The Importance Of Testing The Entire Package For Shelf Life Results

The shelf life of a product in a package can be very different from the projected shelf life obtained from testing a flat film.  Most packaging R&D work is done using flat films, which is essential for identifying suitable packaging materials. However, when a film is formed into a package, defects created during the manufacturing process as well as during shipping or distribution can weaken the barrier provided by the package as a whole. This must be taken into account during development or the shelf life of the product may be less than expected, which can lead to problems such as recalls or even legal action.

Many companies avoid this issue by over packaging their products. This is not an effective solution since it leads to increased production costs, higher costs for the customer, and a negative environmental impact. A more effective solution is to determine the permeation rate of the finished package to ensure that it remains an effective barrier while avoiding the costs of over packaging. The following case studies illustrate the importance of testing the whole package, as well as providing examples of how this type of testing can be done.