Smithers combines specialist packaging expertise with extensive laboratory testing and analytical capabilities to provide independent technical support across the packaging lifecycle.
Projects range from rapid-response troubleshooting and failure investigations to material selection, packaging optimisation, regulatory strategy and the development of bespoke test programmes.
How we can help
Our specialists can support projects involving:
- Packaging failure investigation – identifying why packs, materials or components fail and determining contributing factors
- Materials and pack performance – characterising and comparing packaging materials, structures and performance
- Packaging optimisation – evaluating opportunities to reduce material use, cost or complexity while maintaining required performance
- Production and packing issues – investigating packaging line performance and interactions between packs, materials and machinery
- Print, labels and decoration – investigating print quality, adhesion, labelling and decoration issues
- Materials selection and specification – supporting material selection, benchmarking and packaging specification development
- Distribution and supply chain performance – investigating shipment damage and packaging performance through the supply chain
- Regulatory and technical strategy – supporting packaging decisions where materials, performance and regulatory requirements intersect, including food contact materials and requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
Bespoke testing and investigation
Not every packaging question can be answered using a standard test method. Where required, Smithers can develop bespoke test methods, fixtures and experimental programmes to reproduce specific conditions, measure performance or investigate unusual failures.
Specialist techniques, including high-speed video and image capture, can also be used where they provide useful evidence for understanding packaging, product or machine interactions.
Integrated packaging expertise
Our consultants can draw on wider Smithers expertise in Packaging Materials Testing, Distribution Testing, Food Contact Testing and Regulatory Consultancy and Packaging Testing for PPWR, allowing programmes to combine technical consultancy with the testing and analysis needed to support decision-making.
Our laboratories are ISO 17025 accredited and ISTA certified, supporting independent testing across a wide range of packaging materials and distribution test methods.
Talk to an expert about your packaging project
Whether you need to investigate a failure, assess a material or packaging change, resolve a production issue or develop a bespoke testing programme, talk to our packaging specialists about your requirements.
Packaging Technical Consulting
- Instrument Design and Fabrication
- Pack and Machine Interaction
- Packaging Design for Fragile Goods
- Packaging Lightweighting and Cost Avoidance
- Packaging Materials Selection
- Packaging Structure Identification
- Packaging Supply Chain Audits
- Packaging Taints and Contaminants | Taint Testing
- Product Characterisation and Verification Testing
- Safety of Recycled Packaging
- Shipment Damage Prevention
Talk to an expert
