Reference materials producers launch new European initiative

Certified Reference Materials with the new trademark ERM® fulfil harmonised quality criteria based on modern international guidelines. Speaking at the press conference, Professor Hendrik Emons (IRMM) will explain the aims and opportunities of the ERM® concept. Moreover, he will illustrate, using the example of ERMs for genetically modified food, how such reference materials contribute to the surveillance of the implementation of EU legislation.
 
Dr John Marriott (LGC) will give an overview of the range of ERMs developed to support measurements related to environment and health, with a specific focus on the development of reference materials for low sulphur fuels. In order to reduce environmental pollution, the level of sulphur in fuels is being progressively reduced by European legislation. In collaboration with the oil and petroleum industry, the ERM® partnership is developing a range of materials to help with sound analysis at the lower levels, thus supporting corresponding environmental regulations.
 
Professor Irene Nehls (BAM) will introduce different kinds of metals and alloys as Certified Reference Materials. Two of the newest materials that fulfil the ERM® quality criteria are based on the alloys used for the production of the new EURO coins. The exact compliance with the legal specifications for these alloys forms the basis for the verification of adulteration of coinage and for the identification of coins in vending machines. Therefore, the reference materials are important instruments for coin producers to ensure the quality of their products and to control the correctness of their specifications.