Packaging plays critical role in protecting products during transportation. Although standard test procedures provide characteristics of packaging materials, it may not be sufficient to predict package performance during transportation. Application specific testing not only assist in predicting transportation performance but also gives a holistic view to understand interactions among different packaging types. We have presented two case studies that explore packaging performance using transportation testing.

First case study examines unitized loads to understand correlation between standard stretch film testing and transportation performance. Stretch wrapping is widely practiced methodology for unitizing pallet of goods to provide load stability during transportation and handling. Recent trends downgauging trends in stretch films have created a need to assess stretch film performance holistically to optimize packaging cost, product damage and sustainability impact. Industry still lacks information to understand stretch film performance during transportation and its correlation with lab testing. This study has focused on generating this information to define and predict stretch film performance during transport.

Second case study reviews small parcel shipment to analyze interactions of primary, secondary and protective packaging. It is essential to understand packaging needs to reduce product damage while optimizing packaging material and cost. Furthermore, sustainability impact of packaging as well as product damage is analyzed to design a holistic packaging approach.