The ISTA test standards guide to understanding the strength of your packaging

Climatic stresses, pressure, drops or impacts are the enemies of parcels in logistics.How can we prevent them? TheInternational Safe Transit Association describes a series of standardised tests for packaging professionals. These tests on packaging aim to ensure the reliability of the container during the delivery phase of a parcel. Find out in our guide what the ISTA tests are used for and what their benefits are Le guide des normes ISTA

What is an ISTA test?

The ISTA tests are packaging standards that are widely used in the logistics industry. They are designed to check packaging on various aspects to prevent defects. These tests are important because packaging is what protects your items during delivery. A package that complies with the most stringent requirements in this area will limit the possible damage. The main stresses on packaging are of the mechanical type

focus on ISTA

The International Safe Transit Association(ISTA) is a global alliance of entities whose missions focus on the specific concerns of transport packaging. They include

Shippers/carriers
Suppliers
Testing laboratories
Educational and research institutions

its mission is to empower companies to minimise damage to parcels throughout the delivery process, to encourage the design of optimised packaging, and it offers

Creation and publication of test procedures using an accredited standards development process to assist a company
Validation of Packaging Laboratory Certification
Certification of packaging laboratory professionals
Verification of tests performed in a company
Education and training on packaging design

the benefits of ISTA testing

ISTA testing is important because it is difficult to predict how a large-scale delivery will go. Decisions made based on test results are geared towards protecting the contents, not just the packaging. ISTA testing is useful at different times

Development of new packaging
Product release
Technical modification of existing packaging

the need for ISTA testing can be triggered for several reasons

Company specification: organisational policy determines when there is a need
Regulatory application: food products, dangerous goods, etc
Customer requirements: following a satisfaction survey for example

why use ISTA testing? The benefits are varied

Better protection of the product (by predicting possible damage)
Cost savings: fewer customer returns for damaged goods
Customer loyalty: consumers know that your packaging is good, so they buy products again

grâce aux tests préliminaires sur vos emballages, vous vous affranchissez des retours clients pour des articles endommagés. L’emballage n’est ainsi (presque) plus une préoccupation pour vous.

Les différents types de tests de l’International Safe Transit Association

Les tests techniques sont classés de ceux réalisés pendant la phase de conception de l’emballage (tests de la série 1), à ceux pour tester les dommages de transport (série 3).

Ces différentes strates permettent de ne pas continuer la conception ou la fabrication si le niveau précédent n’est pas validé. Les séries 4 à 7 sont complémentaires aux trois premières.

Essais sans simulation

Ces tests portent les numéros suivants : 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H.

Ils testent la solidité et la robustesse du packaging, utiles comme tests de prévention. Ils ne simulent pas en revanche les événements environnementaux que pourrait subir le colis.

Essais avec simulation partielle

Ces tests portent les numéros : 2A, 2B, 2C.

Ils pe

Movements
Pressure on the package
Transport environment conditions

they are predictive tools for the risk of damage during transport.

Enhanced simulation tests

ISTA Project 4AB is a web-based software application that generates enhanced simulation test plans. Each company can request a customised test plan according to its needs.

Member performance tests

The ISTA Test Series 6 protocols are performance tests created by ISTA members. They reflect the reality of transport as closely as possible. They can be completely original or inspired by existing tests. This category includes the following tests

6-AMAZON.com
6-SAMSCLUB
6-FEDEX

development tests

Designated by the numbers 7D and 7E, they are used in the development of packaging by comparing the relative performance of two or more container designs. They are therefore not intended to evaluate the protection of the packaged products

Procedure 7D: Temperature test for transport packaging.
Standard 7E: Test standard for thermal transport packaging used in the shipment of packages.

with ISTA testing, you can offer your customers packaging that is approved under the conditions in which it will be used. Testing your packaging design not only saves you money, but also increases customer satisfaction!