Package Testing

Package testing is a detailed process that simulates the real world of the supply chain by mimicking various activities in a lab environment. The goals of package testing are to reduce damage and warranty claims, achieve the highest certification standards of vendors, and lower shipping costs through lighter and smaller packaging.

The governing body of package testing standards is the International Safe Transit Association or ISTA. Onyx Packaging is an ISTA-certified package testing lab. We understand the requirements and provide our customers with test reports recognized around the world. Onyx Packaging was also named to the Amazon APASS network as one of the few Amazon-approved labs in the country.

Package testing involves simulating real-world conditions that a package might experience on its journey from manufacturing through delivery to the end user. Pending the industry, touch points can often reach double digits and can involve extreme conditions. Packages must successfully navigate conditions like extreme temperatures, temperature variations, compression, vibration, impact, shock, drop, reduced pressure and altitude. The packaging must stand up to these conditions, and do so while maintaining the integrity and performance of the product it contains.

In addition to providing the testing, Onyx can also provide simulated shipping environments, tests to failure to determine the useful life of materials, and recommend package designs. These tests can assist with determining warranty periods, required warning stickers, and user instructions.