What was the issue?
As part of its regulatory compliance requirements and quality control of its products, our client, a cosmetics specialist, urgently contacted the FILAB laboratory to demonstrate that the PE it uses is not found in its finished products.
To meet this regulatory and technical challenge, FILAB deployed a proven microplastics detection approach, already validated on many complex matrices in the laboratory. While our methodology is based on rigorous analytical standards, its application is tailored to the client’s real-world needs: here, it takes the form of a custom protocol, optimized for direct analysis on its silicon filters and sized to meet its operational urgency..
The context and the client challenge
The client uses molten Polyethylene (PE) in the formulation of certain products. The critical challenge is to demonstrate that this polymer remains perfectly integrated into the product and that there is no presence of microplastics (residual solid Polyethylene particles) in the finished product.
They urgently need to analyze several already prepared filtration samples (cut-off thresholds at $1\,\mu\text{m}$ and $5\,\mu\text{m}$) in order to confirm the absence or presence of PE microparticles.
To enable the laboratory to carry out this analysis, the client provided us with specific Silicon filters of $10\text{ mm}$ in diameter, ready for analysis.
The technical solution proposed by FILAB
In response to the urgency and the specificity of the matrices, FILAB has implemented a targeted and progressive analytical protocol, ensuring maximum efficiency and cost control.
Step 1: Optical screening and molecular characterization (µIRTF)
The first phase of the analysis is based on combining two techniques directly on the surface of the Silicon filters:
1/ Optical microscopy: to locate, count, and map the suspicious particles on the filter.
2/ Fourier Transform Infrared Micro-Spectroscopy (µIRTF): to obtain the chemical signature of particles larger than $50\,\mu\text{m}$ (and down to $20\text{-}30\,\mu\text{m}$ if the matrix allows it). This step makes it possible to reliably distinguish solid Polyethylene from any other impurities.
Step 2: Ultra-precise analysis of microparticles (RAMAN spectroscopy)
To ensure complete exhaustiveness and cover the full spectrum of the supplied filters (notably the thresholds at $1\,\mu\text{m}$ and $5\,\mu\text{m}$), FILAB systematically carries out a second phase of analysis using RAMAN micro-spectroscopy.
This cutting-edge technology takes over to identify the smallest particles (smaller than $20\,\mu\text{m}$), which are inaccessible with conventional infrared.
In addition, it provides mathematical and physical certainty that no microplastics are present across the entire particle size range required by the regulatory context.
Operational note: Analyses are carried out on the maximum number of particles per filter. To ensure maximum responsiveness in an emergency, investigations are stopped on a sample as soon as the presence of microplastic (Polyethylene) is confirmed.
Benefits for the client
Faced with a major regulatory and commercial requirement, the collaboration between FILAB and its client shows that a complex technical constraint can be overcome thanks to a tailored and agile approach.
By combining the complementary strengths of Micro-FTIR (for global screening) and Raman spectroscopy (for detecting the tiniest details), FILAB provided its client with a comprehensive analytical mapping, with no blind spots, carried out directly on its silicon filters. The optimized stop rule (Stop on Positives) and the bundled logistics offer made it possible to reconcile operational urgency and cost control.
Study Conclusion
Faced with a major regulatory and commercial requirement, the collaboration between FILAB and its client shows that a complex technical constraint can be overcome thanks to a tailored approach.
By combining the complementary strengths of Micro-FTIR (for global screening) and Raman spectroscopy (for detecting the tiniest details), FILAB provided its client with a comprehensive analytical mapping, with no blind spots, carried out directly on its silicon filters. The optimized stop rule (Stop on Positives) and the bundled logistics offer made it possible to reconcile operational urgency and cost control.
Thanks to this rigorous protocol, our client secures product compliance, validates control over its polyethylene formulation processes, and provides indisputable scientific evidence to support its quality requirements. A concrete illustration of FILAB’s expertise: turning an urgent technical issue into a lasting, reliable compliance solution.
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