Flexible packaging refers to packaging that readily changes shape per the contents inside. Pouches and bags are popular examples of flexible packaging.
Materials such as film, aluminium foil, plastic and paper are commonly used for flexible packaging to protect, market and distribute a wide variety of items including consumer goods and institutional products.
Flexible packaging offers many benefits. They are extremely customisable, are made from high-grade materials making them suitable for food products, eco-friendly and produce far lower waste and toxic gases.
However, efficiency is critical when you want to realise the said benefits. For these packaging to have the optimum shelf-life in the market, it is crucial that they are tested up to the standard to prevent leaks or contamination from foreign substance.
Why Flexible Packaging Testing is Important
Testing ensures that the packaging is up to standards and that the products within are well-protected. The package needs to be tested to ensure that it serves its purpose at every stage, from the time it is used for packaging to the time a customer opens it.
Testing requirements for flexible packaging are different from that of rigid packaging because several different attributes are tested.
Here are some common requirements for good flexible packaging.
Sturdy Seal
Flexible packaging must be well-sealed to preserve the integrity of the product within. For the seal to be sturdy, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
- The packaging should have an efficient seal that keeps the product within well-enclosed for the required time.
- The packaging must maintain its secure seal and the integrity of the materials used in its construction even when dropped with the product inside. The product should not suffer any damage due to the drop.
- The package must maintain its seal integrity when subjected to vibratory motions.
- The seal, as well as the materials used to make the package, must be compatible with the product inside lest it results in leakage.
- The package must be extremely resistant to scratches.
- The seal, seams, and the materials used to make the package must not leak.
Stretchable Make
Flexible packaging changes its shape according to the contents inside. The packaging must be able to accommodate the product without giving in when stretched. Ideally, the package must stretch well before breaking.
Tough Construction
- The packaging must not break from the impact of any external stimulus, which can be a pointed falling object or falling objects of considerable weight.
- If the packaging material is made of multiple polymer layers, then these layers must exhibit a strong bonding. This strength is essential to ensure that the layers do not fall apart under stress, which can damage the package.
- Tough construction also includes strong seams. The areas where two sheets or films join must be strong.
- The package must show high resistance to stress such as bending and flexing. Too little resistance makes the package brittle.
- The packaging must be strong enough to slide over other surfaces when required without being damaged. High resistance can lead to friction between surfaces and cause a leak in the package.
Ability to Protect Product Integrity with Tough Barrier Materials
Tough barrier materials in flexible packaging prevent elements such as water, light, oil, oxygen, water vapour and odour from entering the package and damaging the constitution of the product within.
Sealtick offers the state-of-the-art testing devices to ensure that your flexible packages meet the testing requirement above. An efficient testing system are important in ensuring the strength and integrity of flexible packaging. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Sealtick continuously improve our product quality to cater for a wider range of application. Our devices are manufactured and designed in Australia and they are used by business all around the world.
Get in touch with us today or call (03) 9540 5100 for more information.
