer products. This type of testing is essential for industries seeking to control product quality, prevent contamination, and comply with increasingly strict regulations. Whether analyzing microplastics in food packaging, metal fragments in pharmaceutical solutions, or airborne particles in cleanroom environments, microparticle testing provides the insights needed to trace the origin, composition, and potential risks of particulate matter. At FILAB, our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory specializes in advanced microparticle testing services using state-of-the-art equipment including SEM-EDX, µFTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and GC-MS. These techniques allow us to perform both quantitative and qualitative particle analysis with high precision, delivering detailed reports to help you make informed decisions. As an experienced microparticle testing laboratory, we serve clients across medical, cosmetic, polymer, and environmental sectors, offering customized protocols, rapid turnaround, and expert interpretation of results. Whether you are troubleshooting a product failure, monitoring micro-contaminant levels, or qualifying materials, FILAB offers reliable microparticle testing solutions tailored to your needs.
Characterization of microplastics
Characterization of microplastics
Analysis according to method 445.0: microbeads in consumer products
Solubility threshold of the polymer to define whether it is considered microplastic by OECD method 120
The latest regulatory developments concerning microplastics
After being commissioned by the European Union, ECHA has proposed a wide-ranging restriction on microplastics in products placed on the EU market in 2019. The aim of this regulation is to ban the marketing of products containing microplastics in order to limit their release into the environment.
In December 2020, the CASE (Socio-Economic Analysis Committee) body supported ECHA's proposal and made even stricter recommendations regarding the size limit of a microplastic, which is now set at between 100nm and 5mm.
Download the guide ‘Restriction of microplastics intentionally added to products’.
This European restriction, which comes into force in 2022, affects all industrial products, since microplastics are deliberately added to the majority of consumer products. However, it mainly concerns ‘microbeads’ in cosmetic products that are rinsed after use.
FILAB can help you analyse the microplastic content of your products to ensure compliance.
FAQ
Laboratory analysis of microplastics involves identifying their chemical nature, size and morphology in various samples.
It can detect the presence of plastic particles in materials, finished products or industrial waste, guaranteeing compliance with standards and control of contaminants.
Measuring microplastics involves identifying and classifying them by polymer type and size.
Microplastics are small plastic particles (1 µm to 5 mm) produced by the degradation of polymeric materials or deliberately incorporated into products. They pose major environmental and industrial challenges, particularly in terms of contamination and compliance.
Identifying microplastics in products involves detecting their presence and determining their chemical composition.
This step makes it possible to distinguish between the different types of polymers present, even in complex matrices.
The aim is to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Microparticle testing is the process of identifying, measuring, and characterizing tiny particles in a material or substance, often for contamination control or quality assurance.
Industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polymers, packaging, and environmental sciences use this service to monitor product quality and safety.
Yes. Our lab uses µFTIR and Raman to detect and identify plastic particles in various matrices.
We analyze microplastics, metal fragments, fibers, glass, dust, and organic debris from solid, liquid, or air samples.
