What is ISO 177 - Plasticizer migration test about?
ISO 177 is a document that specifies a method for the determination of the tendency of plasticizers to migrate from plastics in which they are contained into other materials or plastics when they are brought into close contact.
ISO 177 specifies the tendencies displayed by plastic particularly in the forms of films and sheets, to lose a certain amount of their liquid constituents when they are brought into contact with materials that are in with plasticizers.
The surfaces into which the migration can proceed can also consist of organic surface coatings, such as lacquers.
Note 1: When the absorbent sheets themselves contain a substance capable of migrating, simultaneous migrations can occur from the test specimens into the absorbent sheets and vice versa.
Note 2: The results may also be affected by the migration of other constituents of the plastic material (for example, oligomers) or by the loss of any volatile constituents other than plasticizers from the plastic material or the absorbent layer.
Who is ISO 177- Plasticizer migration test for?
ISO 177 on Plastic- migration of plasticizers is useful for:
- Manufacturers of plastic / PVC products
- The polymer industry
- Manufacturers of food handling products like gloves, trays and cups
- Manufacturers of products that contain plastic components
Why should you use ISO 177- Plasticizer migration test?
Plasticizers are used at a massive scale and pose risks to users and the environment.
ISO 177 provides methods to determine the nature of the plasticizer and the level at which it can cause the spread of toxic materials in close contact.
This test is suitable for:
- Evaluating the tendency displayed by plastics, particularly in the form of films and sheets, to lose certain of their liquid constituents when they are brought into contact with materials that have an affinity for plasticizers
- Studying the tendency to migrate of plasticizers contained in a resin or a series of resins, in one or more concentrations
For resins, standard compounds are prepared on the basis of a well-characterized resin with well-defined ratios of plasticizer to resin.
ISO 177 helps you to determine the tendency of plasticizers to migrate while contained in a resin or a series of resins, in one or more concentrations. This test is a step towards developing better quality products for your customers.

