You want your products to reach your customers in top condition. It is therefore crucial that your (transport) packaging offers the right protection. As a packaging specialist, we have our own test and research centre: Topa Institute. A testing environment where every step is so meticulously calculated, recorded and checked that even our competitors are happy to come to our lab to have their packaging tested.

At Topa Institute, we carry out transport simulation tests, among other things. Under the motto ‘to measure is to know’, we test in a wide variety of ways whether your packaging meets all requirements and wishes. This time, we dive into the drop test.

“In the development phase, we use the drop test as an indication.”

When preparing the test, the method of transport and the weight and fragility of the product are always taken into account.

When dropping, we always test the combination of product and packaging. In the development phase, we use the drop test as an indication. The packaging engineer then wants to know, for example, whether the packaging is robust enough. Based on the test results, he then develops the final packaging. It is also not good if the packaging offers too much protection. In that case, savings can be made on packaging material.

Kim Leeuwenkamp, Mechanical Project Engineer

“How you perform the traps is fixed, so you can always compare with previous tests.”

Tests are performed against international ISO, ISTA and ASTM standards or company-specific standards.

The number of traps depends on the procedure. How you perform the traps is fixed. You drop the package with the product from a certain height and in various orientations. This allows you to always compare with previous tests. After each drop, in a series of drops according to the test standard, you analyse the consequences for the product. Sometimes we perform the test with several packaging solutions. This gives you a good picture of whether a packaging provides too little or too much protection.

Kim Leeuwenkamp, Mechanical Project Engineer

“We do most of the testing for third parties.”

The test result is analysed so that modifications to the packaging or product lead to improvements.

Of course, we test a lot of packaging for ourselves, but we do most of the testing for third parties.

Kim Leeuwenkamp, Mechanical Project Engineer

Wondering if we can improve your packaging?
Contact Topa Institute: +31 252 245 350. Or send an e-mail info@topainstitute.com.