Covered in the new service offering is testing of product containers, secondary packaging and transit packaging. For these packaging types SGS will provide an evaluation of the product protection capabilities, durability and environmental sustainability of each component.
Pharma firms “can now have all of their package testing needs – from heavy metal/impurity detection and biocompatibility evaluation to physical performance and sustainability assessment – handled by a single source", said Rob Parrish, North America managing director.
SGS is offering the services at all stages of packaging development, from the original concept through to final design selection.
Capabilities include testing for adherence to industry-standard physical, chemical and biological specifications to ensure the packaging maintains product quality. Materials include glass, plastic and blister packs. Method development and validation can be done for new materials.
SGS can also measure the durability of secondary and transit packaging. This is performed by simulating conditions encountered during shipping and handling.
For example, SGS testing capabilities include drop, stacking and weight loading, vibration, incline impact, extreme pressure changes, temperature, humidity and weathering per ASTM standards.
Also, SGS can assess the environmental credentials of packaging. This covers the package’s carbon footprint, material toxicity and lifecycle impact from raw material sourcing through to disposal. Validation of package performance and verification of claims can be performed by SGS.
Details of the programme were released at EastPack 2010 which has been taking place in New York, US this week.
Addition of pharma and medical device packaging services expands SGS’ consumer testing unit which serves a number of other industries, such as food and electronics. SGS already offers clinical research and quality control testing services.