Laboratory analysis of microplastics

Chemical analysis Characterization of materials Problem solving
More than 140 people
More than 140 people at your service
5200 m² laboratory
5200 m² laboratory + 99% of services are provided in-house
Accredited laboratory
Accredited laboratory COFRAC ISO 17025

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.

Classification of microplastics

Primary microplastics

Particles intentionally manufactured to be small, such as the microbeads used in skincare products, cosmetics and detergents.

Secondary microplastics

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.

FTIR

Definition of criteria for the size and nature of microplastics

RAMAN microscope

Definition of microplastic nature criteria

AFM Infrared

Definition of criteria for the size and nature of microplastics

ICP

Determination of solubility

SEM-EDX

Definition of criteria for the nature of microplastics (identifying their composition)

Pyrolisis GC-MS

Definition of criteria for the size and nature of microplastics

COT

Determination of solubility

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

How do you analyse microplastics?

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.

How do you measure microplastics?

Measuring microplastics involves identifying and classifying them by polymer type and size.

What are microplastics?

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.

How do you identify microplastics in products?

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.

The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical park of 5,200m²
A complete analytical park of 5,200m²
Tailor-made support
Tailor-made support
Thomas GAUTIER Head of Materials Department
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