ISO 846:2019 Testing: Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to Microorganisms
ISO 846:2019 specifies methods for evaluating the action of microorganisms on plastics – determining whether a plastic material or plastic-based product is susceptible to microbial growth, or whether it actively inhibits it. Airmid Healthgroup provides independent, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing to this standard, supporting manufacturers seeking to validate antimicrobial or mould-resistant claims for plastic materials and products.
Scope of ISO 846:2019
ISO 846:2019 covers the assessment of how plastics interact with bacteria and fungi under controlled laboratory conditions. It is applicable to both untreated plastics – to determine their susceptibility to microbial attack – and treated plastics, to verify whether an antimicrobial treatment delivers effective and lasting protection.
The standard is widely used in the development and quality assurance of plastic materials intended for use in environments where microbial contamination is a concern, including healthcare, food contact, construction, and consumer goods.
Test Methods Within ISO 846:2019
ISO 846:2019 includes five test methods, each designed to assess a different aspect of microbial interaction with plastics:
Method A — Fungi (No Nutrient Medium)
Assesses whether the plastic material itself can support fungal growth without any additional nutrients — simulating real-world conditions where plastics are exposed to ambient moulds.
Method B — Fungi (With Nutrient Medium)
Evaluates fungal growth on a plastic surface when nutrients are present — used to determine whether an antimicrobial treatment can inhibit growth even under favourable conditions.
Method C — Bacteria
Measures the antibacterial activity of a plastic surface by comparing bacterial growth on treated versus untreated control samples.
Method D — Soil Burial
Evaluates the resistance of plastics to a mixed microbial population in soil — relevant for construction materials, pipes, and outdoor applications.
Method E — Liquid Medium
Assesses microbial growth in a liquid medium containing the plastic material — used for products in contact with water or other liquids.
Products That Can Be Tested to ISO 846:2019
Airmid Healthgroup provides ISO 846:2019 testing for a wide range of plastic materials and products, including:
- Antimicrobial plastic components for medical devices and healthcare equipment
- Food contact plastics and packaging materials
- Construction materials including plastic pipes, panels, and profiles
- Consumer goods such as kitchen appliances, bathroom fittings, and toys
- HVAC components and air handling unit parts
- Plastic coatings, films, and surface treatments
- Automotive and transport interior components
Why Independent ISO 846:2019 Testing Matters
Third-Party Validation
Independent testing provides credible, defensible evidence to support antimicrobial or mould-resistant product claims for retailers, regulators, and consumers.
Regulatory Compliance
ISO 846:2019 data supports compliance with EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), building standards, food contact regulations, and medical device requirements.
Product Development Support
Testing at Airmid during development helps identify whether antimicrobial additives or treatments are performing as intended before product launch.
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited
Airmid Healthgroup operates in conformity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ensuring all results meet the highest standards of accuracy and reproducibility.
Request a Quote for ISO 846:2019 Testing
Contact Airmid Healthgroup today to discuss your ISO 846:2019 testing requirements. Our team will guide you through the most appropriate test method for your product and provide a custom quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 846:2019 used for?
ISO 846:2019 is used to evaluate how plastic materials interact with microorganisms — specifically whether a plastic is susceptible to bacterial or fungal attack, or whether it actively inhibits microbial growth. It is used by manufacturers to validate antimicrobial claims and assess the durability of plastic products in environments where microbial contamination is a risk.
Which microorganisms are used in ISO 846:2019 testing?
Depending on the method selected, testing may use a defined panel of fungal species (such as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium funiculosum, and Chaetomium globosum) and bacterial strains (such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) relevant to real-world contamination scenarios.
How is ISO 846:2019 different from other antimicrobial standards?
ISO 846:2019 is specifically designed for plastic materials, whereas standards like ISO 22196 cover hard non-porous surfaces more broadly, and ISO 18184 focuses on textiles. If your product is plastic-based, ISO 846 is the most directly applicable standard for assessing microbial resistance.
Can ISO 846:2019 testing support a biocidal product claim under EU BPR?
Yes. ISO 846:2019 data generated by an accredited laboratory can form part of the technical dossier required for EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) submissions for treated articles making antimicrobial claims. Airmid’s team can advise on study design to ensure data meets regulatory requirements.
How long does ISO 846:2019 testing take?
Turnaround time depends on the specific method selected and the number of samples. Most standard ISO 846 tests are completed within 4–6 weeks of sample receipt. Contact our team for a project-specific timeline and quote.
