Packaging and displays are tested in the STI Group's own in-house laboratories as well as in cooperation with the Topa Institute . The results flow directly into the development process.

The testing options run from shock, shake and drop tests to comprehensive climate tests. Even products that have never experienced damage during transport can benefit from reviews of structural design and laboratory testing, since those are sensible ways to identify if the product packaging is larger than required – and potential savings.

Quality Assurance by STI Group and TOPA Institute

Product development and product tests are closely linked to each other in order to achieve high product quality. Standardised packaging tests are conducted at the STI Group during the development of hazardous goods and transport packaging, as well as for displays. These are either performed in our own laboratories or with external partners, such as the Dutch TOPA Institute . The TOPA Institute can conduct standardised tests and analyses complying to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and develop packaging according to EU conformity declarations.

Optimisation and monitoring are carried out during the entire process and cover all stages, including filling, in-house logistics, worldwide distribution and transport to the end consumer.

Quality Test Procedures - Overview

We test all of our products to ensure that it withstands the stresses and strains of transit to meet the desired requirements. The following tests can be conducted either in our own laboratories or in the purpose built laboratories of the TOPA Institute .

Horizontal Shock Test

Horizontal forces can occur during rolling motions of trains, when lorries brake hard, or from the use of fork-lift trucks. These forces can be simulated, using a unique test unit.

Vertical Shock Test / Drop Test

The effects of forces which act on a product due to being dropped from different heights and angles are measured. This test procedure is crucial for the qualification of hazardous goods packaging.

Vibration Test

Vibration during transport may damage both the packaging and the product. Tests range from static vibration tests to random-generated testing.

Crush Test

Crush tests (quasi-static tests) are used to evaluate the stability of packaging and the protection of its contents from being compressed.

Edge Crush Test

This test evaluates the edge crush resistance of packaging materials. This is the maximum pressure a rectangular sample offers vs. a vertically applied force until the flutes collapse.

Bursting Strength

Burst tests are used to determine the bursting strength of packaging materials. The measured bursting pressure is the resistance a circular mounted sample offers to continuously increasing unilateral pressure.

Flat Crush Resistance

Flat crush resistance is used to determine the crush resistance of corrugated board. Flat crush resistance is the maximum pressure a sample offers, when pressure is applied vertically until it collapses.

Puncture Test

The puncture test is used to determine the amount of resistance a mounted packaging sample offers against penetration. The puncture force is required for piercing, tear propagation and bending of the sample.

Cobb Sizing Test

The Cobb sizing test gives information on the water absorption properties of paper, carton and corrugated board, it shows how much water is absorbed during a specified period of time by 1m² of the material under specified conditions. The lower the Cobb value, the higher the absorption ability of the material.

Climatic Tests

In specially developed climatic chambers the effects of extreme temperatures between -35 °C and +70 °C as well as humidities between 40% and 95% can be measured. This is important for transportation by ship, or to countries with a tropical climate.