The material properties may fluctuate under different temperatures and/or humidity conditions. The globally recognized standard lab conditions are 23°C/50% relative humidity (rH) and the IBE-BVI lab operates a 24/7 controlled environment at these parameters. It ensures consistent material comparisons over time & across different labs worldwide, guaranteeing reliable and reproducible results for evaluating material properties. For paper-based material the relative humidity is a very important parameter because it influences the physical properties. For the most plastics properties only the temperature has a major influence, but it is advisable that the relative humidity is also controlled.

Certain mechanical properties can be determined in various ways, leading to significant differences in values if factors such as testing speed or sample dimensions vary. Differences in measurements methods or sample preparation can result into incorrect conclusions, it's like comparing the endurance of two athletes: one running a marathon, the other sprinting a 100-meter dash.

However, by adhering to international standards (ISO, ASTM, TAPPI, etc.), the process for obtaining standardized measurements is clearly defined. These standards outline steps including conditioning, sample preparation, applicable materials and test procedure. Thus, reporting the used standard alongside the type of analysis ensures transparency, credibility, and facilitates reliable interpretation and comparison of results within the industry or field.

A transport simulation provides insights into the behavior of the packaging in relation to the product in contains. This unique interaction between packaging and packed product is crucial for ensuring that goods are delivered to end users or consumers in optimal condition. The acceptable state of product & package must be determined by stakeholders. While IBE-BVI can provide clear observations, the evaluation criteria itself can vary significantly and depend on your specific quality requirements.

For instance, when testing packed medical supplies, stakeholders may prioritize factors such as sterility, label legibility, and integrity. Meanwhile, when evaluating electronic devices, functionality will be the main priority. Similarly, for household products, resistance to leakage and breakage during transport are significant considerations.

Therefore, it is essential to test the packaging with the actual product it will contain, mirroring real-world conditions. While dummy loads can be used, they should closely resemble real-life scenarios, not only in terms of weight and dimensions but also in how they are packed and should allow conclusions to be drawn after the test.

1. Description of sample and packaging/transportation method: Can you specify what will be tested and how it will be packed or transported? Should we test on box or on pallet level (shipping unit)?

2. Test quantity of shipping units? How many shipping units are required for your qualification needs to support your internal validation process. For example, testing reference material against a new packaging concept.

3. Environmental conditioning requirements: Will the test require environmental preconditioning beyond the standard 23°C/50% RH? For example, will your product be exposed to cold or tropical conditions during transportation, and is it sensitive to these conditions? If yes, the shipping units (up to 6 pallets if needed) can be climatically conditioned before the simulation, to investigate transport behavior at those conditions.

4. Transportation modes: Which vehicle modes will be utilized for transportation (e.g., air, boat, truck)?

5. Low-pressure sensitivity: Is the product and packaging sensitive to low-pressure environments?

6. Standard test Do you already have a preferred standard for the simulation (ISTA, ASTM,…)?

7. Why did you choose to perform a transport simulation?

8. Content evaluation needed? Please note that IBE-BVI provides a standard report, including details of the equipment used, the test method employed, and pictures to clarify observation. By default, the evaluation is focused on the shipping unit. If content evaluation be required, please provide specific details.

Absolutely! Products intended for sale via e-commerce must be packaged appropriately to withstand the rigors of the distribution cycle. Whether you're utilizing a parcel delivery model defined by webstores or courier companies, or adhering to general standards like ASTM or ISTA, testing your packaging is crucial.

In 2023, ISTA launched a specific test tailored for e-commerce retailers, known as Project 3L. This test accounts for the unique challenges of e-commerce fulfillment. Or if your products will be shipped alongside other items in an ‘over box’, consider ‘ISTA 6 - Amazon Over Box Project’. Alternatively, ASTM D7386 is another viable option for single parcel carrier shipments.

These standards encompass various product types, accounting for differences in dimensions, weight, handling, and shipment methods. Therefore, providing detailed information about your product and packaging enables us to define the right test sequences tailored to your specific needs (see question above)