Service and support

Packaging testing

If your business relies on the safe transit of your products, then packaging testing is not only important but a necessity.

Packaging testing ensures that the product provides adequate protection before full manufacturing begins. Packaging tests include compression, vibration, temperature, humidity, and drop testing. Standard tests include ISTA (International Safe Transit Association), while there are specific tests for certain retailers (e.g., Amazon).

At Suttons Performance Packaging, we can manage the testing process for any pack we design for your business. This includes extensive drop testing facilities and the use of ISTA-approved testing labs at locations throughout the UK. This approach, coupled with our design expertise and in-house manufacture, ensures your packaging provides optimum performance.

Get a free quote or advice

No obligation

UK experts

Competitive pricing

International Safe Transit Association

ISTA testing

ISTA tests assess how well packaging protects products during transport. The tests simulate conditions that packages may experience during transit, such as vibration, shock, and humidity. At Suttons Performance Packaging, we can arrange applicable ISTA tests for your packaging, managing the process from start to finish.

Non-simulation tests (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H)

Challenge the integrity of the product and package combination.

Partial simulation tests (2A, 2B, 2C)

More thorough screening test useful for refining preliminary designs.

General simulation tests (3A, 3B, 3E, 3F, 3H, 3K, 3L)

Provide a simulation of the damage-producing motions, forces, conditions, and sequences of transport environments.

Enhanced simulation tests (4AB)

Customising test plans that closely tie the tests and sequence to a user-defined pattern of distribution environment hazards.

Member performance tests (6-Amazon.com, 6-SAMSCLUB)

Created by an ISTA member or in cooperation with ISTA to establish unique requirements or to reflect their particular conditions of distribution.

Development tests (7D, 7E)

Used in the development of transport packages by comparing the relative performance of two or more container designs.

Advantages

Benefits of a packaging testing service

Utilising a packaging testing service, means that you can benefit from:

Reduce risk of transit damage and expensive returns.

Better product protection throughout the supply chain.

Less design changes after production has started.

Improved packaging performance in real-world conditions.

Lower material use without compromising protection.

Compliance with ISTA testing standards.

Improved confidence in your packaging before full production.

Packaging experts

FAQs

Packaging testing helps to confirm that your packaging can protect your products against the conditions they might face during handling, storage, and transit, reducing the risk of damage and returns.

We can arrange a range of tests, including drop, compression, vibration, temperature and humidity testing, depending on your packaging and distribution requirements.

Yes, we can manage ISTA testing from start to finish, working with approved testing laboratories across the UK to arrange the appropriate test for your packaging.

Testing should take place before full production runs wherever possible. This allows any issues to be identified quickly so that the design can be refined before you commit to a larger manufacturing run.

Competitive advantage

Why work with us?

Put simply, by working with us at Suttons Performance Packaging, you can expect a wealth of experience and benefits that directly impact the success of your operations:

Flexible volumes

We can support a range of packaging requirements, from smaller production runs through to larger ongoing volumes and increased demand.

Bespoke manufacturing

Our in-house facilities allow us to manufacture packaging to your exact size, specification and application requirements.

Expert design and prototyping

Our experienced in-house designers can develop and prototype packaging solutions tailored to your products and testing requirements.

Industry knowledge

We have extensive experience working with businesses across IT, medical, aerospace, automotive, precision engineering and manufacturing.

Product protection

We can test packaging to ensure it provides reliable protection for your products throughout handling, storage and transit.

UK-wide delivery

With our own delivery fleet and UK-wide warehousing network, we can provide reliable packaging deliveries wherever your business is located.

Quality assured

Our in-house production and testing expertise gives us greater control over the quality and performance of your packaging.

Dedicated support

Our designers, product advisers, production and customer service teams work together to support you from initial requirements through to testing and delivery.

Wide range of options

Similar services

Disclaimer: Application images on this page may have been created or enhanced using AI to illustrate a products features and/or potential uses. Please view this content policy for further details.

UK experts

Get in touch

Send us a message

If your business needs protective packaging, we offer a range of cost-effective, stock or bespoke options that provide a tailored level of performance. Please get in touch to find out more and request a free quote.

This form will collect your personal information to answer your enquiry. For information on the data we collect and how we use your information, please see our privacy policy.