Definitive Deformulation

Have you ever wondered what’s in a product? Perhaps you want to unlock the secrets to a competitor’s formulation or maybe you want to gain control of your formulation that is toll manufactured. Chemir’s expert scientists can help solve these problems using Definitive Deformulation.

Deformulation, or reverse engineering, is the process of identifying and quantifying ingredients in a product. Unlike other laboratories, Chemir’s Definitive Deformulation can accurately quantify trace ingredients and provides a working recipe that streamlines formulation development.

Here’s how it works:
Our process begins with the identification of ingredients. We don’t just stop at the chemical family of ingredients, we drill down to the actual raw materials used in the formula. Once complete structure elucidation is finished, we determine absolute concentrations of each ingredient. Quantitative methods are validated by evaluating accuracy, precision, and instrument linearity to ensure quality results.

What makes Chemir’s approach unique?
What many labs refer to as “deformulation” is really nothing more than a characterization of major components using simple screening techniques. This information is usually not enough to recreate the product. Chemir’s clients receive a final report with tables of ingredients and their relative concentrations. With Definitive Deformulation, our clients resolve difficult problems and save time and money with the right results the first time.

What can we deformulate?
Chemir’s experienced chemists have performed deformulations on hundreds of products and have the skills and tools to successfully deformulate the most difficult materials. From medical plastics to personal care formulations, we have successfully deformulated a wide variety of products. Definitive Deformulation projects may involve home, health and beauty products; industrial and consumer cleaners, plastics, composites, rubber products, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and more. Chemir’s scientists have special expertise in polymer deformulation, including medical devices and medical plastics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much of a sample is needed to begin deformulation?

A: Typically 5 grams is sufficient and Chemir has successfully performed deformulations with less.

Q: How long does the process take?

A: 20-25 business days is typical, although Chemir has done deformulations in as few as 2 business days in select cases

Q: Why is Chemir better than other labs when it comes to deformulation?

A: We have 8 PhD’s on staff and over 400 years of combined analytical and manufacturing experience on staff. Chemir has over $10 million dollars of state-of-the-art instrumentation and the know-how to utilize it properly for maximum precision and accuracy. Chemir has been the recognized leader in product deformulation for over 50 years. Another major benefit is our detailed final report which includes original data. This report also includes pertinent conclusions and recommendations, allowing our clients to quickly and efficiently solve their problem or move forward with commercialization.

Q: Once the deformulation is complete, can Chemir help with reformulation?

A: Absolutely – Chemir has experienced formulators on staff and can also consult regarding pilot scale product development through product launch and commercialization

Q: What other services does Chemir offer related to product development?

A: Chemir can assist with regulatory investigation and submittals (EPA, FDA, MSDS generation, labeling requirements, etc), also developing raw material specifications, patent submittal, supply chain management, packaging selection and transportation considerations, development of batch procedures, quality system set-up, even transfer of technology to a 3rd party private label or toll manufacturer. In some cases, Chemir continues to assist clients with ongoing product technical and field support long after product launch

Deformulation analysis of commercial products is provided for informational purposes only. Chemir Analytical Services strongly recommends review of state and federal laws, trademarks, copyrights and patent situations by the customer prior to use of such information.

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