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Food Packaging Testing

Packaging plays a pivotal role in the food and migration sector, serving both as a functional necessity and a marketing tool. It ensures the containment, protection, identification, and promotion of food and consumer goods throughout the supply chain—from manufacturing and storage to retail and end-use.

According to the UK Institute of Packaging, packaging can be defined as “a coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, storage, retailing, and end-use”. It is instrumental in ensuring the safe delivery of food products to consumers in optimal condition and at a reasonable cost.

 

The Role of Food Packaging Testing

Effective food packaging ensures that the benefits of food processing are retained through to the point of consumption. It facilitates the safe and efficient distribution of food, particularly over long distances, while maintaining product integrity.

 

Key Functions of Packaging:

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• Protection & Preservation: Against microbial contamination, spoilage, light, and oxygen

• Containment & Waste Reduction: Minimizing spillage and food loss

• Marketing & Communication: Informing consumers about ingredients, shelf life, usage, and brand identity

• Traceability: Assisting in recalls and batch-level tracking

• Convenience: Enabling ease of transport, storage, and use

• Tamper Indication: Offering visible evidence of unauthorized access

 

Other important roles include:

• Brand messaging and consumer appeal

• Standardization of quantity (weight, volume)

• Efficient logistics through unitization

 

Characteristics of Effective Food Packaging

 

To ensure quality and safety, food packaging must meet several essential requirements:

• Non-toxic and food-grade

• Protective barrier against contaminants, oxygen, and moisture

• UV-resistant and odor-proof

• Tamper-resistant and tamper-evident

• Durable and resistant to physical damage

• User-friendly: easy to open, reseal, and dispose of

• Environmentally compatible: biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable

• Chemically compatible with the food product

 

Materials Tested by YMC

YMC provides accurate, rapid, and reliable testing services for a wide array of packaging materials used across industries:

 

Metals

• Aluminum foil, tin plates, tin-free steel

• Metallized films and laminates

 

Paper & Boards

• Kraft paper, sulphite paper, greaseproof paper, parchment paper

• Glassine and white boards

 

Plastics

• Polyolefins (LDPE, HDPE), polyesters (PET), polyamide, PVC

• Co-extruded films, laminates, EVOH, PEN, polycarbonate

• Biodegradable plastics

 

Glass

• Bottles, jars, ampoules, etc. used in direct food contact

 

YMC's Comprehensive Food Packaging Testing Services

Packaging must ensure safety, durability, and regulatory compliance—especially for food-contact applications. YMC provides a broad spectrum of mechanical and chemical testing methods tailored to packaging materials and designs.

 

Migration Testing for Food Contact Materials (FCMs)

• Overall Migration Limit (OML) and Specific Migration Limit (SML)

• Color Migration testing

• As per FSSAI Packaging Regulation 2019, EU Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011, FDA 21 CFR guidelines

• IS 9845 & EN 1186 compliant protocols

• Heavy Metals Screening: Cadmium, Chromium (VI), Lead, Mercury

• Plasticizer & Phthalate Testing

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) detection

• Bisphenol-A (BPA) assessment

• Aromatic Amines and Primary Aromatic Amines (PAA) testing

• Biodegradable Packaging Compliance evaluation

 

The YMC Advantage in Packaging Analysis

YMC offers a strategic edge in packaging testing through its state-of-the-art facilities, deep regulatory knowledge, and client-centric approach.

Fast Turnaround Time (TAT)
Expert Consultation on labelling, hygiene, and allergens
Customized Testing Protocols based on packaging material and food type
Participation in Regulatory Forums for early updates on food safety developments
Compliance Support with local and international food safety standards
On-site inspection and traceability advisory
Global Network with Local Accessibility

 

Why Choose YMC?

• Trusted Partner for Packaging Compliance

• Advanced Equipment: GC-MS, ICP-MS, FTIR, LC-MS/MS, UV-VIS Spectroscopy

• Experienced Technical Analysts & Regulatory Experts

• Online Result Access & Sample Tracking through YMC Online Portal (YOLP)

• Support across R&D, Packaging Design, QA/QC, and Regulatory Affairs

 

Ensuring Safe Packaging from Concept to Consumer

YMC helps manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers meet regulatory requirements, ensure product integrity, and build consumer trust. Whether you are developing new packaging formats or verifying compliance for export, our analytical solutions provide the assurance you need.

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