Abstract: Bag-in-Box packaging, also called BIB packaging, is economy, environmental and easy to handle after disposal. It has rapidly become popular in food packaging field with stricter quality control requirements. Besides quality safety of package contents, the quality safety and corresponding testing for bag-in-box packaging is drawing more and more attention of the manufacturers.

Keywords: Bag-in-Box Packaging, BIB packaging, gas transmission quantity, gas barrier property, differential pressure gas permeability tester, sealing performance, torque strength, leak tester, torque tester, leak and seal strength tester

Bag-in-Box packaging, or BIB packaging, is defined as the packaging consisted of outer paper or carton packaging and a plastic bag or paper bag inside to hold the content(s). Bag-in-Box packaging is economy, environmental and easy to handle after disposal. It has rapidly become popular in food packaging field. Of course, there are stricter quality control requirements for such packaging form. Besides quality safety of package contents, the quality safety and corresponding testing for bag-in-box packaging is drawing more and more attention of the manufacturers. Hereafter, we will make a brief introduction to the testing on BIB packaging gas barrier property and sealing performance as well as open easiness of its cap, based on Labthink differential-pressure gas permeability tester, leak tester and torque tester.

1.Gas Barrier Property Testing of Bag-in-Box Packaging

Gas barrier property is the barrier functioning of the packaging materials of Bag-in-Box package against oxygen. Gas barrier property is critical to product quality during shelf-life period, and is an important reference to analyze shelf-life. If gas barrier property of bag-in-box packaging is inferior, oxidization and deterioration may occur. This property is evaluated by measuring gas transmission quantity through package(s). Gas transmission quantity should be tested as per GB/T 1038-2000, Plastics-Film and Sheeting-Determination of Gas Transmission-Differential-Pressure Method. Labthink VAC series of differential-pressure method gas permeability testers are manufactured with choice components. The technological indexes of the instruments are superior to requirements of national standards and international standards. This series of instruments are stable in performance and reliable in results. Besides testing gas transmission quantity, the instruments can test diffusion coefficient, permeability coefficient and solubility efficient. Thus, Labthink VAC series of instruments can satisfy research demands for analysis and optimization of materials’ barrier properties.

2. Sealing Performance Testing for Bag-in-Box Packaging

Sealing performance refers to the sealing reliability of bag-in-box packaging. Through this test, the sealing integration of the whole package can be guaranteed, so as to avoid leakage, contamination or deterioration caused by inferior sealing performances. There are several testing methods for sealing performance, for which, leak tester is the most common means. Labthink MFY-01 Leak Tester applies vacuum method to maintain 0.5 minute intervals at -30kpa, -50kpa, -70kpa and -90kpa respectively. As to vacuum package, revival is observed after testing. The above-mentioned method is by visual observation, and is a qualitative testing method. As to the leak and seal strength performance testing for bag-in-box packaging, positive method instrument can be used, such as Labthink LSSD-01 Leak and Seal Strength Tester.

3.Torque Strength Testing for the Cap of Bag-in-Box Packaging

The torque strength for open and close cap of bag-in box packaging is an important index for manufacturers for online and offline evaluation. Properness of the torque strength would greatly influence transportation and consumption of the package. Labthink NJY-20 Torque Tester is monitored by mini-computer to realize dual testing modes for lock force and open easiness. The instrument is easy to operate with human-friendly interface. It can keep peak value automatically, display in multiple units, and carry out statistical analysis. Labthink NJY-20 Torque Tester is precise in measurement and stable in performance. It’s a necessity for production.

When gas barrier property, sealing performance of the package and torque strength of the cap are qualified, other indexes, including sealing strength and tensile performance, should be evaluated, so as to guarantee shelf-life period and properness for usage.

For more information, please feel free to contact Shirley via trade2@labthink.cn or visit our web:www.labthink.cn.

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