The holiday season brings a surge in online deliveries, but how do we ensure packages arrive safely? That’s the focus of our Unpacking series with Girts Derums, Head of PackTester. Serving both external and internal customers, Girts and his team oversee the package testing facility in Latvia – the technology that validates that packaging performs and protects.
What is the PackTester, and how does it work?
PackTester is a package testing facility that runs a series of tests and simulates real-life handling situations to make sure there’s no damage to the box or the product. The tests include different weather conditions, compression, vibration, and shocks such as dropping. This way, we can identify improvements needed to the packaging design or cushioning, after which the test can be repeated under the same controlled conditions. The benefit is that PackTester allows us to test against all kinds of conditions, improve in an agile and iterative manner, and ensure that packaging performs reliably.
One of Stora Enso’s objectives is to accelerate the transition to a circular bioeconomy. How do you define circular bioeconomy, and how does PackTester contribute?
In circular bioeconomy, resources originate from biological sources and are kept in use as long as possible, minimising waste and emissions. It requires us all to consider how we can contribute. For instance in packaging, we can design products that simplify and encourage recycling.
To move towards monomaterials or solutions that are recyclable at scale, many systems need to transition from synthetic foams and similar materials to fiber-based alternatives. Simultaneously, we need to make sure that packaging performs: the least sustainable packaging is one that doesn’t work. With PackTester, we can ensure that packaging functions reliably in different conditions and thus accelerate the shift to a more circular system.
In what ways does PackTester create value for customers?
By reducing product damage rates and optimizing material use, PackTester delivers direct cost savings and sustainability boost. Customers benefit from fewer losses, less waste, and the ability to comply with regulations and shipping requirements – as PackTester is certified by ISTA (International Safe Transit Association). For instance, one customer reduced their damage rate by 20%. The confidence gained from testing also enables lightweighting and innovation without compromising performance.
PackTester is integrated with our design team, which provides a distinct advantage. Our hands-on approach, testing expertise, and willingness to discuss and solve customers’ complex challenges results in quality and cost-competitive solutions. This collaborative spirit delivers real value to our partners.
