Stirling-based PackSure has launched the first dedicated laboratory for testing food and drink packaging materials, including innovative and sustainable options within the drinks sector.
Established with support from a Scottish Government grant, PackSure aims to help brands enhance their packaging designs, ensuring greater resilience. This focus leads to reduced breakage, minimized waste, and ultimately lower costs related to product returns.
Brian McCready, Lab Manager at PackSure, stated: “PackSure is the first facility of its kind in Scotland. We offer a comprehensive range of testing services tailored specifically to the needs of the drinks industry, including environmental, physical, and specification conformance tests.
“Testing new designs and specifications prior to market launch provides brands with confidence that their packaging is fit for purpose, significantly promoting the use of more sustainable materials.”
PackSure is essential to the research and development of new materials, designs, and finished products. By evaluating the performance of both new and existing specifications, it manages risks while accelerating the transition to environmentally friendly solutions. This support is crucial for the whisky industry as it seeks to diminish its environmental footprint.
With Scotch Whisky being exported to over 200 global markets, its packaging must endure a variety of environmental conditions during transit.
“Probably the most popular service is climatic testing,” explained McCready. “We can replicate a range of conditions, from Nordic cold to the tropical climates of Asia. Regardless of your product’s destination, we accurately track any changes that could impact packaging during transit and on retail shelves, and prepare a fully confidential report.”
As a proud member of ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) and BSI (British Standards Institution), PackSure gains access to extensive package design and testing resources, a wealth of industry research, and numerous UK-specific and global testing standards.
The laboratory has recently achieved ISTA certification, enabling it to provide this recognized standard to clients selling through third-party online retailers or their own e-commerce platforms. ISTA certification is a respected benchmark in transit trialing for many online retailers.
Jan Grochowski, Laboratory Technician, noted: “Whether you are developing a new product or have an existing offering, testing packaging throughout its lifecycle is invaluable.
“This testing ensures that the packaging can endure the challenges of its supply chain, environmental conditions, and handling while maintaining the high standards expected from the premium and luxury drinks sector. We invite customers to visit our Central Belt facility to observe the testing results firsthand and discuss their next steps.”
This state-of-the-art facility in Stirling received £200,000 from Scottish Enterprise as part of the Green Jobs Funding Scheme. This initiative aims to assist businesses in creating and sustaining jobs that enhance the environment, aligning with the Scottish Government’s net zero objectives.