If you select Shark Design you can rest assured that your product design will be top-notch. However, the standard of your packaging must be consistent with the premium quality of your goods. Quality and compliance standards, and rigorous lab tests to ensure safety, are all well and good, but if your packaging fails (perhaps during transit) then all your earlier hard work and attention to detail will be in vain.
That’s why an extensive quality control test for packaging material is essential. Here we present a packaging quality control checklist, to give you an idea of the factors that you should be considering.
1. Legible Shipping Markings on the Carton Exterior
When it comes to packaging material, quality control should cover all handling marks, as well as consignee marks, size and weight markings, carton numbers, and country of origin labels. These should all be consistent with the information included in your purchase order. If your shipping marks are unclear this could lead to mishandling, or the item failing to reach the desired location.
2. Package Material, Printing, Size, Contents, and Color All Line Up With Your Samples
It is vital to arrange for a signed sample of your packaging, with all of the above clearly specified. Printing and material should be double-checked, packaging carefully measured, and all colors should meet your Pantone color specifications. When using more than one manufacturer, take care that your goods appear identical when standing on the shelf. The use of Pantone colors is worth investigating.
3. Packaging is Effectively Sealed and Secured
Next, it’s important to check the robustness of your cartons. That includes common sealing methods like tape, binding methods such as glue, and strapping methods like nylon bands. A focus on quality packaging means little if it isn’t secured properly. If you slip up here, your packaging is less likely to endure the trip.
4. Carton Dropping Test
To conduct a carton drop test, a carton is elevated to a certain height (calculated by its weight) and then released several times from multiple angles. The goal is to confirm that your retail packaging and its contents can withstand damage. These tests help to simulate the rough and tumble of the shipping process.
5. Barcodes and Labeling are Clear and Precise
The UPC code and label on the carton should correspond with the details on your purchase order and scan correctly. Make sure the barcode is not too close to the sticker, distorted or otherwise damaged, as this can bring unwanted complications during transit.
6. Pallet Packaging Matches Specification
If you are shipping with pallets, then you are likely to be working with pallet specifications. You should check the pallet packaging to ensure that they match your spec. Clear and detailed specs are the order of the day. Include these in an addendum to your purchase order, so that suppliers cannot fail to identify the specs when needed.