In manufacture, transport and use packaging materials and packaging are intentionally or inadvertently subject to distortions and loadings. These can damage the goods contained and cause pack failure. The mechanical properties of the packaging materials determine their manufacturability/conversion into packaging.
It is important, therefore, to test of packaging materials in ways (modes of deformation) and environments representing the real-life situation. By mechanical testing, manufacturers can ensure that packaging materials meet quality standards, provide adequate protection to enclosed products, and withstand the demands of handling, transportation, and storage.
Even if the flexible and rigid packaging materials are suitable strong and durable it is usually the quality of the seams created to form the package as well as seals created on the packaging line to enclose the pack content which determine pack integrity.
The barrier presented by packaging films, ranging from coated papers to metallised multilayer composites, is an important factor in determining the shelf-life of perishable goods within the flexible film packaging.
The appearance of packaging plays a crucial role in consumer perception, product marketing and communication with the customer.
