Plastic migration, the transfer of chemical substances from plastic packaging into food or other products, is becoming a growing concern for both consumer safety and brand integrity. At Impact Solutions, we understand that monitoring and mitigating plastic migration is essential in safeguarding public health and meeting stringent regulatory standards.
What Is Plastic Migration?
Plastic migration occurs when low-molecular-weight chemicals (including monomers, plasticisers, stabilisers, antioxidants, and solvents) migrate from plastic materials into contents such as food or pharmaceuticals. This can involve:
- Specific migration: movement of particular substances (e.g., BPA, phthalates)
- Overall migration: cumulative transfer of all migrating substances
Why It Matters
The consequences of plastic migration extend beyond regulatory compliance. It can change the taste, smell, and quality of foods, while also exposing consumers to potentially harmful chemicals.
Compounds such as phthalates and bisphenol derivatives have been associated with hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and even increased cancer risks. With growing consumer awareness around packaging safety, overlooking migration testing could damage both brand trust and long-term market performance.
Recent studies also highlight the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics (NMPs). These particles are increasingly detected in foods like dairy products and infant formula, where they may interfere with nutrient absorption, digestive health, and contribute to more significant risks such as inflammation or metabolic disruption.
Key Factors Influencing Migration
Several factors influence the levels of plastic migration:
- Type of plastic: Flexible plastics or those containing higher levels of additives tend to migrate more.
- Food composition: Fatty foods attract more chemical transfer, as many plastic additives are lipophilic.
- Temperature and storage duration: Heat and longer contact times significantly accelerate migration. For example, phthalate migration into fish increases at higher temperatures or extended storage.
- Packaging structure: The use of barrier coatings (like PLA over PVC) can reduce migration.
- Material thickness and crystallinity: Physical properties of the plastic can influence migration rates.
How Impact Solutions Can Help
At Impact Solutions, we provide comprehensive migration testing and consultancy services, helping clients reduce risks while demonstrating regulatory compliance.
Our services include:
- Migration testing with both overall and specific analysis, using advanced techniques such as GC-MS/MS to identify even trace levels of migrating substances.
- Compliance support with EU regulations (EC No. 1935/2004 and EU No. 10/2011), UK standards, and other global requirements.
- Risk mitigation strategies, including advice on safer material selection, optimisation of packaging design, and recommendations for improving storage and distribution conditions.
By working with Impact Solutions, manufacturers can make informed decisions that not only ensure regulatory approval but also build stronger consumer confidence in their products.
Take Action for Safety and Trust
Plastic migration is a complex but critical issue for food and packaging industries. By taking proactive steps, through testing, compliance, and smart material choices, companies can protect consumer health, ensure product quality, and strengthen brand reputation.
At Impact Solutions, we're committed to helping businesses navigate these challenges. Whether you need in-depth migration testing, compliance guidance, or packaging optimisation, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
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FAQ: Plastic Migration
What is plastic migration?
Plastic migration is the transfer of chemicals from plastic packaging into the products it contains, such as food, beverages, or pharmaceuticals. This can include substances like plasticisers, stabilisers, or monomers, which may affect both product quality and safety.
Why is plastic migration a concern?
Plastic migration can alter taste, smell, and appearance of food and expose consumers to potentially harmful chemicals. Certain compounds, like phthalates and bisphenol derivatives, have been linked to hormonal disruption and other health risks.
Which types of plastics are most likely to migrate?
Flexible plastics and those containing multiple additives tend to have higher migration rates. Fatty foods, higher temperatures, and longer storage times can further increase the risk.
How can migration be controlled or reduced?
Migration can be minimised by using barrier coatings, selecting safer plastics, optimising packaging design, and following appropriate storage conditions. Advanced testing can also help identify high-risk materials before they are used.
What testing methods are available for plastic migration?
Common testing methods include overall migration tests using food simulants and specific migration tests using advanced analytical techniques such as GC-MS/MS. These tests help ensure compliance with EU and UK food contact material regulations.
