July 10, 2013

Henkel Central Analytics – more than 100 years of experience in delivering analytical excellence

The experts for food safe packaging

Time and time again we hear reports about incidences in which the ingredients used in packaging materials migrate into the comestible contents. Frequent causes include printing inks on labels or the use of contaminated waste paper. Among other things, Henkel’s Central Analytics department is involved with the production and quality control of adhesives for food safe packaging. As a scientifically independent and accredited testing agency, it regularly assesses packaging materials submitted for investigation – both by Henkel and by external customers.
As a competence center for analytical chemistry, Henkel Central Analytics is able to look back on more than 100 years of experience in the analysis of products, raw materials and auxiliaries in the consumer goods segment. Deploying a wide spectrum of instrumentation and methodology augmented by the analytical know-how of over 80 experts, it investigates food packaging inter alia, cooperating closely with toxicologists to ensure quality and safety in these essential products. And, as might be expected in the case of Henkel as an adhesives manufacturer, particular attention is paid to the assessment of adhesives for food packaging.
High food packaging standards
During both transportation and preparation prior to consumption, foods come into contact with a wide range of different packaging materials such as plastics, paper or cardboard. The trend toward ready-made meals and convenience foods in single households  is  giving rise to more  and more challenges for the  packaging  industry. 
This is because preparation in the microwave, in the baking oven or in a cooking pot can cause ingredients to escape from the packaging and migrate into the packed goods. Central Analytics at Henkel applies standardized processes in order to investigate the causes of this migration. In tests, the foods are simulated by suitable substances and brought into contact with the packaging under controlled conditions. After a certain incubation time, the results of these migration tests are assessed using all the appropriate analytical methods, leading to solutions for safer food packaging products. 
Central Analytics is divided into three disciplines: Instrumental Analytics is concerned with the identification and measurement of unknown substances, including those encountered in food packaging. Using highly advanced analytical equipment, such components can be identified right down to trace levels. In Product Analytics, complex products are investigated down to the smallest detail in order to enable reconstruction of their composition and allow conclusions to be drawn as to the type and quantity of the ingredients used. And in Surface and Solid Analytics, the focus is on microscopic imaging processes in order to investigate the individual packaging layers. Laboratory Manager Matthias Frischmann explains the various methods in detail, both in a white paper and in a video. Once registered, those interested can view these items for themselves on our website at www.henkel.com/foodsafety. 
Companies profit from years of experience
The avoidance of damage and the protection of contents against toxins are the most important requirements placed on food packaging. Keen to comply with the complex statutory regulations that apply to food packaging, companies call in Henkel Central Analytics well before they launch new products in order to have their packaging properly appraised for food safety. The service provided extends from general quality control and product analysis to advice on the use of new and innovative adhesive solutions.
The laboratories at Henkel Central Analytics have been certified to ISO 9001 and accredited in accordance with EN ISO 17025 for the fields of investigation offered. This guarantees – and not only in the area of food safe packaging – scientific independence in the evaluation of test results and appraisal acceptance by national and international authorities. 
For further information, go to www.henkel.com/foodsafety. 

Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions in both the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 47,000 people and reported sales of 16,510 million euros and adjusted operating profit of 2,335 million euros in fiscal 2012. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.

Photo material is available at http://www.henkel.com/press.

Contact	Holger Elfes 	Lisa Kretzberg	
Phone	+49 211 797-99 33	+49 211 797-56 72	
E-mail	holger.elfes@henkel.com	lisa.kretzberg@henkel.com	

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

The following material is available:

Laboratory Manager, Matthias Frischmann, engaged in specimen investigation.

Laboratory Manager, Matthias Frischmann, and Rolf Herrmann investigate specimens in a Henkel Central Analytics lab.