KRAIBURG Pure

Plastics and other organic materials that encounter drinking water (including elastomers) must fulfill hygienic requirements. The KTW-BWGL (Evaluation criteria document for plastics and other organic materials) of the German Federal Environment Agency specifies criteria according to which the materials must be evaluated.

To demonstrate conformity of drinking water hygienic suitability, an additional test procedure is required to determine the multiplication of microorganisms. For this purpose, the promotion of microbial growth by the materials in contact with drinking water is investigated according to the specifications of the DIN EN 16 421 (formerly: DVGW W 270) standards.

If the materials and substances meet all these requirements, they comply with the Federal Environment Agency’s assessment criteria for plastics and other organic materials in contact with drinking water and can guarantee impeccable drinking water quality in the products used.

The sulphur cross-linked elastomer compounds, which only contain raw materials which are permitted to be used after 2021, now also have the French drinking water certification ACS (Attestation de conformité sanitaire). The ACS system was developed in 1999 by the French Directorate-General for Health (Direction Général de la Santé).

The certification, which has been mandatory since 2006, confirms the suitability of products which encounter drinking water, and which are suitable for human consumption.

In addition, KRAIBURG Pure compounds hold the British drinking water approval WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme). Here, the British water regulations authority lays down requirements to check materials for their effect on the water quality. This based on the British standard BS6920:2000.

Approval process

In the first stage, the materials used to make the product are examined for effects on the organoleptic (taste, appearance, smell, color) and chemical properties of drinking water. In further tests, these are evaluated regarding their cytotoxic reaction and the stimulation of microbial growth to prevent drinking water contamination. If all requirements stipulated in WRAS are met, approvals are granted.

FDA conformity confirms the suitability of materials for use in foodstuffs in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), whose main task is to protect the public health of the United States. Verification of the conformity is obtained by checking the permitted recipe components and the migration requirements on the finished part.

The test plates made from KRAIBURG Pure have successfully passed these migration tests and are thus suitable for finished parts that require a positive FDA approval.

As well as the European approvals, KRAIBURG Pure compound series also meets the requirements in accordance with 3A Sanitary Standards. The American organization of the same name stipulates hygiene standards for machinery and systems which are used in the dairy, food, drink, and pharmaceutical industries.

Among other things, these standards include requirements of the material suitability and fitness for purpose of rubber and materials like rubber, for example, compatibility with cleaning agents and disinfectants which are integrated into the machinery and systems, and which encounter the product.

One main requirement of 3A Sanitary Standards states compliance with the FDA regulations in accordance with CFR 21 Section 177.2600, which determine the permitted “ingredients” of rubber which is to be used in the food industry.