A BLOG FROM Maertens
IN MOVEMENT

Free from harmful plasticisers

Laboratory controls at Märtens conveyor belts

We play it safe: we regularly have our conveyor belts tested in the laboratory. This enables us to guarantee impeccable quality at all times - especially for the food industry.
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This news recently attracted a great deal of attention: the State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia (LANUV) found harmful plasticisers in urine samples from children. The Federal Environment Agency is also currently conducting an environmental health study with pre-selected adults aged 18 to 79. The initial results are already available and substances have also been detected in the samples analysed so far.


Plasticisers: use and problems

Plasticisers are used in many plastic toys, plastic products, cosmetics and food contact materials. The present investigations are specifically concerned with mono-n-hexyl phthalate, which can be formed as a degradation product in the body (as a so-called metabolite) of di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHexP).

The problem: DnHexP was identified as a substance of very high concern back in 2013, as it can impair human fertility. Since 2023, it may no longer be used in the EU without authorisation - but no such applications have been submitted

In general, however, the mere detection of substances does not necessarily indicate health risks. However, we at Märtens have taken this as an opportunity to subject our materials to a thorough examination.

 

Laboratory analyses of plastics at Märtens

Our materials and products are continuously analysed in the laboratory so that we can always guarantee impeccable quality. We can therefore say with a clear conscience that our PU and silicone conveyor belts do not contain any plasticisers and are free from DnHexP and bisphinol A.

Many of our products are used in the food industry, which is why we attach great importance to using materials and manufacturing processes of impeccable quality. It goes without saying that all relevant substances are approved for use with food and fulfil the highest hygiene standards.

Find out more: Plastic conveyor belts from Märtens