Packaging Material Selection and Performance Validation: An Expert Q&A

Packaging Material Selection and Performance Validation: An Expert Q&A

A practical guide to making fit-for-purpose packaging material decisions

Material change, sustainability targets, recycled-content requirements and compressed development timelines are increasing the pressure on packaging teams to make fast, defensible decisions. New substrates and reformulated structures are often introduced to meet environmental or regulatory objectives, but their real-world behaviour is not always fully understood at the point of selection. Many late-stage failures during line trials, distribution or commercialisation can be traced back to early material assumptions that were not validated under realistic processing and environmental conditions.

This expert Q&A from Smithers' packaging experts explores how early material selection and targeted testing reduce risk, support clearer internal sign-off, and help ensure packaging performs as intended in real-world use. 

What you'll learn

  • Why material selection should precede formal pack testing
  • The key material risks to assess in early development
  • How to compare fibre- and polymer-based materials objectively
  • How to justify recycled content while maintaining fit-for-purpose performance
  • Why seal integrity and peelability require early evaluation
  • How independent testing strengthens technical decision-making

Smithers provides ISO 17025-accredited materials testing across fibre- and polymer-based packaging to support confident, evidence-based packaging development. 
 

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