What Are TDS, COA and SDS (MSDS)? A Guide to Plastic Raw Material Documents

Each document you come across when buying a raw material answers a different question: What kind of material is this grade in general (TDS)? Does the batch I received really have those properties (COA)? How do I transport, store and process the material safely (SDS)? Can I use it in a product that comes into contact with food (declaration of compliance)?

A document published by the manufacturer for a grade, showing properties such as MFI, density, tensile and impact strength and hardness, together with recommended applications. Next to each value, it states which test standard (ISO, ASTM) and which condition it was measured under.

TDS values are usually 'typical values': they show the result expected on average in the production of that grade and are not a guarantee for every batch. Most documents state this explicitly.

When comparing TDSs from different manufacturers, make sure you are looking at the same test standard and condition (see 'ISO and ASTM Test Standards').

Shows values actually measured in the laboratory for a specific production batch (lot). It includes the lot number, production date, and that batch's critical values such as MFI and density, together with acceptance ranges.

Checking whether the values on the COA of the batch you received fall within the specification range of the grade is the simplest first step of quality assurance. Also make sure the lot number on the bag or pallet matches the number on the COA.

In some cases a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is provided instead of or alongside the COA; a CoC declares that the product conforms to the stated requirements without listing the individual measurement results.

Brings together, under 16 standard headings, the information needed to transport, store, use and dispose of the material safely: hazard identification, first aid, firefighting, accidental release, handling and storage, exposure controls, physical and chemical properties, toxicological and ecological information, disposal and transport are some of them.

In Türkiye, since 31 December 2023, safety data sheets must be prepared in accordance with the KKDİK Regulation, in Turkish, and approved by a certified Chemical Assessment Specialist.

Polyethylene and polypropylene pellets are generally not classified as hazardous under international classification criteria (the CLP Regulation in the EU), so many manufacturers publish their SDS voluntarily, stating this. Even so, the SDS contains valuable occupational-safety information such as the slip risk of spilled pellets, fumes that may form at high temperatures during processing, contact with hot melt, and measures to take in case of fire.

'MSDS' (Material Safety Data Sheet) is an older name; today 'SDS' is used internationally and 'GBF' (Güvenlik Bilgi Formu) in Türkiye.

If your product will come into contact with food (food packaging, bottles, caps, etc.), you need a declaration of compliance from the manufacturer of the raw material used. In Türkiye, this is regulated by the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Plastic Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food (Communiqué No. 2019/44), prepared in line with EU Regulation No 10/2011.

The declaration of compliance states which types of food and which temperature-time conditions the material is suitable for, and any restrictions on use. The phrase 'food grade' on its own is not enough; the declaration must belong to the relevant grade and be up to date.

When switching to a new grade, first review the TDS and, if needed, the food-contact declaration of compliance, then run a sample trial (see 'The Sample and Analysis Process'). For regular purchases, ask for the COA of each batch with every delivery and keep it together with your own incoming-inspection records.

Pay attention to the date and version number of documents: manufacturers update TDSs and SDSs from time to time. Instead of relying on an outdated document, ask for the current version.

We share TDS, COA and SDS documents for the products in our catalog on request; just send us the grade and document type you need via WhatsApp or email.