Last Updated: October 25, 2022
Requirements
Total fluorine (F) analysis is required for approval by Compost Manufacturing Alliance and to
determine if foodservice packaging meets any local requirements for F content.
Samples for Testing
Each sample should be a complete foodservice package prepared for testing as noted below. For
testing, the packaging must be ground to less than 20 mesh size to homogenize the sample;
grinding may be performed by a lab provided below if necessary. However, additional samples
may be needed as outlined below.
- If any fluorine-containing dry end sizing or release agents are used, an additional sample
should be submitted with the dry end sizing or release agents wiped off or with the
additional sample prepared without the release agent or dry end sizing; please identify
whether this sample was prepared by wiping the surfaces or by not using the typical
release agent of dry end sizing during production. The specific supplier, brand and grade
of the dry end sizing or release agent must be provided. - If the packaging material formulation includes minerals, then each mineral from the same
batch or lot as used in the provided packaging sample ground to less than 20 mesh size
must be submitted for analysis; grinding may be performed by a lab provided below if
necessary. The specific suppliers, brands and grades of the minerals must be provided;
also provide location of mines or plants that produces the minerals if not able to be
identified by the other information. Lastly, the percent loading of each mineral in the
material formulation must be provided.
Sample Grinding and Ash Testing
If needed, the following two labs will grind samples, coordinate the total F testing at an approved
lab and provide a testing summary report. If minerals are reported to be present, these labs will
also perform ash testing to confirm mineral content.
Advanced Materials Center
125 Swanson St
Ottawa, IL 61350
Ron Walling- President
815-433-1495
Soil Control Lab
42 Hangar Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
Mike Galloway- President
831-724-5422
Approved Testing Labs
To ensure proper testing for total F content, the testing must be performed at one of the two
labs listed below; please note any special testing requirements listed for a lab. These labs prefer
not to grind samples or minerals.
It is critical that these labs use a large enough sample size (1 g or greater) for digestion to obtain
a reproducible result. Digestion/combustion must also be performed in a closed vessel such as a
Paar bomb or oxygen bomb. Additional labs may be approved in the future if a round robin with
an existing approved lab is performed and the proper digestion method and sample size are used.
QC Metallurgical
17048 215th St
Davenport, IA 52906
563-386-7827
Todd Bloodworth- Director
Note: Must request digestion by Paar bomb
Chem-Bac Laboratories
PO Box 19198
Charlotte, NC 28219
704-394-6381
James T. Ward- Supervising Chemist
