The landscape of modern packaging is governed by complex technical standards designed to ensure product quality, safety, and material compatibility. Across this system, two of the most influential ones are the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)and ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials). While these organizations operate under different governance and structures, their most important function for industry is to provide reliable, repeatable testing protocols. Continue reading
Testing is an essential phase in selecting the right flexible packaging materials. The evaluation generally includes four main categories: Barrier Property Tests focusing on content preservation; Mechanical Property Tests, which focus on package durability; Package Integrity Tests, which focus on the final package structure; and Chemical Safety and Compatibility Tests, which are particularly vital in the food and pharmaceutical industries, focusing on content safety and regulatory compliance by monitoring material migration. Continue reading
The dominant material remains Plastic (primarily Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP)) due to its low cost, durability, and excellent properties. Crucially, the demand for high-barrier films —which significantly restrict the transmission of Oxygen (OTR) and moisture (WVTR)—is strong, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors where product integrity and shelf life are paramount [2]. Understanding these materials is the first step in strategic package design. Continue reading
In the food packaging industry, barrier performance is crucial for extending shelf life, maintaining freshness, and ensuring product safety. Two key metrics used to evaluate barrier packaging materials are:
OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate)
MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate)
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Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of packaging materials,particularly in industries where product quality and shelf life are directlyimpacted by exposure to oxygen. This testing method measures the rate at which oxygen permeates through packaging materials, providing key insights into thematerial’s ability to act as a barrier against oxygen. Below are the primary reasons why OTR testing is important for packaging: Continue reading