The 2024 ISTA Resource Book is now fully digital, offering an interactive PDF experience with clickable links and easy navigation to sections, procedures, and resources. The interactive PDF includes:

• Procedures:
  • 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3E, 3F, 3H, 3K, 3L, 7D, 7E Overview, 6-FEDEX-B access, 6-AMAZON.COM-SIOC, 6-AMAZON.COM-Over Boxing, 6-SAMSCLUB, and Horizontal Impact Testing for Unrestrained Unitized Loads Test
• Additional Content:
  • Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures
  • Quick links to valuable resources and tools

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If you prefer a hard copy of the Resource Book, printed editions are available. For more information, contact us at ista@ista.org.

• ISTA Members: At cost plus shipping.
• Non-Members: Pricing available upon request.

Please note: International shipping rates vary by destination and may incur additional fees.

Horizontal Impact Testing for Unrestrained Unitized Loads

Experimental data was collected during summer and winter test campaigns for the development of ISTA 7E Heat and Cold Profiles. Data were collected during round-trip shipments over 82 different lanes using a parcel service company. ISTA Lane Data represents the most comprehensive thermal information about small parcel shipping. This large data set can be used to create real world "what if" simulations of the performance of thermal packaging with real instances.

Generalized E-commerce Retailer Fulfillment

Background: Passive insulated shipping containers (ISCs) are a common way to transport temperature sensitive products through a transport lane. Containers of this type provide thermal protection for the product using various combinations of insulating and phase change materials (PCMs). Each different container packout should be qualified to ensure that it can protect the contents from the varied seasonal thermal exposures within each transportation lane. This is accomplished by testing the container in a thermal chamber using ambient temperature test profiles. Each packout should be challenged with both a cold and a hot temperature test profile. In order to make this qualification meaningful, the ambient temperature test profiles (hereafter referred to as the OQ profiles) must cover the range of the thermal challenges expected in the transportation lane with some probability. One rational way to ensure that the OQ profiles are adequate is to create such OQ profiles using actual ambient temperature data collected from shipments made over the transportation lanes (hereafter referred to as the profiles dataset). This guidance document defines how to create risk-based OQ test profiles based on such a profiles dataset. 

 
The methodology outlined in document (a) contains two parts:

1. Ensuring that the OQ profiles have sufficient overall thermal challenge. This is accomplished by using the Q_T(Min) and Q_T(Max) metrics.
2. Ensuring that the OQ profiles contain appropriate thermal spikes & dips.

 
 

ISTA Data Analysis Guidelines. ISTA's guidance for analysis of Vehicle Vibration Data.

Learn about analyzing vibration data with ISTA Online Learning.  Click here for more: Distribution Data Collection & Analysis (DCA) - International Safe Transit Association (ista.org)

ISTA Data Collection Standards. ISTA's standards for measuring Atmospheric; Shock/Impacts and Drops; Vehicle Vibration.

Learn about collecting and analyzing distribution environment hazard data with ISTA Online Learning.  Click here for more: Distribution Data Collection & Analysis (DCA) - International Safe Transit Association (ista.org)

This data product is the result of an ISTA-sponsored data collection study, completed in 2020, measuring the hazards associated with the transportation modes, storage and handling involved in the distribution of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPGs), including the “last segments”, in the land routes in India within, near and between Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) and New Delhi. Due to complications with collecting shock data in the CPG shipments, we expanded the project to collect shock data from the parcel delivery network.

The purpose of the Parcel Delivery study was to measure the dynamic conditions related to the small parcel (express courier) shipping environment in India. 38 one-way air shipments and four one-way surface shipments between four of the major cities in India (Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai) using two different courier companies over approximately 43,000 miles were undertaken.

The information included in this data product is as follows:

1. CPG Report and hazard data files (Excel) for vibration and atmospheric data.
2. Parcel Delivery Report and hazard data files (Excel) for shock and atmospheric data.
3. ISTA Data Collection Standards
4. ISTA Data Analysis Guidelines

This data product is the result of an ISTA-sponsored data collection study, completed in 2020, measuring the hazards associated with the transportation modes, storage and handling involved in the distribution of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPGs), including the “last segments”, in the land routes in India within, near and between Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) and New Delhi. Due to complications with collecting shock data in the CPG shipments, we expanded the project to collect shock data from the parcel delivery network.

The purpose of the Parcel Delivery study was to measure the dynamic conditions related to the small parcel (express courier) shipping environment in India. 38 one-way air shipments and four one-way surface shipments between four of the major cities in India (Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai) using two different courier companies over approximately 43,000 miles were undertaken.

The information included in this data product is as follows:

1. CPG Report (does not include data)
2. Parcel Delivery Report (does not include data)
3. ISTA Data Collection Standards
4. ISTA Data Analysis Guidelines

This document has been prepared by the ISTA Pharma Committee, which is composed of both life science manufacturers, wholesalers, and thermal packaging/monitoring suppliers.  The terms described are considered by this committee to represent current industry consensus of the definitions for common industry terms that have been used in existing and in-development ISTA Pharma Committee guidance documents.

Developed by members of the ISTA Pharma Committee, this technical white paper discusses the use of reusable passive thermal packaging systems for temperature-controlled distribution of pharmaceutical and biological products.  The intent of this information is to establish an aligned industry best practice for the use of reusable packaging to transport temperature-sensitive medicinal products.  The level of detail beyond the suggested industry best practice is the decision of the primary stakeholders of the temperature-sensitive product, based on risk acceptance.  Thus, the examples given are for demonstration purposes only and may be more or less detailed than what is discussed in this paper.
 
This white paper provides specific guidance on the types of materials used in passive thermal packaging systems, the qualification of a reusable system, the return logistics and refurbishment service management, and refurbishment and inspection details

Developed by members of the ISTA Pharma Committee, this technical white paper discusses the operational qualification of passive thermal packaging systems for temperature-controlled distribution of pharmaceutical and biological products.  The intent of this information is to establish an aligned industry best practice for the operational qualification testing of passive thermal packaging to transport temperature-sensitive medicinal products.  The level of detail beyond the suggested industry best practice is a decision, based on the risk acceptance of the primary stakeholders of the temperature-sensitive product.  Thus, the examples given are for demonstration purposes only and may be more or less detailed than what is discussed in this paper.

Developed by members of the ISTA Pharma Committee, this best practice guidance document provides an overview of the performance qualification (PQ) and performance verification (PV) processes for thermal shipping systems used for local and global transport of temperature-sensitive product shipments. The objective of this technical guidance is to establish an aligned industry best practice for the execution of PQ/PV processes following the completion of the thermal operational qualification (OQ). The content and examples provided in this document are to be used for general industry guidance and awareness to drive a standardized best practice approach for the execution of PQ/PV processes.

Developed by members of the ISTA Pharma Committee, this best practice guidance document was established to align industry best practices for the selection, development and comparison of ATPs for use in the thermal qualification testing of thermal packaging to transport temperature-sensitive medicinal products. This collaborative effort between life science companies and solution providers resulted in a mutually beneficial and harmonized best practices guideline to aid the industry in comparing, investigating and implementing agile compliant solutions.

The ISTA Pharma Committee and Lane Management Working Group have prepared this white paper to (1) introduce the concept of Lane Management, (2) establish a definition for Lane Management and (3) provide an overview of the lifecycle approach to Lane Management.  There are various industry guidance documents on the transport of temperature-sensitive products but there are no industry guidance or position documents on the topic of Lane Management. 

The ISTA Pharma Committee and Shipping & Distribution Risk Assessment Working Group have prepared this white paper to provide an overview for developing a Shipping and Distribution Risk Assessment (RA) for the distribution of temperature-sensitive product shipments. The team sought to define the critical aspects associated with completing a shipping and distribution risk assessment; from establishing/understanding the user requirement specifications (URS) through implementation. The content and examples provided in this document are to be used for general industry guidance and awareness to drive a standardized best practice approach for conducting Shipping and Distribution Risk Assessments.

The objective of this white paper is to provide an awareness of the tools that are currently available for performing thermal modeling/simulation, including the characterization of a thermal model, and to discuss the use cases that these tools are currently used for. The white paper concludes with how thermal modeling/simulation could be used within the temperature-controlled supply-chain in the future.

ISTA Whitepaper: Load Stability Performance Testing of Unitized Packaged-Products for Transit

The Rack Transport Stability Team (RTST) collaboratively developed a Mover's Guide with the objective of documenting safer handling practices for large information technology rack products such as servers and storage systems. As one of the project milestones, the intent of the Mover's Guide is to raise awareness of business partners and carriers of the potential for personal injury and/or financial loss during transport of racks. The Guide communicates and emphasizes new and existing safe handling procedures, with the goal to eliminate incidents going forward.

ISTA TouchPoints, E-retailer Fulfillment publication is a summary of detailed questions that were addressed by e-retailers coupled with an analysis of how the insight could be leveraged during the packaging design process in conjunction with laboratory testing.
 

ISTA Standard 20 Revision 2 is process standard developed by pharma industry experts. It is a design and qualification process that provides the structure and path to design, test, verify and independently certify a specific Insulated Shipping Container (ISC) for use. It sets the minimum requirements for qualifying insulated shippers and has been proven to develop shippers which meet regulatory expectations. Included with Standard 20 is the Standard 7E set of global thermal profiles.

18 video presentations from the 2020 ISTA Forum. Zip file: 1.5 GB.

Imagine the challenges facing companies providing packaging solutions for milk distribution in developing countries! This presentation will share some hard-earned experiences on what happens during distribution routes, and also how Tetra Pak has tried to adapt to the needs at the sales point.

Imagine the challenges facing companies providing packaging solutions for milk distribution in developing countries! This presentation will share some hard-earned experiences on what happens during distribution routes, and also how Tetra Pak has tried to adapt to the needs at the sales point.

This session will be a discussion between two e-commerce packaging experts (Peter Apostoluk - [Millipore Sigma] & Jonathan Quinn - [NOVA Chemicals]) that will also allow for audience questioning as well. E-commerce is causing an evolving consumer with new expectations. During this session the discussion will dive into how packing has a role to play in protecting the consumer.  Packaging is enabling everyday life to be easier through e-commerce but we need to be sure we look out for making the consumers everyday life to be healthier and safer as well. e-commerce is creating a whole new set of challenges due to foods, pharmaceuticals, and detergents all being packaged together. Packaging needs to meet a new set of standards and labeling protocols that will be discussed during this discussion and the opportunity that is ahead for the industry.

While defining a new, non-packaging, role at Harris, significant cost savings opportunities in packaging were identified. Moreover, a need existed for the package engineering function to be introduced as a business process. This presentation covers the strategy executed, challenges faced, and benefits the division has realized from installing the first Package Engineering Team in the corporation.

While defining a new, non-packaging, role at Harris, significant cost savings opportunities in packaging were identified. Moreover, a need existed for the package engineering function to be introduced as a business process. This presentation covers the strategy executed, challenges faced, and benefits the division has realized from installing the first Package Engineering Team in the corporation.

This paper outlines the approach and methodology of carrying out ISTA tests using simulation technologies . The breakthrough benefits of the technology application and modifying the work process to accommodate the technology are outlines in the presentation. The presentation draws heavily on our experiences with the automotive industry during simulation adaptation and growth phase, and it discusses the challenges and successes of reapplication of this experience into the packaging industry . The ISTA tests are standard test protocols across several product verticals and are essential steps in the work process and this presentation focuses on modeling of all nuances of these standard tests. The high fidelity of the simulation and the application of these results to enable early decision process which makes the proposition very compelling powerful and phenomenal. Takeaways: The presentation outlines the benefits of performing ISTA tests using simulation technologies to help evaluate secondary and pallet design for transit loads. The use of this technology in the early phases of new package development makes it a design enabler which is more compelling and powerful than use of technology for design evaluation.

This presentation outlines the approach and methodology of carrying out ISTA tests using simulation technologies . The breakthrough benefits of the technology application and modifying the work process to accommodate the technology are outlines in the presentation. The presentation draws heavily on our experiences with the automotive industry during simulation adaptation and growth phase, and it discusses the challenges and successes of reapplication of this experience into the packaging industry . The ISTA tests are standard test protocols across several product verticals and are essential steps in the work process and this presentation focuses on modeling of all nuances of these standard tests. The high fidelity of the simulation and the application of these results to enable early decision process which makes the proposition very compelling powerful and phenomenal. Takeaways: The presentation outlines the benefits of performing ISTA tests using simulation technologies to help evaluate secondary and pallet design for transit loads. The use of this technology in the early phases of new package development makes it a design enabler which is more compelling and powerful than use of technology for design evaluation.

This presentation will enumerate the benefits of centralizing packaging data for all valued partners in your supply chain. Utilizing the cloud, the packaging industry has new ways to share information in a secure, scalable manner. We will discuss how this collaboration unlocks the potential of big data from the design stage to the retail shelf.

The chance of a lifetime. That’s what it was. The opportunity to develop a protective packaging solution for a 77 million year old mummified dinosaur called Leonardo, to ensure that the fossil could be transported from its home in Malta, Montana to NASA Houston to be scanned for remnants of internal organs within the amazingly complete torso of the petrified, mummified Brachylophosaurus Canadensis. Protecting this one-of-a-kind treasure presented a number challenges which led quickly to the recruitment of aknowledgeable and competent packaging team to work on the project, each focusing on their areas of expertise. Bill Kipp from ISTA and Dale Root from Lansmont were enlisted along with David Hagood, Amer Geirl and Jack Rickards from Sealed Air. This joint presentation will cover the background and history of the project along with the procedures applied to assess the fossil, measure the anticipated shipping environment, evaluate the candidate protective materials and then design and create an effective protective packaging system capable of safely transporting the world’s most complete articulated dinosaur 2,000 miles to its destination at NASA Houston. We’ll also explain how it got the name, Leonardo. Follow along as we monitor Leonardo the Dinosaur Mummy on the trek to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. A picture’s worth a thousand words, and this project includes 272,731 images that have been integrated with GPS and instrument data streams to provide situational 

The chance of a lifetime. That’s what it was. The opportunity to develop a protective packaging solution for a 77 million year old mummified dinosaur called Leonardo, to ensure that the fossil could be transported from its home in Malta, Montana to NASA Houston to be scanned for remnants of internal organs within the amazingly complete torso of the petrified, mummified Brachylophosaurus Canadensis. Protecting this one-of-a-kind treasure presented a number challenges which led quickly to the recruitment of aknowledgeable and competent packaging team to work on the project, each focusing on their areas of expertise. Bill Kipp from ISTA and Dale Root from Lansmont were enlisted along with David Hagood, Amer Geirl and Jack Rickards from Sealed Air. This joint presentation will cover the background and history of the project along with the procedures applied to assess the fossil, measure the anticipated shipping environment, evaluate the candidate protective materials and then design and create an effective protective packaging system capable of safely transporting the world’s most complete articulated dinosaur 2,000 miles to its destination at NASA Houston. We’ll also explain how it got the name, Leonardo. Follow along as we monitor Leonardo the Dinosaur Mummy on the trek to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. A picture’s worth a thousand words, and this project includes 272,731 images that have been integrated with GPS and instrument data streams to provide situational 

The introduction of ISTA Procedure 3C, and more recently, 3A have brought about what could be a significant trend in the design and testing of packages intended for distribution through "Parcel Delivery Systems". Compared to the requirements of the historical and traditional Procedure 1A alternative, these new protocols represent significant, and perhaps unrecognized, challenges for the designers of packages for shipment in these important delivery systems. This presentation will discuss some of the issues, particularly those which Sealed Air has encountered in their efforts in these areas over the past few years.

Sustainable Packaging within an organization should be viewed in the context of overall Sustainable Practices encompassing the entire business enterprise. For Distribution Packaging specifically, Sustainability should start with packaging performance objectives and then address more global issues such as materials, processes, metrics and standards. The selection of appropriate performance criteria then becomes crucial to the overall success of more holistic considerations of Enterprise Sustainability. This presentation will deal with both real-life examples and proposed processes for setting and working toward Sustainability objectives in Distribution Packaging operations.

Sustainable Packaging within an organization should be viewed in the context of overall Sustainable Practices encompassing the entire business enterprise. For Distribution Packaging specifically, Sustainability should start with packaging performance objectives and then address more global issues such as materials, processes, metrics and standards. The selection of appropriate performance criteria then becomes crucial to the overall success of more holistic considerations of Enterprise Sustainability. This presentation will deal with both real-life examples and proposed processes for setting and working toward Sustainability objectives in Distribution Packaging operations.

The environmental impact of packaging is debated all over the world. Companies, consumers, environmental interest groups and regulatory authorities all have opinions and agendas on the subject. A global ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard on Packaging and the Environment is currently being created by ISO/TC 122 SC4. This presentation will provide a brief on the current state of the standards development through six Working Groups

Protecting product from possible drops during transportation is thought of more often than protecting from vibration which is inevitable. Features that attenuate vibration can be designed into cushioning material.

Protecting product from possible drops during transportation is thought of more often than protecting from vibration which is inevitable. Features that attenuate vibration can be designed into cushioning material.

Sustainable 'green' packaging for cold chain maintenance in e-Commerce will be presented. The packaging has been implemented using state-of-the-art bio-based biodegradable packaging materials: chromatogeny grafted paper, corrugated cardboard, biodegradable bioplastics, natural-fibre heat insulators and moisture absorbers. The results of field tests of the packaging performance when delivering fresh chilled commodities will be confronted with performance of simultaneously shipped industry-standard styrofoam containers.

As “Green” moves from fad to fact, stakeholders will increasingly demand that companies address sustainability in all aspects of their operations. Is the goal of maximizing profits at odds with the desire to minimize environmental impact? We will look at several factors in the transport packaging slice of the supply chain and show that sustainability and sound business practices can go hand in hand. Specific examples and case studies will suggest practical, actionable steps that any package shipper can apply.

As “Green” moves from fad to fact, stakeholders will increasingly demand that companies address sustainability in all aspects of their operations. Is the goal of maximizing profits at odds with the desire to minimize environmental impact? We will look at several factors in the transport packaging slice of the supply chain and show that sustainability and sound business practices can go hand in hand. Specific examples and case studies will suggest practical, actionable steps that any package shipper can apply.

As “Green” moves from fad to fact, stakeholders will increasingly demand that companies address sustainability in all aspects of their supply chain. Warehousing, transportation, and packaging choices all affect a company’s carbon impact. We will explore several factors related to logistics and show that sustainability and sound business practices go hand in hand. Brief examples and case studies will demonstrate practical, actionable steps that any company can apply.

We consumers are used to getting what we want, when and where we want it - we expect variety and convenience.

For the consumer goods sector, this is resulting in a growing amount of non-standard formats, small portions, increasing ecommerce demand and delivery options, always new and appealing products and packs designs, flashy retail promotional packs and displays.

CPG companies struggle to cope with such a growing amount of pack formats, resulting in an exponential increase in product repacking – products are unpacked and repacked (usually manually by contractors) to adapt to the consumer needs.

For some organizations this can be up to 30% of the volume, rapidly eroding margins and increasing packaging waste. This trend is unsustainable, from business and environmental perspectives.

We will share examples of our projects and other provocative ideas to fix the repacking problem. We will include short term fixes and medium term transformational solutions.

We consumers are used to getting what we want, when and where we want it - we expect variety and convenience.

For the consumer goods sector, this is resulting in a growing amount of non-standard formats, small portions, increasing ecommerce demand and delivery options, always new and appealing products and packs designs, flashy retail promotional packs and displays.

CPG companies struggle to cope with such a growing amount of pack formats, resulting in an exponential increase in product repacking – products are unpacked and repacked (usually manually by contractors) to adapt to the consumer needs.

For some organizations this can be up to 30% of the volume, rapidly eroding margins and increasing packaging waste. This trend is unsustainable, from business and environmental perspectives.

We will share examples of our projects and other provocative ideas to fix the repacking problem. We will include short term fixes and medium term transformational solutions.

​For centuries the scientific community has been finding ways to harvest energy from naturally occurring phenomena such as wind and solar radiation. In the last century, tremendous strides in energy harvesting have been made in tandem with the invention of novel energy harvesting devices. These devices are able to harvest ­energy from processes such as magnetism, thermal radiation, and ocean waves. 

​For centuries the scientific community has been finding ways to harvest energy from naturally occurring phenomena such as wind and solar radiation. In the last century, tremendous strides in energy harvesting have been made in tandem with the invention of novel energy harvesting devices. These devices are able to harvest ­energy from processes such as magnetism, thermal radiation, and ocean waves. 

A Transport Packaging Forum paper on the comparison between the stress-energy method and ASTM D1596 was presented in 2010. Preliminary results indicated a strong correlation between actual and predicted acceleration levels. This work represents a continuation of this initial study. A unique approach was utilized to further this comparison in order to validate the stress-energy method as an alternative analysis methodology to that presented in ASTM D1596. Three different techniques are used to compare the analysis methods. This paper details the techniques used which involves regression analysis and the use of control limits to make direct comparison to cushion curves generated using ASTM D1596.

A Transport Packaging Forum paper on the comparison between the stress-energy method and ASTM D1596 was presented in 2010. Preliminary results indicated a strong correlation between actual and predicted acceleration levels. This work represents a continuation of this initial study. A unique approach was utilized to further this comparison in order to validate the stress-energy method as an alternative analysis methodology to that presented in ASTM D1596. Three different techniques are used to compare the analysis methods. This paper details the techniques used which involves regression analysis and the use of control limits to make direct comparison to cushion curves generated using ASTM D1596.

There are currently no industry - accepted techniques for the frequency analysis of expanded polymer cushion materials. Common approaches assume linear behavior, however these materials are nonlinear and viscoelastic. This presentation investigates the nonlinear and viscoelastic behavior of cushion materials and an experimental technique developed for capturing their complex frequency response.

There are currently no industry - accepted techniques for the frequency analysis of expanded polymer cushion materials. Common approaches assume linear behavior, however these materials are nonlinear and viscoelastic. This presentation investigates the nonlinear and viscoelastic behavior of cushion materials and an experimental technique developed for capturing their complex frequency response.

Current packaging industry standards specify single axis (vertical) vibration for transportation simulation; however transportation vehicles undergo vibration in both lateral and longitudinal axes as well. Although the vertical motion is overall more intense, the lateral and longitudinal motion is often equal in intensity or even higher than that of the vertical motion within particular frequency ranges. This presentation will discuss the use of simultaneous three axis vibration as compared to single axis vibration in the evaluation of individual packaged product response and the stability of a unit load

Current packaging industry standards specify single axis (vertical) vibration for transportation simulation; however transportation vehicles undergo vibration in both lateral and longitudinal axes as well. Although the vertical motion is overall more intense, the lateral and longitudinal motion is often equal in intensity or even higher than that of the vertical motion within particular frequency ranges. This presentation will discuss the use of simultaneous three axis vibration as compared to single axis vibration in the evaluation of individual packaged product response and the stability of a unit load

This presentation addresses the question of what is the minimum number of samples that are statistically necessary to characterize the shock absorbing properties of closed-cell foams using a new method of cushion curve development. Cushion materials were evaluated, the data was statistically analyzed, and an optimum number of samples was determined.

This presentation addresses the question of what is the minimum number of samples that are statistically necessary to characterize the shock absorbing properties of closed-cell foams using a new method of cushion curve development. Cushion materials were evaluated, the data was statistically analyzed, and an optimum number of samples was determined.

The presentation will cover Lifetime's and Corruven's experience in partnering to improve packaging design for large and bulky items.          

Key points:    
1) Improve sustainability by reducing EPS foam usage.     
2) Increase product-package performance to reduce damage rates (retail and ecommerce).    
3) Reducing total costs of packaging to be more competitive.         
 
The presentation will cover testing techniques, tools, and managing expectations between partners. In addition, it will cover opportunities and pitfalls of partnering with your supplier.

Well designed packaging/product systems make a positive contribution to sustainable development but many politicians worldwide find packaging a convenient scapegoat because consumers/voters believe environmental taxes are "good" and packaging is "bad". Some regulations restrict companies' choice of packaging and have negative environmental impact. How should industry tackle this?

Well designed packaging/product systems make a positive contribution to sustainable development but many politicians worldwide find packaging a convenient scapegoat because consumers/voters believe environmental taxes are "good" and packaging is "bad". Some regulations restrict companies' choice of packaging and have negative environmental impact. How should industry tackle this?

Packaging has always evolved to match changing economic, demographic and lifestyle trends. We need the widest possible range of materials and pack types to enable it to continue. However, today, the choice of packaging is in danger of being restricted by policies that favour one type of packaging over another and by misconceptions about its environmental impact. This talk will focus on what companies can do inform consumers and policymakers about the role of packaging.

The most common unit load stabilizer is stretch film. The standard measure of film application effectiveness is containment force as described in ASTM D4649. Within certain guidelines, the final selection of the film and wrap patterns is still based on trial and error performance testing. A simple procedure that predicts containment force as a function of film properties and application method would help designers optimize unit load performance in supply chains. Various tensile properties of layered films were compared with two measures of containment force. It was determined that a tensile stiffness subsequent to non-linear relaxation was the best predictor of containment force. Various empirical models were evaluated. The effect of layering appears to be additive for many films. However, variations in material chemistry as well as poor control of pre-stretch at application, reduces the reliability of containment force predictions from physical characteristics of the film. This study points the research direction forward that will permit more reliable predictions of containment force from film properties and application methods.

Increasingly, packaging is being viewed not as an expense to be dealt with, but as an asset to be leveraged. When viewed in this way, effective package design becomes paramount. The aging of the population has also brought increased focus to the usability of packages. However, traditionally, scientific focus has heavily emphasized interactions between the product and the package, not consumers and packages. This presentation will highlight ongoing work at the MSU School of Packaging which is attempting to provide quantification to the interface between people and packages in order to create informed designs.

Increasingly, packaging is being viewed not as an expense to be dealt with, but as an asset to be leveraged. When viewed in this way, effective package design becomes paramount. The aging of the population has also brought increased focus to the usability of packages. However, traditionally, scientific focus has heavily emphasized interactions between the product and the package, not consumers and packages. This presentation will highlight ongoing work at the MSU School of Packaging which is attempting to provide quantification to the interface between people and packages in order to create informed designs.

4 Mini Case Studies of Packaging Development Projects Emphasizing Testing, Instrumented Field Shipments and Sustainable Packaging.

When customer complaints are increasing or if damage warranty claims keep creeping up, it is often a signal that something has changed in the distribution supply chain. Often, causes of packaging damage can be difficult to determine when these packaging systems have worked in the past and if they have passed current test protocols. Today’s supply chain is ever evolving and new hazards and events can work their way into proven distribution systems. When these situations arise, some basic principles can help identify what has changed and what has gone wrong. This presentation is a look into situations where companies had to figure things out fast – and solve for new shipping damage situations.

The Virtual Cold Chain allows to test a shipper against any temperature profile virtually. It is possible to get the same results in a couple of minutes compared to hours or days of climate chamber test. This allows you to test a shipper not only against standard test profiles such as ISTA, Afnor, WHO, it's now possible to test against real temperature profiles.

This real temperature profiles can come from measured data from test shipments or historical weather data.

By performing the tests using thermal simulations, we could expose the passive shipper to a greater number of different ambient temperatures, typically a few hundreds or thousands. Such a virtual risk-based approach could help get a better understanding of the risk and the probability of failure.

In a case study, the selection of a winter/summer pack out for a route and a combination with an all-season shipper is shown. After a first risk-based simulation, potential modifications for the route (different starting time) and modifications of the packout will be applied for further reductions of the risk. A second example will show the protection of products with thermal covers against temperature and sun in a virtual lane risk assessment.

The Virtual Cold Chain allows to test a shipper against any temperature profile virtually. It is possible to get the same results in a couple of minutes compared to hours or days of climate chamber test. This allows you to test a shipper not only against standard test profiles such as ISTA, Afnor, WHO, it's now possible to test against real temperature profiles.

This real temperature profiles can come from measured data from test shipments or historical weather data.

By performing the tests using thermal simulations, we could expose the passive shipper to a greater number of different ambient temperatures, typically a few hundreds or thousands. Such a virtual risk-based approach could help get a better understanding of the risk and the probability of failure.

In a case study, the selection of a winter/summer pack out for a route and a combination with an all-season shipper is shown. After a first risk-based simulation, potential modifications for the route (different starting time) and modifications of the packout will be applied for further reductions of the risk. A second example will show the protection of products with thermal covers against temperature and sun in a virtual lane risk assessment.

E-commerce offers consumers a convenient means to purchase products from all over the world. This distribution system, while offering convenience to consumers, offers challenges to packaged-products and packaging engineers. Join this presentation to learn about the challenges & opportunities that PepsiCo and other CPG companies are facing with E-Commerce.

This presentation discusses how the Ridge Tool Company’s lab helps in a variety of ways from launching projects on time with little to no shipping damage, to educating employees on possible shipping damage, to assisting in over $500,000 in cost reductions since its opening.

This presentation discusses how the Ridge Tool Company’s lab helps in a variety of ways from launching projects on time with little to no shipping damage, to educating employees on possible shipping damage, to assisting in over $500,000 in cost reductions since its opening.

This case study presents the difficulties of developing the packaging (shelf display and 1/4 pallet) for the new RapidGrip wrench and how they were overcome.

This case study presents the difficulties of developing the packaging (shelf display and 1/4 pallet) for the new RapidGrip wrench and how they were overcome.

Packaging innovation has never been more important. Demands for cost reduction, quality, sustainability, and more direct customer fulfillment among others drive the need for new packaging materials, processes, and predictive analytic tools. Learn from case studies how Dell Technologies uses circular economy principles and sustainability to drive packaging innovation and competitive advantage.

The reusable passive thermal packaging system whitepaper - best practice guideline was written by a group of volunteer SME's representing major pharmaceutical companies as well as cold chain packaging suppliers. The objective was to provide a set of principles and examples, distilled from industry best practices, for the implementation and management of reusable passive thermal packaging systems and to encourage all stakeholders in controlled-temperature supply chain community to adopt recommendations in this Guideline for the sake of alignment, consistency and environmental stewardship.

This presentation will review the three recent publications by the FBA that provide packaging performance education to various segments of the packaging community. There will be an emphasis on the most advanced of the three publications; “Edge Crush Test: Application and Reference Guide for Combined Corrugated Board”. The “ECT Guide” is a tool to educate packaging engineers in understanding ECT and creating cost-effective packaging solutions to supply chain packaging problems.

This study investigates the difference in scuffing damages of printed kraft paper between a single-axis lab vibration and an actual field event. A special fixture was designed and built to contain 4-column stacked printed packages. The ASTM D4169 truck assurance level I / II tests and field truck test were conducted respectively, based on accelerated vibration formula. The optical density of printed papers after testing were measured and compared. Fatigue cycles were computed using Rainflow counting algorithm to correlate the scuffing damages to the vibration stress cycles applied upon printing surfaces.
 

The paper will show some of the newest data being collected for vibration levels in small delivery vehicles in the "last mile" of the delivery process. In SE Asian countries deliveries of products like printers, parcels, small furniture from store to consumer are done in these vehicles, and this data has normally not been part of North American or European packaging standards. The data has been collected in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

The presentation will show some of the newest data being collected for vibration levels in small delivery vehicles in the "last mile" of the delivery process. In SE Asian countries deliveries of products like printers, parcels, small furniture from store to consumer are done in these vehicles, and this data has normally not been part of North American or European packaging standards. The data has been collected in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Currently, 80 percent of e-commerce involves manual operations, there are a variety of opportunities in the warehouse and at the end of the packaging line to leverage automation to increase efficiency. This session will explore automation trends, robots and cobots (collaborative robots), software, box-on-demand, conveyors, case packers and palletizers, and real-world applications of how this new technology is being applied at the end of the line and in the warehouse to meet challenges posed by omnichannel distribution.

The results of ISTA’s Heat and Cold Profile Study of the 2nd Day parcel shipping environment within the United States, Thermal Laboratory Certification, and the development of a new Manual for qualifying cold chain packaging will be presented. The first part of this presentation will include a review of two studies, one in the summer and one in the winter, that were conducted to collect a large set of experimental data on the environmental conditions encountered during two-day shipments of pharmaceutical products throughout the United States. This data was then used to statistically build two general temperature profiles. A second portion of the presentation will outline the process by which thermal transport testing laboratories can become certified by ISTA. It will take you through the application process, how to prepare for audit/assessment for certification; ISTA's process and requirements; training; and reporting. The final segment of the presentation illustrates a new manual that ISTA developed to make the process easier for its cold chain member companies to follow as they qualify their cold chain packaging.

ISTA, in conjunction the Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Interest Group of the PDA, has written a protocol that will be used to record the ambient temperature and humidity data that outbound packages are exposed to during typical domestic shipments. This data will be used to create a composite profile tool that is representative of the typical conditions encountered by packages during both ground and air shipments. The profiles will be used to statistically create the exposure conditions for ISTA lab testing of transport packaging.

ISTA, in conjunction the Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Interest Group of the PDA, has written a protocol that will be used to record the ambient temperature and humidity data that outbound packages are exposed to during typical domestic shipments. This data will be used to create a composite profile tool that is representative of the typical conditions encountered by packages during both ground and air shipments. The profiles will be used to statistically create the exposure conditions for ISTA lab testing of transport packaging.

Pallets are our most common platform for unitizing, storing, and shipping products. Pallet design, quality, and performance affects packaging performance. This presentation discusses some of the interactions between packaging and pallets, and how pallet users can use these interactions to lower overall costs and reduce product damage.

Pallets are our most common platform for unitizing, storing, and shipping products. Pallet design, quality, and performance affects packaging performance. This presentation discusses some of the interactions between packaging and pallets, and how pallet users can use these interactions to lower overall costs and reduce product damage.

Pallets, Packaging, and Material Handling Equipment are best designed as a System for Lower Cost Packaging Systems. This presentation reviews Pallet and Material Handling Equipment Interactions and how to improve Pallet Performance and Reduce Pallet Costs.

Pallets, Packaging, and Material Handling Equipment are best designed as a System for Lower Cost Packaging Systems. This presentation reviews Pallet and Material Handling Equipment Interactions and how to improve Pallet Performance and Reduce Pallet Costs.

Using a special 26-drop test method, HP is able to guide product development through extensive drop testing, statistical analysis of drop test data, and determination of a field cost risk assessment.

Using a special 26-drop test method, HP is able to guide product development through extensive drop testing, statistical analysis of drop test data, and determination of a field cost risk assessment.

The corrugated packaging industry is one of the most sustainable industries in the world. Dennis will discuss the tremendous environmental progress made in the U.S. over the past 10 years and highlight the advantages of corrugated.

In 2006, Volvo North America integrated cornstarch-based protective packaging foam as a substitute for traditional fossil-fuel based foam for all their glass shipments. This presentation will discuss the process and the results over the past two years.

In 2006, Volvo North America integrated cornstarch-based protective packaging foam as a substitute for traditional fossil-fuel based foam for all their glass shipments. This presentation will discuss the process and the results over the past two years.

Industry approved testing profiles have not been developed for the Cold Chain transportation environment. This presentation will describe how to develop heat and cold testing profiles to meet your qualification needs.

Industry approved testing profiles have not been developed for the Cold Chain transportation environment. This presentation will describe how to develop heat and cold testing profiles to meet your qualification needs.

BD Diagnostic Systems’ reagent portfolio is largely liquid and prepared plated media for diagnosing infectious diseases. These products are distributed globally, and thus must withstand many transportation modes. Package performance test results and data gathered from international customers, distribution channels and project testing will be presented for both liquid and plated media. Takeaways: Results from ISTA 1A, 3A and ASTM test methods will be reviewed and contrasted to international customer feedback. Results of personnel interviews, recorded time and temperature data will be presented uncovering some of the disparity between the “envisioned” and “actual” distribution network that BD products experience during shipment.

A case history of the accelerated distribution environment qualification of a new plastic bottle and its secondary packaging. The new package was developed for low acid shelf stable liquid nutritional products as a replacement for the existing steel can. One of the challenges was to evaluate the performance potential of the new package under distribution environment stress. The evaluation method needed to provide both speed to market and minimum risk of package

Standard PSD's do not include discrete vibration events that may be a source of damage to your product. By using field data recorders, you can discover and characterize these events so they may be simulated in the laboratory. Data from domestic truck and international ocean container shipments will be used to illustrate.

Standard PSD's do not include discrete vibration events that may be a source of damage to your product. By using field data recorders, you can discover and characterize these events so they may be simulated in the laboratory. Data from domestic truck and international ocean container shipments will be used to illustrate.

Newcomers to Cold Chain Distribution (shipping products cold) may be surprised that more “standardized” information is not available in the public domain. The intent of this paper is to identify areas of research which would benefit the industry and motivate companies to share their research and findings to benefit the industry. It is believed that once this key information is available and considered a foundational base, packaging suppliers and companies will then be able to develop more effective standardized packaging solutions for cold chain distribution, reducing financial and environmental impacts. It is not the intent of this paper to address qualification protocol, procedures, or processes needed to meet government regulations such as required in the pharmaceutical industry.

Newcomers to Cold Chain Distribution (shipping products cold) may be surprised that more “standardized” information is not available in the public domain. The intent of this paper is to identify areas of research which would benefit the industry and motivate companies to share their research and findings to benefit the industry. It is believed that once this key information is available and considered a foundational base, packaging suppliers and companies will then be able to develop more effective standardized packaging solutions for cold chain distribution, reducing financial and environmental impacts. It is not the intent of this paper to address qualification protocol, procedures, or processes needed to meet government regulations such as required in the pharmaceutical industry.

Corrugated shipper conversion to a Retail Ready Package for material reduction, sustainability and retailer labor savings for Philadelphia’s 8oz Brick Cream Cheese. Technical project hurdles included optimization of corrugated perforation design for compression strength and easy opening; as well as, designing for corrugated and folding carton abrasion, adhesive and ink formulation development, and adherence to ISTA 6-SAMSCLUB Distribution Testing.

Corrugated shipper conversion to a Retail Ready Package for material reduction, sustainability and retailer labor savings for Philadelphia’s 8oz Brick Cream Cheese. Technical project hurdles included optimization of corrugated perforation design for compression strength and easy opening; as well as, designing for corrugated and folding carton abrasion, adhesive and ink formulation development, and adherence to ISTA 6-SAMSCLUB Distribution Testing.

This presentation will demonstrate a practical way to develop an estimate of supply chain costs based on product size and weight, and how the cost estimates can be used to influence decisions about product design and packaging.

This presentation will demonstrate a practical way to develop an estimate of supply chain costs based on product size and weight, and how the cost estimates can be used to influence decisions about product design and packaging.

In recent years a simplified method for generating cushion curves, called stress-energy, has been presented as an alternative to ASTM D1596. This presentation will summarize several data sets and compare results between the cushion curves generated by the stress-energy method and the traditional ASTM D1596 procedure.

In recent years a simplified method for generating cushion curves, called stress-energy, has been presented as an alternative to ASTM D1596. This presentation will summarize several data sets and compare results between the cushion curves generated by the stress-energy method and the traditional ASTM D1596 procedure.

New technologies are creating opportunities for packaging to be more than just product protection. Packaging can now be part of The Internet of Things, a primary vehicle for gaining deep customer insight and creating new user experiences. What if your packaging artwork came alive when viewed with a smartphone (augmented reality)? What if you could print unique graphics on every package(digital print)? What if your package could be tracked through distribution, and was the key enabler for understanding customer usage of your product? All three of these are possible. Learn how HP is making packaging part of the Internet of Things, and creating new user experiences and new revenue opportunities.

New technologies are creating opportunities for packaging to be more than just product protection. Packaging can now be part of The Internet of Things, a primary vehicle for gaining deep customer insight and creating new user experiences. What if your packaging artwork came alive when viewed with a smartphone (augmented reality)? What if you could print unique graphics on every package(digital print)? What if your package could be tracked through distribution, and was the key enabler for understanding customer usage of your product? All three of these are possible. Learn how HP is making packaging part of the Internet of Things, and creating new user experiences and new revenue opportunities.

Are you overpacking and spending more on logistics and packaging materials than necessary? Learn how filtering drop test shock pulses affects test results and packaging costs. This presentation will present recent lab data demonstrating how drop test shock pulse filtering influences packaging and logistics costs. A few key best practices for filtering shock pulses will be shared that will keep your costs down and your product protected.

Are you overpacking and spending more on logistics and packaging materials than necessary? Learn how filtering drop test shock pulses affects test results and packaging costs. This presentation will present recent lab data demonstrating how drop test shock pulse filtering influences packaging and logistics costs. A few key best practices for filtering shock pulses will be shared that will keep your costs down and your product protected.

This presentation will explain the theory behind generating cushion curves for corrugated board, along with an overview of past research results, and preliminary results from recent research.

This presentation will explain the theory behind generating cushion curves for corrugated board, along with an overview of past research results, and preliminary results from recent research.

What is an engineer to do when traditional problem solving techniques aren’t fixing the problem? This is a case study involving performance issues of corrugated boxes shipped from Asia. What started out as a seemingly straightforward issue quickly became a vexing problem unsolved by traditional packaging analysis. Learn about the approach HP engineers took to solve the issue, and the questions it raises about our understanding of corrugated box performance.

What is an engineer to do when traditional problem solving techniques aren’t fixing the problem? This is a case study involving performance issues of corrugated boxes shipped from Asia. What started out as a seemingly straightforward issue quickly became a vexing problem unsolved by traditional packaging analysis. Learn about the approach HP engineers took to solve the issue, and the questions it raises about our understanding of corrugated box performance.

Following up from 2007, this presentation will focus on additional ideas, tools, and best practices developed and used by the HP LaserJet Packaging group, as well as ideas on how to put together a compelling business case for the value of a packaging team to your organization.

Following up from 2007, this presentation will focus on additional ideas, tools, and best practices developed and used by the HP LaserJet Packaging group, as well as ideas on how to put together a compelling business case for the value of a packaging team to your organization.

What are the most effective and efficient strategies currently in place for recovering used packaging and addressing the financial challenges of collecting, sorting and transportation. Also what best practices have the 100 largest cities in the US adopted to move the needle on recycling.

Leading organizations are embracing sustainable design practices not only because they are good for the environment, but also because they are good business. Today, the concepts of sustainability are being integrated into business models and product strategies across the board. Cradle-to-Cradle programs are an example of the application of sustainable design to real-world business practices. Programs like these represent a fundamental shift away from the ‘damage-minimization’ and ‘damage-management strategies’ of the recent past and takes ‘Green’ to the next level, a level where it makes sense to business and the environment so it might actually work. This presentation will present a case study on the reasons and rationale for an innovative new R-Value program which demonstrates how a cradle-to-cradle program can be implemented quickly and successfully through the application of logic, the spirit of partnership, and a little ingenuity.

This presentation will show the process that is used to produce manufactured samples without producing a full production run for test samples. This process is used when you want to be able to test a different board combination than what you are currently using in the design. The benefit of this process of gathering samples for testing is that you will be able to test and compare two sets of manufactured samples.

This presentation will show the process that is used to produce manufactured samples without producing a full production run for test samples. This process is used when you want to be able to test a different board combination than what you are currently using in the design. The benefit of this process of gathering samples for testing is that you will be able to test and compare two sets of manufactured samples.

The common challenge: “Design a package that reduces cost, increases operational efficiency, improves customer experience, and minimizes environmental impact… and is robust enough to protect the product from any damage… and delights the customer with a thoughtful, intuitive, low-cost design.”

This presentation will follow the design process for the latest Kindle Paperwhite e-reader that includes global consumer testing, fulfillment center reviews, retailer feedback, rounds of transit testing (field and lab), a dive into sustainability and ventures into automation optimization with packaging suppliers and device manufacturers. The result is a design that pushes the boundaries of device packaging and meets the challenge by delighting customers with an innovative lean structure, 30% cost reduction, 72% more units per pallet, and a reduction of paper equal to six thousand trees per million devices. What was once a “moonshot” has become our newest reality and most optimized packaging structure to date.

This presentation will review the analysis made in previous research papers and complement it with additional measurements done during the summer 2015. From this review, a model will be presented to calculate inside-container temperature function of outside min/max temperatures during ground and sea transportation.

This presentation will review the analysis made in previous research papers and complement it with additional measurements done during the summer 2015. From this review, a model will be presented to calculate inside-container temperature function of outside min/max temperatures during ground and sea transportation.

Creating and executing a Master Test Plan is a crucial component of "Responsible Packaging by Design", a new guidance document and procedure recently released by ISTA. This presentation will illustrate the importance of packaged product performance testing when designing responsible packaging, the Master Test Plan's place in the process, the various steps in assembling and executing the Master Test Plan and the test laboratory's roles and responsibilities.

The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) has created a standard to provide packaging professionals with a detailed approach to package design that will have a direct impact on reducing product damage and improving the environmental performance of the packaging value chain. The design protocol will provide a logical, sequential, step-by-step process for creating a package that meets the objectives of sustainability. It is intended to be "LCA and LCT driven" and assesses the packaging in the context of the product and its functional role which includes all three packaging levels: Primary or consumer unit packaging, secondary or merchandising unit packaging, and tertiary or transport packaging

This presentation will discuss the research performed in order to characterize and analyze in-flight aircraft vibration of a turbo propeller (feeder) aircraft. Methods of collection and results will be presented to better understand the cargo environment of feeder aircraft as they transport packaged products.

This presentation will discuss the research performed in order to characterize and analyze in-flight aircraft vibration of a turbo propeller (feeder) aircraft. Methods of collection and results will be presented to better understand the cargo environment of feeder aircraft as they transport packaged products.

Although stretch wrap is the most common material used in the transport packaging industry to unitize loads, very little is understood about how the material behaves during transit. The purpose of stretch wrap is to unitize and prevent the individual units from shifting and moving on the pallet deck during transport. When applying stretch film to the load, there are a variety of parameters which can be adjusted in order to generate different on-pallet stretch percentages. The most common of these parameters is pre-stretch percentage. In addition to pre-stretch, other common parameters include the number of revolutions and tension on the unit load. Missing from the literature available, are how these parameters affect the response of a unit load during a simulated truck transport.

The project captured the transmissibility responses from two different unit load systems employing three different stretch wrap parameters. The pre-stretch variable for this project was held constant, and adjustments were made to other parameters in order to produce negative, neutral, and positive on-pallet stretch percentage. Results from this project will aid in determining how different film grades and stretch wrap parameters affect the unit loads response when excited using industry standard random vibration power spectral density (PSD) profiles.

Although stretch wrap is the most common material used in the transport packaging industry to unitize loads, very little is understood about how the material behaves during transit. The purpose of stretch wrap is to unitize and prevent the individual units from shifting and moving on the pallet deck during transport. When applying stretch film to the load, there are a variety of parameters which can be adjusted in order to generate different on-pallet stretch percentages. The most common of these parameters is pre-stretch percentage. In addition to pre-stretch, other common parameters include the number of revolutions and tension on the unit load. Missing from the literature available, are how these parameters affect the response of a unit load during a simulated truck transport.

The project captured the transmissibility responses from two different unit load systems employing three different stretch wrap parameters. The pre-stretch variable for this project was held constant, and adjustments were made to other parameters in order to produce negative, neutral, and positive on-pallet stretch percentage. Results from this project will aid in determining how different film grades and stretch wrap parameters affect the unit loads response when excited using industry standard random vibration power spectral density (PSD) profiles.

Packaging is vital to the world in which we live; about half of all packaging is used to package food (Robertson, 2006). Therefore, it is important to properly select packaging systems that will adequately contain and protect the product from processing through to the consumer.

Packaging is vital to the world in which we live; about half of all packaging is used to package food (Robertson, 2006). Therefore, it is important to properly select packaging systems that will adequately contain and protect the product from processing through to the consumer.

Over the past several years, various vehicle vibration analysis techniques have been proposed. This presentation discusses the discoveries made when an independent lab utilized these methods in the simulation of vertical vibration. Data was collected, analyzed, and used to simulate the vibration input to refrigerators during transportation.

Over the past several years, various vehicle vibration analysis techniques have been proposed. This presentation discusses the discoveries made when an independent lab utilized these methods in the simulation of vertical vibration. Data was collected, analyzed, and used to simulate the vibration input to refrigerators during transportation.

This presentation will discuss the research performed in order to characterize and analyze vibration of bottled water delivery vehicles. Methods of collection and results will be presented. These results will aid in the development of testing profiles and practices for this environment.

This presentation will discuss the research performed in order to characterize and analyze vibration of bottled water delivery vehicles. Methods of collection and results will be presented. These results will aid in the development of testing profiles and practices for this environment.

Further analysis of vehicle vibration techniques is examined in this continued presentation from the ISTA TransPack Forum 2013. This presentation examines the findings when additional packaged products are subjected to different techniques of vertical vibration simulation. Over the road vehicle vibration data was collected, analyzed, and used to simulate the vibration input to packaged products during transportation. Results will compare the findings of the different vibration techniques. Correlation of test results will also be compared to field samples. Additionally, the presentation will also explore the opportunity of reduced test time without compromising the actual field data collected. Different methods for reducing test time will be explored and compared to field samples. Results and discoveries of this trial will be introduced.

Further analysis of vehicle vibration techniques is examined in this continued presentation from the ISTA TransPack Forum 2013. This presentation examines the findings when additional packaged products are subjected to different techniques of vertical vibration simulation. Over the road vehicle vibration data was collected, analyzed, and used to simulate the vibration input to packaged products during transportation. Results will compare the findings of the different vibration techniques. Correlation of test results will also be compared to field samples. Additionally, the presentation will also explore the opportunity of reduced test time without compromising the actual field data collected. Different methods for reducing test time will be explored and compared to field samples. Results and discoveries of this trial will be introduced.

As temperature-controlled pioneers and experts, Lifoam sought to optimize its approach surrounding thermal modeling, respective to the importance of servicing its customer base in a timely and cost-effective manner, yet not to compromise quality. As with any cold chain solution, thermal testing requires significant time vested into quality analysis. Understanding the value in maximizing laboratory chamber time for projects, while maintaining the integrity of data collected, Lifoam turned to SmartCAE and thus, over time, adjusted attributes related to the program/approach which improved our ability to thermal model solutions faster and with better accuracy.

Discussion of what techniques are used to evaluate a new insulation material. Includes teaching about R-value measurement, manufacturability, equivalency techniques, cushion curves, and financial viability.

Flexible packaging has been increasing in volume replacing more traditional rigid formats such as glass jars and steel cans.  While this flexibility provides benefits such as lighter weight and easier opening, it can provide challenges in secondary packaging and transportation.  In addition, many flexible packages are made from films which utilize multiple layers of different materials.  Often these materials are dissimilar and form incompatible melts upon reprocessing.  This renders these films and the packages made from them unsuitable for mechanical recycling.  New technologies that allow for either the recycling of multilayer flexible films or energy recovery will be discussed as will the importance of transportation packaging and safety in sustainability.

This presentation provides an introduction to Ergonomics and Manual Material Handling. As members of ISTA and the packaging community, we are in a unique position to help improve ergonomics as it relates to handling products, packages, and unit loads. Takeaways: A better understanding of how to recognize high-risk manual material handling work tasks and choose effective options for reducing their physical demands, increasing general safety and health aspects of work environments, and increasing productivity.

This presentation provides an introduction to Ergonomics and Manual Material Handling. As members of ISTA and the packaging community, we are in a unique position to help improve ergonomics as it relates to handling products, packages, and unit loads. Takeaways: A better understanding of how to recognize high-risk manual material handling work tasks and choose effective options for reducing their physical demands, increasing general safety and health aspects of work environments, and increasing productivity.

The presentation will review the benefits and disadvantages with individual package level temperature monitoring devices compared to the development of a qualified package for temperature sensitive products. Several temperature monitoring devices will be discussed, including how their effectiveness is highly based on the users handling procedures and temperature results analysis. The process for developing a qualified shipping package and its corresponding temperature profile will be outlined.

Temperature monitoring challenges in food industry. Temperature monitoring challenges in pharmaceutical industry. How crucial are temperature excursions in daily decision making for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

On site installations and relocation of printers has become an increased source of “packaging” related field concerns in recent years for Lexmark. This presentation reviews what the Lexmark Packaging team has learned by participating in installations and working hand in hand with product engineering teams at Lexmark. Additionally, this presentation will cover how the Lexmark packaging team is adapting current specifications along with the ISTA standards to simulate the environments encountered during installations and the relocation of printers.

On site installations and relocation of printers has become an increased source of “packaging” related field concerns in recent years for Lexmark. This presentation reviews what the Lexmark Packaging team has learned by participating in installations and working hand in hand with product engineering teams at Lexmark. Additionally, this presentation will cover how the Lexmark packaging team is adapting current specifications along with the ISTA standards to simulate the environments encountered during installations and the relocation of printers.

This presentation aims to present why a smart re-design of an existing packaging solution needs to be matched with the right choice of test method(s) to achieve a successful implementation where the ultimate goals of both field performance and cost reduction is fulfilled within an optimal time frame. Takeaways: If we truly look at the packaging as a system consisting of a product and different packaging components it is easier to match creative re-design ideas with appropriate test methods. This will contribute to the reduction of development time and cost and guarantee a successful implementation of a cost take-out project.

This presentation aims to present why a smart re-design of an existing packaging solution needs to be matched with the right choice of test method(s) to achieve a successful implementation where the ultimate goals of both field performance and cost reduction is fulfilled within an optimal time frame. Takeaways: If we truly look at the packaging as a system consisting of a product and different packaging components it is easier to match creative re-design ideas with appropriate test methods. This will contribute to the reduction of development time and cost and guarantee a successful implementation of a cost take-out project.

Rail intermodal transportation has changed radically since its early years. This presentation will illustrate these changes and what they mean to today’s shipper, and offer a preview of a new intermodal ride quality study.

Rail intermodal transportation has changed radically since its early years. This presentation will illustrate these changes and what they mean to today’s shipper, and offer a preview of a new intermodal ride quality study.

What is happening within the Supply Chain from the Producer all the way to the Retailer. How some large companies often underestimate packaging; they do not believe in the advantages that a well designed and, of course, tested packaging can offer. The only thing that matters to them are the costs, and not the product and packaging integrity. Many times they do not realize the contribution that good packaging can make to overall system cost savings. Once they realize that, the opportunities begin to grow for us, the packaging people. This presentation will show how that trend is starting to change.

What is happening within the Supply Chain from the Producer all the way to the Retailer. How some large companies often underestimate packaging; they do not believe in the advantages that a well designed and, of course, tested packaging can offer. The only thing that matters to them are the costs, and not the product and packaging integrity. Many times they do not realize the contribution that good packaging can make to overall system cost savings. Once they realize that, the opportunities begin to grow for us, the packaging people. This presentation will show how that trend is starting to change.

Of the several pre-shipment packaging tests we perform to qualify a full Unitized Load (UL) ASTM D 6179, Rotational Edge Drop - Test Method A or Test Method C depending on the weight of the UL, is one of the more subjective tests. However, these tests are the most important. If the UL fails this test the rest of the sequence tests are aborted because if the load can’t be moved successfully it is too unstable for the continued testing of shipping and warehousing capability. Those of you who have practiced these test methods are all too aware of the potentials of trashing the wooden pallet, not to mention the load, and the associated ergonomic/safety issues one is exposed to during the testing. To that end we have designed and developed a new testing apparatus for practicing these test methods.

Of the several pre-shipment packaging tests we perform to qualify a full Unitized Load (UL) ASTM D 6179, Rotational Edge Drop - Test Method A or Test Method C depending on the weight of the UL, is one of the more subjective tests. However, these tests are the most important. If the UL fails this test the rest of the sequence tests are aborted because if the load can’t be moved successfully it is too unstable for the continued testing of shipping and warehousing capability. Those of you who have practiced these test methods are all too aware of the potentials of trashing the wooden pallet, not to mention the load, and the associated ergonomic/safety issues one is exposed to during the testing. To that end we have designed and developed a new testing apparatus for practicing these test methods.

Until just a few years ago practically all of Clorox products were shipped by "brown box", i.e. corrugated cases mostly undecorated. Challenges have confronted us for the past few years with the onset of "warehouse club" unitized load (UL) retail business both in the construction and the handling, shipping and warehousing of this style of selling goods.

Many of the major retailers today must sell through both retail outlets and online channels to remain competitive and relevant. This change in the delivery process is transforming retail supply chains from a unitized bulk storage operation to a single package environment. However, in the current transition state, retailers are challenged with managing the balance between cost and performance. The task of package design and test requirements becomes more challenging when products are established in a “Brick and Mortar” retail business, and begin to rapidly gain sales in the online environment. Takeaways: Understand the difficulty of designing universal packaging and to explore options for finding the appropriate balance between the right “retail” package and the right “E-Commerce” package. Explain different ways, data, testing and research can help strike the right balance for the design approach.

Many of the major retailers today must sell through both retail outlets and online channels to remain competitive and relevant. This change in the delivery process is transforming retail supply chains from a unitized bulk storage operation to a single package environment. However, in the current transition state, retailers are challenged with managing the balance between cost and performance. The task of package design and test requirements becomes more challenging when products are established in a “Brick and Mortar” retail business, and begin to rapidly gain sales in the online environment. Takeaways: Understand the difficulty of designing universal packaging and to explore options for finding the appropriate balance between the right “retail” package and the right “E-Commerce” package. Explain different ways, data, testing and research can help strike the right balance for the design approach.

Every customer and every consumer wants to have a way to verify that they get what they ordered.  Whether we are buying a car or a pound of ground meat, we want to be able to independently verify the parameters, like gas mileage or weight, which impact our purchasing decision.

Every customer and every consumer wants to have a way to verify that they get what they ordered.  Whether we are buying a car or a pound of ground meat, we want to be able to independently verify the parameters, like gas mileage or weight, which impact our purchasing decision.

The presentation covers two case studies involving packaging solutions. Both case studies will involve a new design with the objective of creating a greener package while minimizing the total cost. The first case will show the process of an LCD monitor package redesign because the original package contained too much volume, the corrugated box and EPS Foam was not environmental, creating a large amount of “white pollution” and the size of the box is consuming too much space during storing and shipping, increasing the carbon footprint. Corrugated packaging cushion is used to replace the EPS Foam Cushion and testing is done to validate the new design. The second case covers package re-design of a LCD panel. Considering the recycling and reuse of the package, recyclable packaging has replaced the one time use package. The new standardized packaging design is able to store and transport LCD panels from one place to another and both the inner and outer packaging can be reused multiple times. Lastly, the new paper pallet will be introduced. This is a revolutionary design which allows automation and providing over 1000 kg force of vertical compression strength. Overall, the presentation analyzes the core elements of package design, testing, and performance.

The presentation covers two case studies involving packaging solutions. Both case studies will involve a new design with the objective of creating a greener package while minimizing the total cost. The first case will show the process of an LCD monitor package redesign because the original package contained too much volume, the corrugated box and EPS Foam was not environmental, creating a large amount of “white pollution” and the size of the box is consuming too much space during storing and shipping, increasing the carbon footprint. Corrugated packaging cushion is used to replace the EPS Foam Cushion and testing is done to validate the new design. The second case covers package re-design of a LCD panel. Considering the recycling and reuse of the package, recyclable packaging has replaced the one time use package. The new standardized packaging design is able to store and transport LCD panels from one place to another and both the inner and outer packaging can be reused multiple times. Lastly, the new paper pallet will be introduced. This is a revolutionary design which allows automation and providing over 1000 kg force of vertical compression strength. Overall, the presentation analyzes the core elements of package design, testing, and performance.

Sustainability is one of the hottest topics in the packaging industry today. More major retailers are issuing mandates for brand owners to make packaging more environmentally friendly. It is important to consider the impact of sustainability on distribution channels and transit.
 
There are many factors to consider when developing a sustainability strategy for packaging and this presentation will explore the requirements, steps, and benefits to consider when developing a sustainability packaging strategy, such as:

• Meeting retailer requirements (Wal-Mart score card, Target, Amazon).
• The impact of sustainability methodologies such as use of recycled materials or light-weighting on distribution channels -Alignment with Corporate Social Responsibility strategies.
• Meeting consumer requirements/wishes (becoming increasingly important to consumer purchase decisions).
• Cost savings (sustainable solutions may be more cost-effective solutions).
• Provide a consistent framework for packaging sustainability across brands and the company.

This study presents a patented technology that makes insulation packaging from a corrugated board structure that fills packaging voids with a phase changing material (PCM). The filled panel, or sleeve, can be added to a standard shipping container as well as primary packaging to insulate the packaging. The temperature change of a chocolate bar wrapped with this insulation package is measured. In addition, Edge Crush (ECT) and Cobb tests are conducted to compare the ECT value of the insulation packaging to the conventional corrugated board.

This study presents a patented technology that makes insulation packaging from a corrugated board structure that fills packaging voids with a phase changing material (PCM). The filled panel, or sleeve, can be added to a standard shipping container as well as primary packaging to insulate the packaging. The temperature change of a chocolate bar wrapped with this insulation package is measured. In addition, Edge Crush (ECT) and Cobb tests are conducted to compare the ECT value of the insulation packaging to the conventional corrugated board.

This presentation shares findings of an ISTA Advocate Program sponsored research project: Field observation conducted on the transport modes, storage, and handling methods involved in the distribution of consumer packed goods in China including the 'last mile' segment.

When it comes to packaging sustainability, what matters most? There is no shortage of important issues, but prioritization is constantly shifting and evolving. This presentation gives an overview of the most current understanding of packaging sustainability considerations, including industry trends, regulatory happenings, and ways to contextualize and articulate the sustainability story of packaging.

When considering the choices of temperature controlled packaging in terms of sustainability, companies need to know how to evaluate packaging materials. Using expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging as an example this presentation will demonstrate how life cycle information can play a key role in evaluating environmental impacts and determining sustainability. An EPS Product Environmental Declaration will be reviewed, showing how package performance, environmental impacts over the life of the product and end-of-life options can be used to evaluate packaging.

Today, many companies build their brand primarily though their online interactions with customers and the packages that arrive at their customers doorsteps. The importance of brand is increasing due to competitive pressure from the largest retailers, disruptors, and store brands.  As a result, businesses are looking to own their brand experience to drive future sales. A key component of the brand experience is protective packaging to capitalize on the unboxing experience and reduce the occurrences of negative customer experiences. This session will dive into the quantifiable value provided by delivering a positive customer experience and its impact on future sales.

This presentation will give an overview of the air change rates, temperatures, and humidities in freight containers during trips from Europe to Singapore and Australia. A freight container fully equipped with measurement instruments was used. The container was fitted with a 27 channel temperature measurement system, GPS data logger and a temperature /humidity data logger. It was loaded with two intermediate bulk containers (IBC) of water and four 220 liter plastic drums of water. The air temperature at three levels in the container and the temperature at the top and bottom of the water in the IBCs and drums were measured.

This presentation will give an overview of the air change rates, temperatures, and humidities in freight containers during trips from Europe to Singapore and Australia. A freight container fully equipped with measurement instruments was used. The container was fitted with a 27 channel temperature measurement system, GPS data logger and a temperature /humidity data logger. It was loaded with two intermediate bulk containers (IBC) of water and four 220 liter plastic drums of water. The air temperature at three levels in the container and the temperature at the top and bottom of the water in the IBCs and drums were measured.

Design primary packaging that can withstand the ‘last mile’, so that the only prep required when fulfilling a new order is to attach a label and ship it. Yes, that means your product ships from the original manufacturer in more robust packaging that might be more than is needed. But it might be worth it…

Design primary packaging that can withstand the ‘last mile’, so that the only prep required when fulfilling a new order is to attach a label and ship it. Yes, that means your product ships from the original manufacturer in more robust packaging that might be more than is needed. But it might be worth it…

This presentation shares findings of an ISTA Advocate Program sponsored research project: Field observation conducted on the transport modes, storage, and handling methods involved in the distribution of consumer packed goods in China including the 'last mile' segment.

 "In the past, IBM packaging engineers were dispersed throughout various organizations, each representing different segments within the company, with very little interaction with one another. As a result, we had a splintered strategy for packaging and distribution, most of our best practices were not widely adopted, customers were confused by very different packaging solutions for similar products, and the proverbial wheel was reinvented over and over again. 
To create a cohesive strategy and to begin sharing and implementing best practices across the corporation, IBM's Integrated Supply Chain created a cross-brand packaging engineering Center of Competency (CoC), which united all engineers under a single leadership team. This Award Winning CoC created an environment that fostered a philosophy that encouraged knowledge sharing, skills development, innovation, recording of results, and accountability. The results yielded significant cost reductions, environmental improvements, increases in quality, and best of all: improvements in the skills of each engineer so he/she could adjust to new challenges that come with an ever-changing global supply chain. Takeaways: The benefits of consolidating the packaging subject matter experts; challenges and methods to promote integration and information sharing and engagement for a global engineering team; examples of goals and measurements; methods to promote your team's accomplishments."

 "In the past, IBM packaging engineers were dispersed throughout various organizations, each representing different segments within the company, with very little interaction with one another. As a result, we had a splintered strategy for packaging and distribution, most of our best practices were not widely adopted, customers were confused by very different packaging solutions for similar products, and the proverbial wheel was reinvented over and over again. 
To create a cohesive strategy and to begin sharing and implementing best practices across the corporation, IBM's Integrated Supply Chain created a cross-brand packaging engineering Center of Competency (CoC), which united all engineers under a single leadership team. This Award Winning CoC created an environment that fostered a philosophy that encouraged knowledge sharing, skills development, innovation, recording of results, and accountability. The results yielded significant cost reductions, environmental improvements, increases in quality, and best of all: improvements in the skills of each engineer so he/she could adjust to new challenges that come with an ever-changing global supply chain. Takeaways: The benefits of consolidating the packaging subject matter experts; challenges and methods to promote integration and information sharing and engagement for a global engineering team; examples of goals and measurements; methods to promote your team's accomplishments."

Lithium ion Batteries have become almost indispensable in today’s society.   Everything from our phones, tablets, and computers to our cars, toothbrushes, even our cigarettes are now powered with Lithium ion batteries.  But these famous batteries have also become somewhat infamous due to several high profile incidents.  We have all seen the spectacular explosions of phones in pockets, hoverboards in driveways, and even catastrophic plane crashes, all of which have been attributed to thermal runaway events from Lithium Ion batteries.    As a result of this ICAO and IATA have classified these batteries as Dangerous Goods, and have set rules for labeling, packaging, and types of aircraft that can ship them.  This presentation will go through how IBM has navigated the changing landscape surrounding the transport of Lithium Ion batteries and our products that use them.

This presentation challenges the practicality of the "retail standard" of physical packaging condition.

This presentation challenges the practicality of the "retail standard" of physical packaging condition.

Laboratory studies, which illustrate the thermal performance of critical design inputs for gel refrigerants, will be presented. This presentation will educate attendees to the important design considerations when evaluating competing refrigerant designs and will provide information on how to set up laboratory studies which can more precisely demonstrate temperature controlled packaging performance in the field.

Laboratory studies, which illustrate the thermal performance of critical design inputs for gel refrigerants, will be presented. This presentation will educate attendees to the important design considerations when evaluating competing refrigerant designs and will provide information on how to set up laboratory studies which can more precisely demonstrate temperature controlled packaging performance in the field.

A summary of the unique temperature control requirements presenting themselves to brand owners, logistics firms and thermal solution providers for the lifesciences industries.  Existing regulations and guidance will be identified that are relevant to temperature control and supply chain security.  The presentation will provide tools and strategies for implementing state of the art solutions for temperature control and supply chain security.

Every day, Intel Corporation airfreights extremely fragile, high value silicon wafers around the world with aggressive damage constraints and lowest total cost expectations. To meet these expectations, Intel engineers utilize information from data recorders to CCTV, and work closely with logistics internal and external partners, leading to continuous shipping lane, mode, test and design changes.

During transport a payload experiences multi degree of freedom (MDOF) movement. However, during vibration testing, packaging is subjected to random vibration in the vertical plane only. While such a simplification maybe suitable for approximating vehicle response, its appropriateness for simulating the response of the payload (product) is less clear. This presentation asks the question: Is there a need for MDOF vibration testing?

During transport a payload experiences multi degree of freedom (MDOF) movement. However, during vibration testing, packaging is subjected to random vibration in the vertical plane only. While such a simplification maybe suitable for approximating vehicle response, its appropriateness for simulating the response of the payload (product) is less clear. This presentation asks the question: Is there a need for MDOF vibration testing?

Within pharmaceutical supply chains, most attention has been focused on “last mile”. This distribution segment is thought to contain the highest levels of variability with respect to transport hazards. This presentation examines a special case found in the “first mile” within the lifecycle of a parenteral combination product.

Glass has been and will continue to be used as a primary container for parenteral solutions. Therefore, glass quality is a critical quality attribute. Defect-free glass ensures the sterility and safety of the overall combination product spanning the time from initial processing to patient use.

Findings from the study shared emphasizes that this “first mile” defect analysis has been neglected by most companies producing parental products and combination products. Glass defect rates have been tolerated to date. A recent commercial offering has focused on making a “stronger” glass at a considerable premium, without examining the root cause of defects.

Important tool used in identifying the root cause is a specialty known as “Glass Fractography.”

"Determination of tall load stability has historically been through the use of a tip test while the product is on a pallet. With most tip-overs occurring when the product is moved by pallet jack or forklift, this is not a realistic test. This presentation addresses the dynamic forces experienced during handling, permitting the analytical determination of tall rack/product stability without the need for testing. Takeaways: 
1. Consideration that there may be a better way to determine tall load stability when mounted on a foam shock pallet than using the tilt test. 
2. Consideration for the use of analytics to determine stability to enhance throughput in configuration centers. 
3. Consideration for a unique specification for tall electronic cabinetry."

"Determination of tall load stability has historically been through the use of a tip test while the product is on a pallet. With most tip-overs occurring when the product is moved by pallet jack or forklift, this is not a realistic test. This presentation addresses the dynamic forces experienced during handling, permitting the analytical determination of tall rack/product stability without the need for testing. Takeaways: 
1. Consideration that there may be a better way to determine tall load stability when mounted on a foam shock pallet than using the tilt test. 
2. Consideration for the use of analytics to determine stability to enhance throughput in configuration centers. 
3. Consideration for a unique specification for tall electronic cabinetry."

In an effort to improve the handling and transportation of top heavy IT Products, the Rack Transport Stability Team pooled their collective knowledge and experience. This presentation summarizes product development trends, techniques used to manage transportation, analysis of the dynamics of handling these products, and impact on test methodology.

In an effort to improve the handling and transportation of top heavy IT Products, the Rack Transport Stability Team pooled their collective knowledge and experience. This presentation summarizes product development trends, techniques used to manage transportation, analysis of the dynamics of handling these products, and impact on test methodology.

Current industry test standards such as ISTA and ASTM select mechanical shocks based on the weight of a packaged product. These mechanical shock events are typically performed using a free fall drop tester to drop a package in a prescribed orientation from a selected drop height. The drop heights used are currently based on the packaged product weight; the heavier the package the shorter the drop height distance.

Current industry test standards such as ISTA and ASTM select mechanical shocks based on the weight of a packaged product. These mechanical shock events are typically performed using a free fall drop tester to drop a package in a prescribed orientation from a selected drop height. The drop heights used are currently based on the packaged product weight; the heavier the package the shorter the drop height distance.

Corrugated boxes with identical ECT and/or BCT can provide remarkably different long term compression performance, which is not well addressed by typical end user specification practices. An examination of critical properties of corrugated board and its component papers provides insights for increasing useful box life. This presentation will examine issues associated with current end user specification methods, identify key factors which accelerate loss of box compression strength, and propose new approaches for improving long term box compression performance. More relevant specifications should result in lower cost and reduced environmental impact.

Corrugated boxes with identical ECT and/or BCT can provide remarkably different long term compression performance, which is not well addressed by typical end user specification practices. An examination of critical properties of corrugated board and its component papers provides insights for increasing useful box life. This presentation will examine issues associated with current end user specification methods, identify key factors which accelerate loss of box compression strength, and propose new approaches for improving long term box compression performance. More relevant specifications should result in lower cost and reduced environmental impact.

Stretch film is a 3.0 billion pound a year global market. Where does all that plastic film end up? What are the alternatives to stretch film? What has the industry done to lessen the impact on our environment? What is the future of unitizing loads for transport? This presentation will help to answer these questions.

Stretch film is a 3.0 billion pound a year global market. Where does all that plastic film end up? What are the alternatives to stretch film? What has the industry done to lessen the impact on our environment? What is the future of unitizing loads for transport? This presentation will help to answer these questions.

A landmark year in the history of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Bill Mascaro from the NMFTA and Dan Hill with ABF Freight System, Inc. explore implications of the Surface Transportation Board’s removal of anti-trust immunity from the rate setting bureaus and what this may mean for domestic and international shippers. The session will also include the process of how minimum packaging requirements are developed, reviewed and adopted.

A landmark year in the history of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Bill Mascaro from the NMFTA and Dan Hill with ABF Freight System, Inc. explore implications of the Surface Transportation Board’s removal of anti-trust immunity from the rate setting bureaus and what this may mean for domestic and international shippers. The session will also include the process of how minimum packaging requirements are developed, reviewed and adopted.

ISTA is looking to leverage emerging trends such as Big Data through a recent initiative to enhance the interaction with existing protocols as well as build a foundation for the development of new tools that will help ensure packaged-products are designed to survive the ever changing supply chain. This presentation will discuss some of the early work done towards this initiative and seek input from the membership on the future vision of such a tool.

The first part of the presentation will overview ISTA 7E and Standard 20's point of view from a laboratory standpoint. Part II of the presentation will be a case history of one lab's experience, it will cover some of the specific details and nuances encountered during the process of becoming 7E certified. Such instances include procedures that needed to be modified or implemented, employee training, and customer awareness of what the standard requires. This will also cover some of the requirements of Standard 20 that overlap with ISO 17025. Finally, the majority of the presentation will be about putting a thermal package through the paces and the glitches you may run into during your first test.

"During the design of pallets, it is a common practice to assume that the load is continuously distributed on the top of the pallet. However, in reality packages on the top of the pallet experience different levels of bridging depending on their physical characteristics. This bridging phenomena significantly increases the load carrying capacity of the pallet and it is unaccounted for in current design methodologies leading to overdesign and reduced sustainability. The presentation will cover the results of the latest research on load bridging within the unit load focusing on how the size of corrugated boxes, stiffness of corrugated board and number of layers in a unit load influences the load carrying capacity of the pallets with different stiffness characteristics. 
Takeaways: - Increasing the size of corrugated boxes significantly increases load bridging. 
- Increasing the stiffness of corrugated board significantly increases load bridging. 
- Using more layers in a unit load increases load bridging. 
- The load bridging phenomena has different effect on pallets with different stiffness characteristics.
- Efficient and sustainable pallet design methodology needs to incorporate the effect of packaging and unit load stabilizers."

When companies have consistent product failures in distribution, they may attempt to use traditional damage boundary testing to define bare product fragility, or perhaps increase free fall drop heights on packaged products, believing that higher drops must have caused the problem since the initial laboratory qualification levels appear to have been inadequate. This presentation will show why these traditional approaches failed and how the issue was resolved. Takeaways: Damage boundary testing works, but not always as expected. Increasing drop heights often finds the weakest link of a product design, but not always. This presentation will show how one product needed a different approach due to its unique characteristics. The audience will gain valuable insights as to the importance of replicating field failures in the lab, and how one must remain open minded on ways to achieve that damage. The results are different than anything I recall seeing at any previous conference.

When companies have consistent product failures in distribution, they may attempt to use traditional damage boundary testing to define bare product fragility, or perhaps increase free fall drop heights on packaged products, believing that higher drops must have caused the problem since the initial laboratory qualification levels appear to have been inadequate. This presentation will show why these traditional approaches failed and how the issue was resolved. Takeaways: Damage boundary testing works, but not always as expected. Increasing drop heights often finds the weakest link of a product design, but not always. This presentation will show how one product needed a different approach due to its unique characteristics. The audience will gain valuable insights as to the importance of replicating field failures in the lab, and how one must remain open minded on ways to achieve that damage. The results are different than anything I recall seeing at any previous conference.

Hewlett-Packard DeskJets were initially packed in expensive polyethylene cushions. This presentation will discuss how HP successfully replaced resilient foam with inexpensive molded pulp for most of it’s inkjet printers. The pros and cons of using molded pulp will be discussed.

 Hewlett-Packard DeskJets were initially packed in expensive olyethylene cushions. This presentation will discuss how HP successfully replaced resilient foam with inexpensive molded pulp for most of it’s inkjet printers. The pros and cons of using molded pulp will be discussed.

Most products travel in corrugated boxes. Most companies specify corrugated boxes using drawings with dimensions and material specifications. The dimensions are usually shown on a blank (an open box), while material specifications will focus on flute size, paper weight, Mullen burst value and/or edge crush value. This presentation will discuss the shortcomings of these standard approaches and recommend alternatives that have resulted in significant savings and more consistent quality, especially for companies that need to purchase boxes in countries outside the US.

Most products travel in corrugated boxes. Most companies specify corrugated boxes using drawings with dimensions and material specifications. The dimensions are usually shown on a blank (an open box), while material specifications will focus on flute size, paper weight, Mullen burst value and/or edge crush value. This presentation will discuss the shortcomings of these standard approaches and recommend alternatives that have resulted in significant savings and more consistent quality, especially for companies that need to purchase boxes in countries outside the US.

 Many companies could benefit from understanding their distribution systems better. Case studies will show how re-thinking design and laboratory testing can result in dramatic cost reductions.

 Many companies could benefit from understanding their distribution systems better. Case studies will show how re-thinking design and laboratory testing can result in dramatic cost reductions.

Many companies use standard test levels suggested by organizations like ISTA, ASTM, JIS, and others, but can these standard tests be right for all products being shipped to all places? This case study will focus on Agilent Technology products made in the US and shipped to China. Photographs and videos taken over a 2 week visit through China in 2011 clearly indicated that test levels and orientations needed to be adjusted to better reflect the common hazards found in this particular supply chain. This study is similar to Kevin’s presentation in 2005 on the distribution system in India, with surprising insights as to how products are commonly handled in one of the fastest growing markets in the world.

This presentation will focus on a number of examples where direct field observations were the key to understanding field damage issues. On multiple occasions the author has found the most significant problems in the field have not been reported by those closest to the situation. Though field measurements are important to better understand physical hazards to packaged products, many of the hazards causing expensive problems to corporations are not capable of being measured with typical data recorders. This presentation will demonstrate the importance of personally observing the distribution system to understand the most consistent types of failures, why and where they occur, and then to consider the range of options that may resolve the issues.

This presentation will focus on a number of examples where direct field observations were the key to understanding field damage issues. On multiple occasions the author has found the most significant problems in the field have not been reported by those closest to the situation. Though field measurements are important to better understand physical hazards to packaged products, many of the hazards causing expensive problems to corporations are not capable of being measured with typical data recorders. This presentation will demonstrate the importance of personally observing the distribution system to understand the most consistent types of failures, why and where they occur, and then to consider the range of options that may resolve the issues.

 This presentation will cover the development of a worldwide densified transport media that meets the Joint Electron Devices Engineering Council specifications has decreased environmental impact, and allowed improvement to logistics costs and enhancements to customer logistic constraints. The new form-factor thermoformed JEDEC tray achieves this impact through a telescoping side wall that enables manufacturing media handling improvements and protects at an acceptable product shipping defect level. This opportunity for environmental stewardship has been achieved by a thorough understanding of our customer requirements, as well as the contributions of cross divisional teams working together to assess and optimize equipment and media interactions.

 This presentation will cover the development of a worldwide densified transport media that meets the Joint Electron Devices Engineering Council specifications has decreased environmental impact, and allowed improvement to logistics costs and enhancements to customer logistic constraints. The new form-factor thermoformed JEDEC tray achieves this impact through a telescoping side wall that enables manufacturing media handling improvements and protects at an acceptable product shipping defect level. This opportunity for environmental stewardship has been achieved by a thorough understanding of our customer requirements, as well as the contributions of cross divisional teams working together to assess and optimize equipment and media interactions.

This presentation discusses the successful utilization of shock and vibration recorders to collect transportation data. The projects covered were all focused on solving product damage issues that were occurring during shipping by either truck or rail. Transportation data was utilized in the laboratory or solely for evaluation of the transportation hazards. The industries covered are consumer beverage, bottle industry, and construction materials.

This presentation discusses the successful utilization of shock and vibration recorders to collect transportation data. The projects covered were all focused on solving product damage issues that were occurring during shipping by either truck or rail. Transportation data was utilized in the laboratory or solely for evaluation of the transportation hazards. The industries covered are consumer beverage, bottle industry, and construction materials.

ISTA 3L eBook
To learn more about why we developed this test and other FAQ's, download the ISTA 3L eBook.

In the late summer of 2001, ISTA undertook a research project to monitor temperatures and relative humidity in an in-service, interstate Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) environment

This document lists and details established and newer methodologies for vibration testing packaged
products for road distribution. It is intended to provide information on the range of methods
available. This information will be of interest to those who wish to review their specification and
selection of vibration test methods, and to those who wish to have a better understanding of the
methods available.

ISTA Lane Data represents the most comprehensive thermal information about small parcel shipping. This large data set can be used to create real world "what if" simulations of the performance of thermal packaging with real instances.

Many considerations go into designing effective packages. Sustainability is increasingly one of these considerations. Primary packages invariably get most of the attention when sustainability discussions arise. For greater impact, a total packaging systems approach should be considered. This additionally incorporates properly optimized secondary and tertiary packages, which are often overlooked. In this workshop we will explore Life Cycle Assessment or LCA and how it can help you design more sustainable transport packages. Taking this systems approach makes this analysis very easy to perform and understand, enabling better decisions early in the design cycle.

 Vehicle vibration input is generated from complex motions that are directly related to road roughness. That motion can be described in terms of “degrees of freedom.” In nature there are six degrees of freedom; three translational and three rotational. Uneven road surfaces cause multiple, uneven inputs to the vehicle suspension and the resulting motion (response) of cargo bed is correspondingly complex. This presentation will highlight studies where measurements (with instrumentation) and recordings (with video equipment) were made of both the vehicle suspension input dynamics, and the responses of cargo that was being transported in the bed of a truck. The presentation will also highlight subsequent testing that was performed on a multi degree of freedom vibration test system, using both single and multi-axis control inputs. Comparisons of the test items’ responses to both single and multi-axis inputs will be shown and discussed.

This presentation will highlight dynamic measurement highlights made during a large study of intermodal shipments, made between the eastern and western United States. This study focused comparative measurements made at the container floor, bottom pallet and top pallet locations. The results provided the ability to understand how unit loads responded to the various transport dynamic inputs.

A major brand owner was receiving feedback from their distribution facilities of abnormally high amounts of “dumped” loads upon arrival from their production facility. Dumped loads meant unit loads that completely tipped over during transport. This presentation will highlight some of the interesting investigative work that was initiated to determine whether abnormal dynamics were occurring during transport between the production facility and two specific distributors.

This presentation details a simple, long-standing methodology for optimizing the design of the product and package system. By simultaneously exploiting opportunities to improve product robustness, while reducing the demands of the distribution system, requirements for protective packaging performance can be minimized. This presentation will emphasizes the opportunity and value of addressing all design requirements towards the beginning of the product development phase, which can minimize the amount of materials entering the waste stream.

Cultural properties move globally because they are regularly loaned between museums. Although packaging methods still rely mostly on "experience," Tokyo National Museum has been trying to adopt a more scientific approach. This presentation introduces field measurement projects jointly done by Tokyo National Museum and eXcearch LLC. Interesting facts were discovered from air shipments.

Cultural properties move globally because they are regularly loaned between museums. Although packaging methods still rely mostly on "experience," Tokyo National Museum has been trying to adopt a more scientific approach. This presentation introduces field measurement projects jointly done by Tokyo National Museum and eXcearch LLC. Interesting facts were discovered from air shipments.

Effective September 2010, ISTA Project 3J has been superseded by ISTA Project 6-SAMSCLUB, with even more focus on the unique aspects of the Sam's Club distribution environment. This presentation will explain reasons for the change in Series assignment and designation, and will describe some of the new test parameters and conditions. Then Sam's Club case studies will be discussed, illustrating how application of the protocol has resulted in packaging performance and quality improvements, damage reduction, increased efficiency, and improving the Member experience.