REACH-compliant formaldehyde testing: steps for manufacturers

1. Establish a baseline

REACH defines its emission limit values on the basis of measurements taken in precisely specified reference test chambers. These reference measurements form the central starting point for any REACH-compliant testing strategy. The tests are carried out in standardised test chambers and typically last between 10 and 28 days, depending on the method. EN 717-1 is used particularly frequently, although other methods such as EN 16516 may also be applied depending on the product group.

Companies have two options for carrying out these measurements:

• Operating their own reference test chambers
• Collaborating with accredited testing laboratories

For companies with no prior experience of such tests, working with an established laboratory is often a good starting point. The reference values determined there are legally binding and serve as the basis for all further testing and control steps.

3. Establish routines

To ensure that rapid methods deliver reliable and comparable results in the long term, they require clearly defined laboratory procedures that are consistently followed. Four areas are particularly important in this regard:

• Fixed testing intervals:

Samples should be taken from production at clearly defined intervals. This prevents long periods without measurement data and ensures that potential deviations in emission quality do not go undetected.

• Consistent sampling:

To ensure reproducible measurement results, it is crucial to take samples from the same material locations as those used for the original correlation, where possible. As edge and core areas may exhibit different emissions, a consistent sampling strategy contributes significantly to comparability. Guidance on this is often provided directly in the relevant rapid method standards.

• Consistent conditioning of test specimens:

Temperature, humidity and storage duration between production and testing significantly influence the measured emissions. Conditions should therefore be kept as constant as possible. In practice, it has proven effective to condition the samples 12–24 hours prior to laboratory testing – during this time, the material stabilises chemically and typically yields more stable and comparable values.

• Periodic reference tests for validation:

To validate the laboratory routine, reference chamber tests should be carried out at regular intervals – for example, annually or whenever new products are included in the existing correlation. This is the only way to ensure the long-term reliability of the rapid method.

Inline supplement for maximum process control

Whilst laboratory instruments provide reference values, the GASANALYSER IL enables the monitoring of formaldehyde emissions directly within the production process – for example, at the extraction point of a cross-cut saw.

It does not replace standard-compliant laboratory measurement and does not have CARB/TSCA approval. Its strength lies in real-time monitoring:

• early detection of process deviations
• reduction of scrap
• stabilisation of production conditions
• prevention of limit value exceedances

In this way, inline measurement usefully complements laboratory testing and increases process reliability.