13 March 2017 – Convex is now offering quicker and more accurate testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is about to launch a new weathering test to help enhance the presentation of packs that are stored outside.
The new GC Tester verifies that any retained printing solvents in film are within regulated safe levels for food packaging.
The recent addition of a new Gas Chromatograph (GC) machine and a QUV tester has expanded the technical support provided by Convex to ensure packaging durability and food safety compliance.
The new GC has enabled the Convex technical team to provide 24-hour VOC testing to verify that any retained printing solvents in film are within regulated safe levels for food packaging. It includes an auto-sampler for maximum consistency, and the capability to overlay multiple tests for quicker and easier analysis.
Along with using GC testing as part of the company’s HACCP food safety programme, Convex also uses the equipment to provide a VOC testing service for companies that import packaging.
Convex Technical Manager, Andrew Sheerin says, “It’s really important to carry out routine VOC testing on packaging manufactured in countries where manufacturing and environmental standards are not as strict as ours. Some solvents banned in New Zealand are still used in overseas, and these can transfer to packaged food and impact the health of consumers. Our VOC testing service allows companies to check that the packaging they import complies with industry safety standards, and is therefore safe to pack food.”
The Convex technical team is also in final stages of commissioning a new QUV tester that will help ensure that packaging ink, adhesive and film performs well with prolonged exposure to sun light and weather. Designed by global US company Q-Lab to verify the weatherability of packaging, the new QUV tester will be particularly beneficial for companies marketing growing media and landscape supplies through outdoor businesses like garden centres.
Andrew says, “The QUV weatherability testing will help us optimise the shelf presentation of product stored in open-air displays by ensuring it looks as good as possible, for as long as possible.”
The QUV tester is currently being commissioned and is expected to be available by August 2017.