What is Package Conditioning?
Conditioning packages simulate field conditions that a container, package, or packaging component may encounter during the distribution process. Conditioning is commonly used before conducting transit simulation tests.
These conditions are either historically accepted or chosen to represent particular environments within a product’s distribution life.
As an ISTA and ISO 17025 certified lab, Keystone Package Testing realizes the importance of package integrity testing. Meeting the regulatory compliance and conditioning requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.
Request a quote to see why so many companies partner with Keystone Package Testing.
Why is Conditioning a Package Important?
Material from containers and packages may undergo physical property changes as the temperature and relative humidity are varied. Therefore, packages are kept in a specified conditional environment to easily reproduce transit and simulation tests.
Damages to products and packaging during distribution result in costly replacement fees. With the proper testing and certification, many of those costs can be significantly reduced or eliminated. It is crucial to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-changing landscape of commerce. You can do this by guaranteeing that your products are meeting expectations and deadlines.
With package integrity testing as a standard practice for your products, you can reassure your customers that you are a reliable company that will supply products fit to turn a profit.
Keystone Package Testing’s Conditioning Equipment and Capabilities
For the conditioning procedure, a chamber is used as a workspace to continuously maintain particular environmental conditions and appropriately record those conditions.
Additionally, a hygrometer is used to indicate the relative humidity. This apparatus should be accurate to ± 2% humidity. Any measuring device such as a thermometer is used to provide accurate temperature readings within 0.1 °C.
Our new state-of-the-art package testing laboratory includes environmental chambers up to 1,300 cu. ft, shakers up to 12 kips, and multiple compression/tensile testers. We offer complete pack-out services and engineering guidance. From test plan development to the writing of the report, our team is in constant communication.
ASTM D4332: Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components
ASTM D4332 subjects containers, packages, or packaging components for at least 72 hours, or until equilibrium is reached. The unit under testing is supported so that all surfaces have free access to the conditioning atmosphere.
Heavier packages may be placed on a pallet or device that should allow for as much exposure to the bottom as possible.
Following the ASTM D4332 package conditioning process, a report is written with the following information. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.
- Temperature, relative humidity, and time of exposure
- Preconditioning atmosphere and time of exposure
- Statement of compliance with this procedure
- Variations from this procedure
ISO 2233: Complete, Filled Transport Packages – Conditioning for Testing
The temperature and relative humidity are selected. These must be appropriate to the transport and storage of the specimen to be tested.
The specimen is then placed in the chamber and exposed to the specified conditions for a minimum period of 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, or 72 hours, or from 1 to 4 weeks. The specimen under testing must have free access to the top, sides, and at least 75% of the base.
Information is then compiled into a report. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.
- Reference to this standard
- The details of any pre-drying
- The conditions and time used for conditioning
- The temperature and relative humidity of the test area
- Any deviation from the standard
Expert Regulatory Flexible Package Compliance Testing Laboratory
Keystone Package Testing creates an accurate test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing. In addition to the conditioning of packages, our test facility has an extensive scope of expertise including impact, sterile barrier, and vibration integrity testing.
When packages do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions. Keystone has a reputation for helping customers achieve their package certifications.
Ready to get started? We are. Request a quote to find out first hand about our competitive pricing, timely process, and outstanding reputation. If you have any questions regarding package integrity or transit compliance testing, please do not hesitate to contact us.