Ensure high quality of drinking water
27.04.2017
Drinking water – there is probably no other food item, which is checked more intensively! In the German-speaking region, there are higher quality requirements for drinking water from the tap than for industrially packed bottled or mineral waters. This is also reflected in the materials and items, with which the water comes in contact with on its way to the consumer.
Pinneberg/Germany, April 27th, 2017
In order to support its customers, ROWA Masterbatch uses only the raw materials for its products in this application area, which are present in the mentioned positive lists. The company also assists the responsible accreditation institutions and test laboratories by disclosing formulations where necessary. A modern product management system ensures that there are no changes in the composition of recipes, so that additional tests and costs are avoided.
The use of approved components and water pipe parts is checked regularly by the health officials. Where parts are found not permitted for drinking water use, there is the possibility of imposition of a monetary fine and an immediate cancellation of the operator’s license.
In Europe, drinking water permits are given by accredited institutions, which conduct testing according to local legal requirements. The license is given for finished products only after compliance is demonstrated. According to the Guideline for Hygienic Assessment of Organic Materials in Contact with Drinking Water by the Federal Environment Agency (in short: KTW Guideline), only those substances may be used, which are listed in the positive lists of the EU directive 10/2011 (“on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food”) or in the BfR recommendations IX. (“Colorants for Plastics and other Polymers Used in Commodities”). Added to these are various standards, which must be followed. In laboratory tests, it is then determined with cold, warm or hot water depending upon the application, whether the quality of the water changes. Therefore, the products may not affect the taste, the appearance or the smell. The desired license is granted only when these tests are passed.