News Items - International Association of Packaging Research Institutes
| DOST, Philippines, opens new labs Over the summer, the Packaging Technology Division (PTD) of the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opened a new Simulation Packaging Testing Laboratory (SPTL) and Green Packaging Laboratory (GPL) on its Taguig site outside Manila. The PTD, an IAPRI member formerly known as the Packaging R&D Center, says the SPTL is designed “to simulate the actual hazards that packaged goods will undergo during distribution”. Already, testing can be carried out on transport packaging for a wide range of consumer goods, and this will soon be extended to dangerous goods. “From an existing nine ISTA testing protocols, with the current SPTL this will be expanded to 19, which covers ISTA 6 or the Amazon testing protocols,” says consultant Daisy Tañafranca. The GPL meets new needs for ‘green’ and sustainable packaging. “The overall concept of the GPL is to conduct research on all types of packaging materials, bioplastics, new and alternative materials from indigenous and renewable resources, circularity of petroleum-based materials, improved processes to reduce energy consumption and waste materials, and recycling technology,” she explains. The two labs are housed in a 1,600m-square building, are fully operational, and are open for partnership and collaboration with the private sector, academia or other government units, says the PTD. This might be for research, innovation and the development of packaging standards. The June opening was led by DOST officials, but also attended by the Packaging Institute of the Philippines, Unilever Philippines and Kerry Philippines, among many others.    Published: 10/27/22 |