Fluorescently labeled microplastic reference materials for recovery experiments, microscopy, and method validation: Environmentally relevant polymer fragments (10–1000 µm) produced by cryogenic milling of virgin plastics and compounded with fluorescent pigments.
Cryogenically milled and sieved fragments from virgin macroplastic. These environmentally relevant reference materials are suitable for  fluorescence microscopy & spectroscopy, and various microplastic method development and quality control applications.
 
Production
Each batch is produced by cryomilling remelted virgin plastic pellets compounded with fluorescent pigment, followed by cascade sieving through 1000 µm, 500 µm, 100 µm, and 5 µm filter membranes. The final 5 µm filtration step ensures inclusion of smaller, elongated fragments, resulting in a realistic, naturalistic particle distribution. Concentrations are quantified in-house using critical angle darkfield (CADFLI) microscopy and image analysis techniques to ensure consistency and traceability.
 
Particle size range
Standard size range: 10–100 µm
Custom size ranges (down to 5 µm) available upon request.
 
Particle concentration
For EasyMP™ liquid suspensions, you may choose a particle concentration between 1,000 and 5,000 particles/mL. Higher or lower concentrations are also possible – please contact us to discuss custom requirements.
If no concentration is selected within this range, a value will be chosen for you.
 
Format
EasyMP™ fragments (10-100) reference materials are available in two standard formats:
1. Liquid suspensions
 • Ethanol (95 vol.%)
 • Water with ethanol (20 vol.%) + Tween 20 (0.01 vol.%)
Both suspension types ensure effective particle dispersion. The 20% ethanol + Tween 20 formulation is not classified as a dangerous good, which helps reduce shipping costs and simplify handling. Pure ethanol may be preferred for specific applications requiring zero surfactant content.
2. Dry, neat (powder) format
 • Provided in 0.5–10.0 g quantities
 • Enables long-term storage and flexible resuspension in the solvent or medium of your choice
 • Suitable for a wide range of experimental workflows requiring solid-phase dosing or user-defined suspension protocols
 
Certificate of Analysis
All samples are accompanied by a sample-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA), based on four subsamples from each batch. The COA includes:
 • Polymer composition
 • Particle size distribution within size groups
 • Number of particles per mg or mL
 • Treated and raw data, including micrographs from which the data was derived
COAs are accessible via a weblink or QR code printed on each sample label.
 
Source material
Our fragments are produced by cryomilling early-stage plastic products, such as pellets, granules, filaments, rods, or tubes. The plastics melted and pigmented in-house prior to cryomilling. As these source materials are also used in the manufacture of everyday plastic items, the resulting microplastic fragments are not guaranteed to be additive-free and may contain plastic-associated chemicals (PACs), including pigments and other additives. However, by deliberately selecting early-stage source materials, we aim to enhance the environmental realism of the reference material; truly additive-free plastics are unlikely to occur in the natural environment. Further details on the specific source materials used are available upon request.
 
Shipping
Orders are typically prepared within 1–2 weeks of confirmation.
Once shipped, parcels are delivered worldwide via DHL Express, usually within 1–3 business days depending on the destination.
Shipping costs are automatically calculated at checkout based on location and format.
 
Contact
Need a quote or have specific requirements?
Contact us to discuss tailored size ranges, concentrations, or additional customization options.