Food Packaging Tests Aim To Prolong Shelf Life
By Alec Italiano, contributing writer
Oxygen and water vapor transmission among several quality control standards being tested in food’s flexible packaging segment
Intertek, a quality control company that tests packaging technology out of its recently expanded Pittsfield, MA facility, has increased its laboratory capabilities. The company can now test for flexibility in polymer packaging as well as gauge its fitness more efficiently.
Intertek has a long history of working in collaboration with food manufacturers to help them become more successful in packaging endeavors. The input of food industry clients was the main motivating factor for the investment that delivers faster, more accurate data when it comes to the physical attributes of flexible and film polymer materials.
Some of the equipment added includes a permeation unit that gauges how much water vapor is transmitted throughout the packaging process. This factor is important in determining a product’s shelf life as any trace of moisture can spoil the packaging’s contents at a faster rate. Another new machine at Intertek provides the same inspection services as the water vapor transmission detector, but tests for oxygen — another factor that can reduce a food product’s shelf life.
This added equipment compliments the company’s durability testing capabilities that include impact resistance, tearing, peeling, and bond strength. Now though, the company will be able to test additional factors such as the Gelbo flex (resistance against repetitive strain), package bursting/creep rate, hot tack, and final evaluation on heat seals and seams. The new tests ensure a longer shelf life and quality control unparalleled in the market.
The new technology benefits material engineers and scientists designing packages. It gives them added metrics to make decisions regarding the durability of certain materials during tests for moisture, temperature, and additional outside forces the package may face during transportation.
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