Compression test of packaging materials, compressive strength

Compression testing is designed to evaluate how much weight a package can withstand, and is particularly relevant to those in the distribution chain and those producing the packaging raw material. It is typically used for evaluating the strength of tertiary packaging, such as stacked boxes, but is equally applicable to stacks of yoghurt pots, for example, and has recently been found to be very useful for testing how much vertical load glass containers can tolerate. The test involves applying an external load to the packaging to replicate the load that is applied during storage and distribution. A load is applied to the container until failure or up to its nominal load.

This is one of a suite of packaging strength methods available from Campden BRI related to transit testing or distribution chain testing.

Key services

Package strength and integrity

Packaging must be able to withstand the rigours of distribution and storage.

Paper and board

Different tests can be performed to assess the quality of paper or board.

Metal

Testing of canned products within metal packaging may be required for various reasons including product/pack compatibility.

Plastics

Different tests can be performed to assess the quality and strength of plastics.

Modified atmosphere packaging

Ensuring the correct gas composition and gas:product volume ratio is critical.

Packaging down the microscope

Microscopy can use a range of techniques to examine packaging materials including plastic and metal.

Packaging migration and taint analysis

Packaging must not transfer its constituents into food to the detriment of the food's quality.

Metal can double seam assessment and troubleshooting

We can assess internal and external dimensions for any defects and breaching of critical seam parameters

List of all tests

List of all packaging analysis and tests available.