What We Do

At Lost River Labs, we empower businesses to deliver safer, more sustainable products by offering cutting-edge microplastics testing and product certification services. Our mission is to help companies demonstrate their commitment to environmental and human health through our trusted Certified Microplastic Free label.


Our Process: Rigorous, Transparent, and Reliable

We provide comprehensive microplastics testing for a wide range of products, from cosmetics to consumer goods. Our process is designed to be thorough, scientifically robust, and tailored to meet the needs of businesses striving for consumer confidence and a natural approach to product development. Here’s how it works:

  1. Sample Submission: You send us samples of your product or material in its final packaging.

  2. Advanced Testing: Our independent third-party laboratories use industry-leading techniques to detect and quantify microplastics. We employ methods such as Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy to identify microplastics as small as 1 micron.

  3. Detailed Analysis: Our expert team analyzes the results, determining the presence, type, and concentration of microplastics. We test for common polymers like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), among others.

  4. Certification: If your product meets our stringent microplastic-free criteria, we issue the Microplastic-Free Certified label, complete with a detailed report. Products with detectable microplastics receive actionable feedback to help you reformulate or adjust your processes.

  5. Ongoing Support: We offer consultation to help you maintain compliance and improve sustainability practices. Certified products can display our label, signaling your commitment to a cleaner future.

The Science Behind Microplastics Testing

Microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters—are a growing environmental and health concern. They have been found in water, air, soil, and even human tissue, raising alarms about their impact on ecosystems and human health (Thompson et al., 2009). Our testing methods are grounded in peer-reviewed science to ensure accuracy and reliability:

  • Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): FTIR identifies the chemical composition of particles by analyzing their infrared absorption spectra. This method is widely used for detecting microplastics in complex matrices (Huppertsberg & Knepper, 2020).

  • Raman Spectroscopy: This technique complements FTIR by providing high-resolution identification of microplastics, especially for smaller particles down to 1 micrometer (Araujo et al., 2018).

Our protocols align with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for microplastics analysis (ISO/TS 32302, under development). We continuously evaluate our methods to reflect the latest advancements in microplastics research, ensuring your certification is credible and future-proof.

Citations:

  • Thompson, R. C., et al. (2009). “Plastics, the environment and human health: Current consensus and future trends.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 364(1526), 2153–2166.

  • Huppertsberg, S., & Knepper, T. P. (2020). “Instrumental analysis of microplastics—Benefits and challenges.” Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 412(25), 6687–6701.

  • Araujo, C. F., et al. (2018). “Identification of microplastics using Raman spectroscopy: Latest developments and future prospects.” Water Research, 142, 426–440.

  • Fischer, M., & Scholz-Böttcher, B. M. (2019). “Microplastics analysis by pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry: Method optimization and transferability.” Environmental Science & Technology, 53(15), 9010–9017.

Why Choose a Microplastic-Free Label?

In today’s market, consumers and regulators are increasingly demanding transparency and sustainability. Microplastics are a high-profile issue, linked to environmental degradation and potential health risks, including inflammation and toxicity (Vethaak & Legler, 2021). By earning our Microplastic-Free Certified label, your business can:

  • Build Consumer Trust: Displaying our label signals to eco-conscious consumers that your product is free from microplastics, aligning with their values and boosting brand loyalty.

  • Stay Ahead of Regulations: Governments worldwide are tightening restrictions on microplastics in products like cosmetics and packaging. Certification ensures compliance and positions you as a leader in sustainability.

  • Enhance Market Appeal: Differentiate your brand in a competitive market. Our label is a powerful marketing tool, showcasing your commitment to a cleaner planet.

  • Protect Your Reputation: Avoid the risks of being associated with microplastic pollution. Proactive testing demonstrates corporate responsibility and mitigates potential PR challenges.

  • Contribute to a Better Future: By reducing microplastics in your supply chain, you help protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, making a tangible impact on global sustainability.

Citation:

  • Vethaak, A. D., & Legler, J. (2021). “Microplastics and human health.” Science, 371(6530), 672–674.