A recent study conducted by Industrial Physics, a leading provider of packaging and material testing, has shed light on significant developments in food and beverage packaging testing.
The report, titled Unwrapping the Testing Environment, surveyed 380 packaging professionals across five countries: the UK, the US, Germany, India, and Malaysia.
The findings suggest that half of the respondents believe their company’s testing processes have improved over the past five years.
The report, which focused on developments in packaging testing, highlights various methods professionals believe offer the greatest potential for innovation. Notably, automatic process control emerged as the most promising testing development.
Automatic process control leads testing innovations
The survey identified five key testing methods with significant opportunities for advancement.
Topping the list is automatic process control, followed by 100% inspection, nondestructive testing methods, in-line testing, and handheld testing devices.
These methods were rated highly by packaging professionals, though preferences varied slightly depending on the material used and the geographic region.
The report showed that automatic process control is particularly valued for its ability to streamline packaging operations.
By allowing real-time data sharing and reducing the need for manual sample transport, this method can create a more efficient and integrated testing process.
More than a third of respondents highlighted the importance of each testing method, demonstrating widespread interest in adopting new approaches to packaging testing.
Challenges with expertise and innovation delays
While the report indicated positive developments in testing methods, it also revealed ongoing challenges faced by the packaging industry.
Nearly half (49%) of respondents expressed the need for external expertise in testing, reflecting a common issue in the sector.
This aligns with previous findings from Industrial Physics, which highlighted the lack of in-house expertise as a major challenge for many companies.
Furthermore, 47% of respondents reported that they had delayed innovation efforts while searching for external packaging and testing experts.
This figure rose to 57% among professionals working primarily with paper packaging.
These delays underscore the need for more comprehensive training and support within the industry.
Internal initiatives could offer solutions
To address these challenges, the report suggests that companies should not overlook internal initiatives aimed at developing expertise.
Peer-to-peer learning, supplier-led workshops, and training materials were all identified as effective ways to upskill staff and ensure continuity when experienced members of the team retire or leave.
The findings from this report provide a snapshot of the current landscape in food and beverage packaging testing, with a strong focus on the potential of automation and the ongoing need for skilled professionals.
Industrial Physics is set to release a third report later this year, which will examine external factors affecting innovation in packaging.
