Microplastic Free Analysis

Microplastic-free analysis is a comprehensive quality control process applied to detect the presence of microplastics, especially in cosmetics, food, cleaning and medical products, in light of increasing concerns about the environment and human health. In this analysis method, detailed examination of product samples in a laboratory environment is aimed at determining microplastic particles using optical and spectroscopic techniques. Thus, it is ensured that there are no unwanted plastic residues in the production or final consumption of the product, thus ensuring both consumer confidence and minimizing environmental impacts.

What is Microplastic-Free Analysis?

Microplastic-free analysis covers laboratory techniques applied to detect the presence or document the absence of plastic particles smaller than 5 mm on products, materials or environmental samples. Methods such as sample collection, sample preparation, physical and chemical filtration, microscopic examination and spectroscopic identification are used in the analysis process. This comprehensive approach proves that products or water sources do not contain microplastics in order to both ensure consumer safety and prevent environmental pollution.

How is Microplastic-Free Analysis Performed?

Microplastic-free analysis is a detailed laboratory process applied to verify that product, food, water or environmental samples are free of unwanted microplastics. This analysis method is carried out in multi-stage processes, starting from the collection of samples, meticulous preparation, separation and characterization of particles. Each stage is meticulously carried out to increase the accuracy and reliability of the data to be obtained; thus, it is guaranteed that the product or environmental samples are free of microplastic contamination.

1. Sample Collection: The first step for analysis is to collect samples such as product, water, soil or food in a representative and homogeneous manner. At this stage, the method of sampling, the equipment used and the environmental conditions are taken into account to ensure that the analysis does not give misleading results.
2. Sample Preparation: The collected samples are subjected to physical or chemical processes to release the particles in them. This preparation process may include steps such as grinding, mixing or cleaning the sample using solvents; thus, the homogeneity of the sample is ensured before analysis.3. Pre-Sieving and Filtration: The prepared sample is screened with filtration or sieve applications to separate particles in certain size ranges. This stage separates microplastics from other organic or inorganic substances, creating the basis for a more precise and focused analysis.
3. Characterization and Identification: The particles separated after filtration are examined in detail with advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques such as optical microscopy, ATR-FTIR or Raman spectroscopy. These techniques determine the chemical structure, size and morphological characteristics of the particles, and definitively define whether they are microplastics.
4. Evaluation of Results: All data obtained are interpreted in detail in the analysis report and the presence or absence of microplastics is determined. This report is used as a guide in product safety, environmental monitoring or quality control processes.

What to Look for in Microplastic-Free Analysis?

Microplastic-free analysis is a comprehensive laboratory testing process to verify that products, foods, cosmetics, water supplies or environmental samples are free of unwanted plastic residues. This analysis uses sensitive techniques specifically developed to determine the presence or absence of microplastics (usually plastic particles smaller than 5 mm). Our goal is to reveal the micro-scale particle characteristics of samples in detail to ensure product and environmental safety and to enable the detection of unwanted contaminants.

The following key parameters are considered during this analysis:

• Particle Size and Shape: The microscopic size, distribution and morphological characteristics of the particles in the sample are critical to assessing the presence of microplastics.
• Chemical Composition and Polymer Type: Using spectroscopic methods (e.g. ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy), it is determined whether the particles are made of plastic or natural materials and which polymer type they belong to.
• Surface Properties and Color: The surface texture, color and optical properties of the particles make it clear whether they are plastic-based or not; these properties provide important clues in distinguishing microplastics.
• Additional Contaminants: Other chemical residues or contaminants that may be present in the sample along with plastic particles are also analyzed, contributing to the determination of whether the product or the environment is clean in all aspects.

In Which Areas Is Microplastic-Free Analysis Performed?

Microplastic-free analysis covers meticulous laboratory studies applied to prevent the microplastic problem, which is of critical importance in terms of environmental pollution and human health. This analysis method aims to determine the presence or absence of microplastic residues in samples such as products, food, and water. Thus, necessary measures can be taken to increase consumer safety and protect ecosystems.

• Drinking and Wastewater Analyses: Detection of microplastic residues in water resources and treatment facilities is of vital importance in terms of providing clean water and protecting public health.
• Food Products: Control of whether packaged foods, seafood, and processed foods contain microplastics is applied to protect consumer satisfaction and health standards.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Detection of microplastic residues that may be present in these products is carried out with detailed analyses to ensure the safety of product formulations and to prevent allergenic or toxic effects.
• Medical Products: Controlling the presence of microplastics on medical devices, implants and other medical materials, which are of great importance in terms of sterility and safety, plays a critical role in patient safety.
• Environmental Monitoring: Analyses conducted on sea, river, soil and air samples are conducted to determine the prevalence of microplastic pollution in natural ecosystems and to support environmental protection strategies.
• Industrial Materials and Packaging: Determining whether there is microplastic in raw materials used in production processes and final product packaging is important in terms of ensuring sustainable production and the use of recyclable materials.

What is a Microplastic-Free Certificate?

A Microplastic-Free Certificate is an official document that certifies that products, raw materials and final use areas are free of microplastic contamination. This certificate shows that products are produced in accordance with the specified standards, especially in sectors that are important in terms of environmental sensitivity and consumer safety (such as cosmetics, food, medical products, water and packaging materials). The certificate is issued by independent laboratories or accredited inspection organizations after comprehensive laboratory tests and analyses have determined that the product does not contain microplastic particles during the production process or end use.

What to Consider When Performing Microplastic-Free Analysis?

When performing microplastic-free analysis, it is necessary to work meticulously in all applied stages in order to detect the presence of unwanted plastic particles in product or environmental samples and to obtain reliable results. The accuracy of this process depends on the complete implementation of contamination control and appropriate methodologies in the sample collection, preparation, analysis and result evaluation stages.

Things to Consider:

• Clean and Correct Sample Collection: It is critical that the equipment used to collect the sample is sterile and free of contaminants. Minimizing the effect of environmental factors during sample collection increases the reliability of the analysis results.
• Careful Sample Preparation: While the sample is subjected to physicochemical processes before analysis, attention should be paid to the purity of the solvents and reagents used. This step aims to keep the microplastics in the sample free and to preserve the structure of the existing particles without deterioration.
• Selection of Appropriate Analysis Techniques: It is important to use advanced techniques such as optical microscopy, ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy for the accurate determination of the size, shape and chemical composition of microplastics. Correct calibration of these methods increases the sensitivity of detection.
• Quality Control and Reference Standards: Implementation of quality control steps using blank samples and reference materials throughout the process minimizes in-laboratory errors. This ensures the reliability and reproducibility of the results.
• Correct Interpretation and Reporting of Results: Interpretation of the obtained analysis data in accordance with the specified standards and presentation in a comprehensive report is extremely important in the microplastic-free analysis process. Thus, the accuracy of the results obtained and their suitability for the application areas are clearly demonstrated.

Microplastic-Free Analysis Prices

Microplastic-free analysis prices are determined depending on the type of sample to be analyzed, the sample preparation process, the technologies used (such as microscopy, ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy) and the quality control standards provided during the analysis process. This process; Since it includes sample collection, preparation, analysis and reporting stages, the cumulative cost of elements such as labor at each stage, reagents used, operating costs of laboratory equipment and technical expertise affect the final price. In addition, factors such as the urgency of the analyses, the number of samples and the availability of collective evaluation opportunities according to the scope of the analysis also affect the pricing. Reliable and detailed reports offered by accredited laboratories are reflected in the prices when the scope of the analysis is expanded in order to meet customer needs. You can contact us immediately for price information