July 27, 2010
Atlas, a US-based specialist in material testing solutions offers a range of instruments for measuring the weathering of packaging for food and drinks.
Transparent packaging is commonly used for food and beverages because it is inexpensive and allows the consumer to visually see the contents of the item being marketed. In countries where sunlight is especially strong, this packaging needs to resist the harmful influences of the elements at all times.
In conditions of intense sunlight and heat, fading, yellowing and even the possibility of contaminants leeching through packaging material are all possible. To protect against the harmful effects of light, many companies add expensive light stabilizers, which typically means passing along that added expense to the consumer. The most important side effect in the food and drink industry however is the impact of UV rays. UV light causes a reduction in CO2 concentration, which in turn results in changes to flavour.
Atlas claims to offer solutions for manufacturers who wish to reduce their use of expensive stabilizers and test product before it leaves the plant. For the most realistic testing, Atlas recommends using one of several xenon arc weathering instruments. Atlas xenon and state-of the art filter technology can be used to simulate various lighting conditions for both indoor and outdoor applications. A wide range of temperatures can be selected giving technicians and researchers the tools they need to replicate relevant test scenarios.
