Development

Our state-of-the-art laboratories provide the most advanced approach to product development, packaging development and distribution simulation. The methods we use as our benchmarks match national and international standards. In order to remain at the cutting edge, we have embarked on a program of continuous development. This way, we ensure that we can develop and test products and distribution methods faster, more comprehensively and maximize the cost-benefits for the client. Topa Institute leads the field on this respect.

When developing packaging and distribution solutions we examine the entire logistics network the product will face on its journey. We collect information on your payload, container, shipping method, and acceptable temperature ranges and excursions. When necessary, we can assist in evaluating or compiling ambient temperature profiles.

STEP 1. Understanding your distribution A product endures a lot on its journey from producer to consumer. Loading, unloading and stacking during transport and storage put both product and packaging to the test. This is apart from the climatic hazards, such as moisture, extreme cold and heat. Mechanical loads such as vibration, compression and vertical and horizontal impacts must be absorbed by the packaging. That means that the logistics route that the product follows from start to finish, has to be thoroughly vetted. Thus in close corporation with the client a realistic test plan can be suggested.

STEP 2. Understanding your product The product’s susceptibility to damage in transit requires careful consideration. Some products may in fact be fragile or they may sustain latent damage, without showing any external visible signs. A detailed analysis of the product-critical specifications will provide us with the parameters for the design, which in turn inform as to which insulation and/or shock absorbing materials should be deployed.

STEP 3. Selecting the right materials
There are various materials available to shockproof thermal packaging. We consider overall cost, and the cost-effectiveness of the insulating material (based on its R-value), refrigerants, ease of pack-out, overall size and weight of system, materials of construction, and type of shipment. Choosing the correct material not only depends on the temperature fragility of the product, but also on the transport conditions.

STEP 4. Developing the packaging Using our extensive knowledge of thermodynamics, software modeling programs, and our proprietary database of previously successful designs, we develop optimal thermal solutions for your temperature sensitive products. Our designs meet strict guidelines and testing standards, of course accurately documented. Our Packaging Engineers are specialists and because of continuing professional development, education and training they remain so. To keep ourselves up to speed we track developments continuously and we generate new methods for the logistical challenges of our customers. Our series of innovating packaging solutions keeps growing. Therefore a small modification can be made according to your wishes. The goal is always to make a cost
efficient design, that satisfies the specific requirements during transportation and storage. We look at the total cost in your supply chain, including packaging time, transport cost and cost of the package itself.

STEP 5. Qualification and Implementation
The final and very important step in the development phase is the testing of the prototype. The effect of climatic influences is realistically simulated in the climate chambers. Shock and vibration that are likely to be present during the actual transit, in an airplane or on a truck, may be incorporated in the tests as well. Making use of Topa Institute’s state-of-the-art testing equipment, the critical points of product and packaging can be established. Eventually the result is a packaging solution that meets all needs and requirements.