ITENE recertified with ISTA Lab Certification
ITENE is pleased to announce the successful recertification of its testing laboratories by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). This marks the eight consecutive renewal, achieved every two years since 2016. This reaffirms ITENE’s commitment to providing globally recognized and accredited packaging testing services in accordance with ISTA standards.
Packaging Assessment and Validation: Why is necessary?
There are significant threats pose by unexpected hazards as well as tough transport conditions such as vibration, compression, and drops that can compromise the integrity of the products. Therefore, packaging testing is crucial as it detects design flaws and ensures resilience.
Through comprehensive testing that simulates real-world stresses, potential vulnerabilities in packaging are exposed before the product’s journey begins. This proactive approach is crucial in minimizing the risk of damage during transport, which leads to fewer product returns and smoother processing times. The benefits extend beyond logistics and operations, significantly impacting customer satisfaction as well.
Moreover, the financial implications of inadequate packaging can be substantial. Damage during transit can result in increased costs due to returns, replacements, and potential loss of business. By investing in rigorous packaging testing, companies can avoid these issues, ensuring that their products are delivered safely and efficiently.
What does ITENE’s Testing Service include?
ITENE offers a comprehensive testing suite for horticultural packaging (cardboard and plastic) as well as industrial packaging and box pallets (cardboard, plastic, metal, and wood).
For horticultural packaging, tests focus on the specific needs of produce, including corrugated cardboard’s paper strength, water resistance, vibration tolerance, stacking ability, and bottom stability.
Plastic packaging undergoes similar evaluations for compression, stacking, and drop resistance.
Industrial packaging and box pallets receive a broader range of testing, encompassing compression strength, stacking performance, impact resistance from various angles, deflection under pressure, and surface friction.
Additionally, ITENE provides a full evaluation of pallets for handling goods, including nominal and maximum load tests in various scenarios like shelving, forklifting, and transport, as well as durability tests simulating potential damage during handling.
ISTA Lab Certification
Which are the series of ISTA testing standards included in ITENE’s Testing Laboratories?
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- Procedure 1ª: Packaged-Products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less
- Procedure 1B: Packaged-Products weighing over 150 lb (68 kg)
- Procedure 1C: Extended Testing for Individual Packaged-Products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less
- Procedure 1D: Extended Testing for Individual Packaged-Products weighing Over 150 lb (68 kg)
- Procedure 1E: Unitized Loads
- Procedure 1G: Packaged-Products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less (Random Vibration)
- Procedure 1H: Packaged-Products weighing Over 150 lb (68 kg) (Random Vibration)
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- Procedure 2A: Packaged-Products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less
- Procedure 2B: Packaged-Products weighing over 150 lb (68 kg)
- Procedure 2C: Furniture Packages
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- Procedure 3A: Packaged-Products for Parcel Delivery System Shipment weighing 70kg (150 lb) or Less
- Procedure 3B: Packaged-Products for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment
- Procedure 3E: Similar Packaged-Products in Unitized Loads for Truckload Shipment
- Procedure 3F: Packaged-Products in Mixed Pallet Loads for Regional Shipment, 100 lb (45 kg) or Less
- Procedure 3H: Mechanically Handled Bulk Transport Containers
- Procedure 3K: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods in the European Retail Supply Chain
Project 3L: Generalized E-commerce Retailer Fulfilment
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- AMAZON:
- Project 6-AMAZON.com-Project SIOC: Shipping in Own Container (SIOC) for the Amazon.com Distribution System.
- Project 6-AMAZON.com-Project Over Boxing: E-commerce fulfilment for parcel shipments.
- SAMSCLUB:
- Project 6-SAMSCLUB: Packaged goods shipping for the Sam’s Club distribution system.
- FEDEX:
- Project 6-FedEx-A FedEx: Procedures for testing packaged products weighing up to 150 lbs (domestic and international).
- Project 6-FedEx-B FedEx: Procedures for testing packaged products weighing more than 150 lbs (domestic and international).
- AMAZON:
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- Procedure 7D: Thermal Controlled Transport Packaging for Parcel Delivery System Shipment
Benefits of ITENE Testing Service:
- Reduced damage:
Our rigorous testing ensures that packaging can withstand various transport stresses, reducing the likelihood of product damage during transit.
- Cost savings:
By identifying and addressing packaging weaknesses, companies can avoid costs associated with returns, replacements, and damaged goods.
- Improved operational efficiency:
Fewer damaged products mean smoother processing times and less disruption in the supply chain.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction:
Customers receive their products in excellent condition, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
- Increased brand reputation:
Reliable and robust packaging enhances the company’s reputation, demonstrating a commitment to quality and reliability.
- Compliance with retailer requirements:
ISTA certification is often required by major retailers, ensuring compliance and facilitating smoother market access.
- Environmental Benefits
Effective packaging testing can also identify opportunities to reduce excess packaging, contributing to sustainability efforts by minimizing material usage and waste.
ITENE, as a certified ISTA testing lab, stands at the forefront of ISTA’s mission to empower organizations and their people to minimize product damage throughout distribution and optimize resource usage through effective package design.
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Shall we talk?
Amparo Gala
Head of Testing Services Unit