(Appleton, Wis.) – SGS-IPS Testing of Appleton, Wisconsin, has announced the expansion of its packaging testing lab and services. The company now offers the full suite of International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) packaging tests including ISTA 6-Amazon.com test methods.
Under ISTA, there are a series of performance and development standards for product packaging that should be met for packages to safely make it through the transit process, from the originating distribution channel to the recipient’s doorstep.
SGS-IPS Testing, an ISO 17025 accredited and ISO 9001 certified organization, has received certification to perform all of the tests specified in ISTA’s 7-part series.
To add these high-demand testing services, the SGS-IPS Testing lab has installed the equipment necessary to simulate the distribution and delivery process for all types of packages – small parcels, individual shipping cartons, palletized products, insulated shipping containers and more. The tests performed range from drop tests and random vibrations to stack compression and forklift handling.
As packages go through the simulation of potential elements and hazards, the lab professionals at SGS-IPS
Testing evaluates the packaging design and durability and identify issues that may affect safety, compliance or sustainability. After testing, the results and recommendations for packaging improvements are shared.
“By simulating the full transit process through all stages of the supply chain, SGS-IPS Testing is able to help our clients troubleshoot any problems with their packaging solutions,” said Chris Reitmeyer, Director of Operations and Business Development for SGS-IPS Testing. “This testing can eliminate a lot of packaging headaches and easily pinpoint any inefficiencies.”
As part of its recent service expansion, SGS-IPS Testing has also become one of a select few Amazon-certified labs in Wisconsin that offers packaging testing specific to the online retailer. It completes the three tiers of ISTA 6-Amazon.com testing as part of Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) program and certification process. These tests are set up to gauge factors like ease in opening and minima damage/defect rates.
Through the Amazon testing, the Appleton-based lab confirms what level of certification applies to packages including Frustration-Free Packaging – (FFP), Ships in its Own Container (SIOC) or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP). It also supplies the required Amazon test results with added guidance for interpreting.
Demand has continued to increase for this testing service as Amazon updated its packaging requirements earlier in 2020 and may issue chargeback fees per unit shipped if packages fail to meet the standards in place.
“With so many manufacturers now shipping goods through Amazon, these testing services are a critical step to ensuring a smooth transport process,” Reitmeyer said.
“For 30 years, we have worked in packaging and are proud to be one of the select few labs in Wisconsin that is offering this Amazon-certified testing.”
ISTA and ISTA 6-Amazon.com testing is used for all kinds of products, including food, medical devices, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, household items, toys and furniture.
