Novapet’s Central Laboratory is an analysis and quality control laboratory with the capacity to perform more than 16,000 physical-chemical and microbiological control tests per month on samples of different types related to the production of PET resins, preforms and containers.
Using advanced analytical techniques and extensive material characterisation capabilities, the laboratory carries out tests that help ensure the quality of the final product, the stability of the production process and compliance with industry requirements.
What services do we offer?
1. Material characterisation
The laboratory is equipped with advanced techniques for the characterisation of PET and other materials associated with production. These tests make it possible to assess the material’s physical, thermal and optical properties, including thermal behaviour, colour, transmittance, moisture content and intrinsic viscosity, as well as to analyse its chemical composition.
To this end, chromatographic, spectrometric and coulometric techniques are used, together with DSC and FT-IR, enabling the identification and quantification of different components such as comonomers, volatile organic compounds, oligomers and other elements present in the polymer..
This set of analyses provides key information to verify the properties of the polymer and ensure that the material meets the specifications required for its subsequent conversion into preforms, containers or films.
2. Process control for PET and rPET manufacturing
An essential part of the laboratory’s activity consists of continuous control of the production process. To this end, analyses are performed on the polymer as well as on the raw materials, additives, catalysts, intermediate products and final product used in the manufacture of PET and rPET.
These controls make it possible to monitor parameters such as intrinsic viscosity, density, chemical composition, moisture content and the physical characteristics of the material. In addition, evaluations are carried out on the appearance and classification of PET chips, together with checks related to the presence of dust, metals or other components that may affect the process or the final product.
3. Testing of containers and packaging materials
To ensure the proper performance of containers and packaging materials, different physical and chemical tests are carried out, including mechanical strength, dimensional characteristics, colour, transmittance, haze, optical properties of films and packaging bags, as well as analysis of their chemical composition.
These tests make it possible to verify that containers and packaging systems meet the technical and safety requirements specified by customers and applicable regulations.
4. Water control and microbiology
The laboratory also performs quality controls on the water used in the production process, analysing physicochemical parameters and the presence of dissolved elements that may affect the process.
In parallel, microbiological analyses are carried out to verify the hygiene of the process and the production environment. These controls include water analysis, microbiological checks on surfaces, in the working environment and on handlers, as well as microbiological verifications on preforms.