From crackers to potato chips (crisps) to pet food, arriving mostly intact is a critical consideration for consumer satisfaction. Because there are a wide variety of factors involved in the supply chain, multiple test and evaluation methods are needed to truly predict the effects of shipping. Common factors that affect performance include:
This technique offers a quantitative approach to inspecting the product following testing. This is critical as it allows new products to be compared to existing products with known field performance.
- The structure, shape, and formulation of these food products can play a significant role in how they reach the shelf or the consumer’s home. As they shift within the packaging during transit, pieces can break up in to smaller pieces or dust. The food formulation could be a large part of this equation as certain ingredients may help the product maintain its full shape better than others. In addition, a triangular shaped morsel of dog food (for example), could provide more opportunities for breakage than a more circular shape.
- Primary packaging and how those packages are stacked or unitized can also affect the overall durability of the food product. Multi-layer films, paper products, or plastic bags within boxes all provide different geometries and touch points with the products, which can affect how they interact during shipment.
- The supply-chain and common routes of distribution for these products introduce vibration, environmental conditions, and shock events due to logistics or handling. Understanding the most common routes and handling methods used can help in recommending the best test methods.
How do we evaluate the effects of the supply chain on solid food products?
Typically, we would conduct ISTA 3E testing on a unitized load of the food product to closely simulate the real-world environment. ISTA 3E can include:- Environmental conditioning
- Compression testing
- Vibration set to a specific profile
- Shock or drop testing
Sieve Analysis
After simulating the product moving through the supply chain in a typical palletized configuration, we evaluate the contents using a Ro-Tap™ Sieve. By loading the contents into the multi-stage sieve with different screen sizes at each level, we can determine the various particle size volumes after a specified time period of vibration.This technique offers a quantitative approach to inspecting the product following testing. This is critical as it allows new products to be compared to existing products with known field performance.
How we can help
Smithers distribution testing experts can combine supply chain knowledge, standard testing protocols, and sieve evaluations to create a custom testing program designed to dial in your food product formulations. Contact us today to discuss your next project.- Automotive Logistics Testing
- Food Product Sieve Analysis
- Packaging Transit Testing and Product Durability
- Distribution Test Method Selection and Custom Protocol Development
- Ecommerce Package Testing
- Magazine, Insert and Sachet Testing
- Package Testing Calculator
- Pallet, Stillage and Crate Testing
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Shipment Studies
- UN/ADR Dangerous Goods Package Testing
- Medical Device Regulation (MDR)
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