Microplastics are increasingly found in water, food, air, and consumer products—posing significant risks to human health and environmental safety. At Eurofins ETM, we provide advanced microplastic testing solutions aligned with the latest international standards, including ISO 4484 and ISO 16094. This article offers a comprehensive overview of current regulatory developments, cutting-edge analytical techniques, and real-world testing experience in Vietnam, helping industries stay compliant and proactive in environmental risk management.
Understanding Microplastics and Their Impact
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, originating from two main sources:
- Primary microplastics: intentionally manufactured for use in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial applications.
- Secondary microplastics: formed from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, synthetic textiles, tire abrasion, and packaging materials.
These particles are now commonly detected in:
- Environmental samples: seawater, rivers, lakes, sediments, and airborne dust.
- Food products: seafood, spices, bottled water, and food packaging.
- Consumer goods: textiles, cosmetics, and plastic utensils.
Health concerns include toxicity, bloodstream contamination, and long-term accumulation in the human body.
Advanced Microplastic Testing at Eurofins ETM
Eurofins ETM applies internationally recognized methods and technologies to ensure accurate and reliable microplastic analysis:
Analytical Techniques
- µ-FTIR (Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
Enables identification of polymer types, particle shape, color, and size.
International Standards Applied
- ISO 4484-1/2/3:2023 – Microplastic analysis in textiles.
- ISO 16094-2:2025 – Water quality analysis for low-suspended solids.
- ASTM D8332-20 – Sampling water for microplastic identification.
- SWB-MP1-rev1 – Microplastic testing in drinking water (California).
Sample Types Supported
- Surface water, groundwater, wastewater, drinking water
- Sludge, soil, compost, sediment
- Seafood, spices, cosmetics, textiles
- Food contact materials (FCMs), air samples
Certifications
- Vietnam Ministry of Science & Technology: certified for microplastic testing in water, sediment, and textiles.
- NATA (Australia): ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation for drinking water analysis.
What’s New in Microplastic Testing?
Eurofins ETM continues to expand its capabilities and share insights from global and local initiatives:
- Latest ISO update: ISO 16094-2:2025 for water samples with low suspended solids.
- Local testing experience: analysis of river water, bottled water, gelatin powder, plastic utensils, and textiles in Vietnam.
- Global regulatory trends:
- EU Regulation 2023/2055: phased bans on microplastics in cosmetics, detergents, and single-use products (2027–2035).
- REACH restrictions: limiting microplastic use in consumer goods.
- FDA (USA): ongoing development of microplastic legislation.
- Global laboratory network: Eurofins facilities in the USA, Europe, and Australia equipped with FTIR, Raman, GC/MS, and LDIR technologies.
Contact us today!