Packaging

Technical
Services
Laboratory Testing Improving the performance of
ff Materials
Technical Investigations
ff Product packaging
Test Method ff Medical devices
Development ff Security documents

Proficiency Services

Temp oC

www.smitherspira.com
Technical Services Support for
Smithers Pira laboratory based testing offers controlled, repeatable ffPackaging Suppliers and Converters
and verifiable assessment of material and pack performance. ffFood and Beverage
With a comprehensive range of ISO 17025 accredited testing facilities ffMedical Devices
and expertise available, our Technical Services Group can meet the ffHealth and Personal Care
most demanding requirements of its wide customer base. ffPrint and Security

PAPER TESTING MEDICAL DEVICES

We offer physical, surface and printability tests – typically performed on tissue,
paper, board and corrugated materials. All tests are made in accordance with
MEDICAL Smithers Pira has comprehensive experience supporting
clients with device characterisation and the development of
International Standards.
Smithers Pira can test the physical characteristics of CBS1 and CBS2 security
DEVICES test protocols and validation of test methods. We can provide
independent data for product development, regulatory
submissions and routine device testing. Smithers Pira is
papers and issue a certificate of conformity for papers meeting the test criteria.
accredited for testing medical device packaging against the
requirements of ISO 11607 (BS EN 868).
PLASTIC TESTING
A wide range of physical, barrier and thermal testing PRINT AND SECURITY
is available, providing clients with an objective Specialising in the evaluation of security printing products such as e-Passports, Drivers’

MATERIALS
understanding of materials in conversion, on packaging Licences, ID cards, Banknotes and Pin Mailers, we also undertake general assessments
lines and in use. of printed materials and books to identify the causes of problems in production.
The Smithers Pira / C&CCC printer qualification service certifies a printer’s ability to
ADHESIVES AND LABELLING print cheques to the required standard.
Commercial hot melt bonding processes can
be simulated in a laboratory assessment using
AND PROBLEM SOLVING

PACKAGING
the recently developed Smithers Pira Adhesive The Smithers Pira Technical Investigations team offers a fast
Performance Tester, avoiding the need for
disruptive production line trials.
PRINT response service, providing clients with problem identification and
solution recommendations through a combination of laboratory and

AND production line studies. The team benefits from direct access to an

TESTING
Labels can be assessed against a wide range
of International Standards, including BS5609 in-house workshop facility.
(Marine immersion).
SECURITY ENVIRONMENTAL STORAGE
PACK PERFORMANCE Smithers Pira can assess shelf-life through accelerated storage and the durability
of materials and packaged items to climatic extremes. Test facilities include
We work with packaging manufacturers, their customers
cabinets with programmable temperature and humidity cycling, accelerated daylight
and suppliers on issues related to product pack
exposure, salt spray and a walk-in chamber operating from -20°C to +60°C. Additionally,
performance. These include pack integrity, strength and
a thermal shock chamber is available, operating over the range of -80°C to +220°C.
functional assessments – often involving the development

PROBLEM
of bespoke test apparatus and test methods.
BARRIER PROPERTIES
Smithers Pira tests closures to all aspects of the BSDA Code
Smithers Pira determines the transmission of oxygen (Mocon 2/21),
of Practice, including the rotational opening force test which
was developed for push – pull closures by Smithers Pira.
SOLVING water vapour (Mocon Permatran W3/33) and other gases – CO2, N2 etc.
(Lyssy L100/5000) in conjunction with a combination of pack integrity
techniques, to provide an understanding of the key film and pack properties
TEST METHOD DEVELOPMENT determining product shelf-life. Real time oxygen permeability can be
When standard tests are not available, we will develop assessed using the latest OpTech® optical fluorescence O2 analyser.
bespoke methods to allow the performance of packaging
and products to be objectively evaluated. Methods PROFICIENCY SERVICES
are designed to mimic process or consumer handling We provide a range of subscription and customised inter-laboratory
situations such as hot melt gluing, pack stability and comparative testing services (CTS), which many customers use as the
product risk assessment. High speed impacts on all pack foundation for their own ISO accreditation. Smithers Pira is a co-ordinating
materials, including glass can be quantified. and qualifying laboratory for the European CEPI-CTS service.

Smithers Pira – the worldwide authority on the packaging, paper and print industry supply chains.
 Smithers Pira – the worldwide authority on the
packaging, paper and print industry supply chains
Established in 1930, Smithers Pira provides strategic and technical
consulting, testing, intelligence and events to help clients gain market
insights, identify opportunities, evaluate product performance and manage
compliance.

Smithers Pira Testing – expertise, evaluation and solutions

Combining industry experience with state of the art laboratory testing
and simulation facilities, Smithers Pira Testing delivers tangible solutions
for clients in the packaging, paper and print industry supply chains. Our
expertise encompasses chemical migration, materials selection, packaging
conversion and performance in distribution and use.

To find out more about our testing services please visit

www.smitherspira.com/testing or speak with a member
of our knowledgeable team.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Doug Leatherdale

Contact
Tel: +44 (0) 1372 802108
dleatherdale@smithers.com

the MATERIALS TESTING

Mark Taylor

Experts
Tel: +44 (0) 1372 802147
mtaylor@smithers.com

PRINT AND SECURITY

Maggie Carnegie
Tel: +44 (0) 1372 802158
mcarnegie@smithers.com

TEST METHOD VALIDATION

AND PROFICIENCY
Chris Berry
Tel: +44 (0) 1372 802094
cberry@smithers.com

Smithers Pira
Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7RU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1372 802000 info@smitherspira.com
www.smitherspira.com

Part of The Smithers Group www.smithers.com