From established routine analysis to highly complex and particularly demanding cases – the experts at our international laboratories offer a wide range of analytical services. This includes quality checks, migration testing, providing analytical advice to clients and supporting product development. In addition to raw materials, intermediate products and colours, we also analyse complete packaging materials – naturally, this includes considering the individual requirements, a thorough assessment of the sample material and having a clearly defined aim for our analyses. By using methods that deliver accurate, reliable and reproducible results, our analytical laboratories ensure high-quality hubergroup products all over the world and also advise customers to help them in selecting the correct product. 
The expertise at our analytical laboratory includes: 

Migration potential 

The migration potential can be determined by the quantity and type of potential migrating substances. To do this, test samples are extracted with solvents and the content of substances with the potential to migrate is determined using GC-FID/MS and HPLC-ESI-MS. The migration potential can then be mathematically calculated based on the content of these substances.

Migration testing 

Food packaging is our specialist field. Performing migration tests to ensure safe, enjoyable food is what we do on a daily basis. We use food simulants and increased temperatures in order to simulate storing food in packaging over a longer period of time.

 
Raw material analysis 

Our raw materials are thoroughly tested to ensure a high standard for our printing inks. The analyses include purity tests and determining the molecular weight, particle size, possible non-intentional added substances (NIAS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, etc. Analytical characterisation for REACH also forms part of our work.

 
Solvent testing  

Our routine analysis methods of raw materials and products also include the analysis of volatile residual compounds using Headspace GC-FID/MS as well as the determination of the exact composition and quantity of oils/fatty acids using an analyte-specific wax column GC-FID. 

 
Organoleptic testing 

We carry out organoleptic tests in accordance with DIN EN 1230 to ensure that the printing inks do not distort the smell or taste of a product. 

 
Product development  

When developing new products or improving existing ink system products our product development team and analytical laboratories work together closely to ensure that hubergroup’s high quality criteria are met. This includes the analysis of glass temperature, kinetics, reactivity, UV curing, extraction, etc. 

 
Customer consultations 

We have a wide range of analytical methods available in order to advise you on which hubergroup printing inks best suit your requirements. For example, we perform analytical tests to gather information about light fastness, glass temperature, migration behaviour, organoleptic properties and contact angles. 

 
Method development  

We work continuously to improve existing methods and to develop new methods in order to achieve even lower limits of detection.