by Elizabeth Beck, marketing generalist, Instant Systems, elizabeth.beck@instantsystems.com

While some companies have their own packaging engineers, material scientists and validation teams, many companies turn to packaging professionals for these products and services. When selecting the most suitable flexible packaging for a particular cryogenic application, there are three key attributes to keep in mind.

Durability
It is important to ensure the materials used in a customer’s chosen packaging are highly durable within their needed temperature range, but this is not the only aspect of durability to consider. It is of paramount importance to test and validate the durability of packaging under the conditions to which it will be subjected.

For example: loading of contents, sealing, sterilization, transportation, freeze-thaw cycle and handling are all common stresses a package will undergo. Durability testing each of these factors per industry standards may include tests of peel strength, bubble emission, dye penetration, leak detection and pressure testing depending on the features of the package.

Compatibility/Suitability

While the contents may be secure within a durable packaging system, it is equally important to ensure the packaging system of choice is not only suitable for the intended contents, but also compatible with the contents. One must ensure that the packaging does not impact the contents in a negative manner. This may be done via compatibility testing per industry standards. These may include biocompatibility, leachables, extractables and sub-visible particulate testing to name a few of the numerous available screenings.

Functionality
Finally, users need to find a packaging system which functions exactly the way their process requires. Packaging which is customizable to size, fit and form while being vetted through a rigorous design process is a sure way to maximize a product’s success. Understanding how different features may enhance not only one specific process but also the use of the product as a whole is important in creating efficiencies as well as differentiating a product from its competitors.

It is important to look for a packaging partner that has a team experienced in the internal processes of their customers as well as a team proficient in all aspects of manufacturing, distribution and end use. Choose a partner with expertise in durability and compatibility testing as well as a long history of rigorous design control processes.