Smithers provides consumer product packaging testing services to help brands, packaging manufacturers and suppliers assess packaging functionality, durability, product / packaging compatibility and usability. Our testing programmes support packaging development, quality assurance, supplier qualification and product launch activities across cosmetics, personal care, healthcare, household and consumer goods markets.
Using a combination of ASTM-standardised and custom testing methods, we help clients validate packaging performance, reduce risk before products reach the market, and identify packaging failures.
Our ISO 17025 laboratories support both recognised ASTM standards and customised testing programmes designed around specific packaging formats, formulations and performance requirements. We work with clients to validate packaging systems, investigate failures and generate meaningful performance data to support confident decision-making.
Whether you are developing a new package, assessing a packaging change or investigating a packaging issue, our experts can help.
Using a combination of ASTM-standardised and custom testing methods, we help clients validate packaging performance, reduce risk before products reach the market, and identify packaging failures.
What consumer product packaging testing can help you understand
Testing can help determine whether packaging:- Dispenses, sprays, closes or seals consistently
- Remains compatible with the product formulation over time
- Resists leakage, cracking, deformation or loss of integrity
- Withstands storage, handling, transport and consumer-use conditions
- Maintains label, print, decoration and coding performance
- Supports launch, quality, supplier approval or failure investigation decisions
Common packaging issues we investigate
Consumer product packaging can fail in a variety of ways throughout storage, distribution and consumer use. Smithers helps clients investigate and prevent issues such as inconsistent pump, dispenser or closure performance, leakage and package integrity failures, product / package compatibility concerns, environmental damage and label durability problems.Our consumer packaging testing capabilities
Pump, Dispenser and Spray Packaging Testing
Evaluate dispensing performance, priming, output, actuator force, spray quality, pump assembly integrity and pump-related leakage / ingress risks.
Closure, Seal and Leakage Testing
Evaluate whether closures, seals and package systems retain contents, resist leaks, and function correctly through use and storage.
Product / Package Compatibility Testing
Assess interactions between the product formulation and packaging materials / components, including chemical resistance, ESC, corrosion, product contact and visual change.
Packaging Durability and Environmental Performance Testing
Assess how packaging performs under physical handling, storage, conditioning, temperature change, retail display and consumer-use conditions.
Label, Print and Decoration Durability Testing
Evaluate label adhesion, print durability, colourfastness, coding legibility, barcode readability and decoration robustness.
Dimensional, Visual and Physical Evaluation
Measure and inspect packaging components for dimensional conformity, capacity, wall thickness, visual quality and basic physical characteristics.
When should consumer packaging testing be used?
Consumer product packaging testing is commonly used during new packaging development, product launch validation, packaging redesign, material change projects, supplier qualification, quality control and failure investigation. It can also support sustainability and lightweighting initiatives where changes to materials, formats or components need to be validated before launch.Why choose Smithers?
Smithers combines independent testing, packaging expertise and real-world performance evaluation to help organisations make informed packaging decisions.Our ISO 17025 laboratories support both recognised ASTM standards and customised testing programmes designed around specific packaging formats, formulations and performance requirements. We work with clients to validate packaging systems, investigate failures and generate meaningful performance data to support confident decision-making.
Whether you are developing a new package, assessing a packaging change or investigating a packaging issue, our experts can help.
