In the world of logistics and the mail-order business, packaging plays a key role. It is not just the casing that surrounds a product, but also a crucial factor that influences safety, costs and customer satisfaction. Flatz, a traditional family company from Vorarlberg, Austria, understands how important it is to have robust and reliable packaging solutions. This is why the company conducts ISTA tests in its own laboratory. “This means our customers don’t have to get different parts of the packaging tested separately – we offer them a complete solution: the packaging solution that includes all components plus an ISTA certificate. This makes life a great deal easier for our customers – they have just one point of contact for manufacturing and the so-called drop tests,” explains Stefan Flatz, the third-generation owner and CEO of Flatz GmbH.
The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) is an organization that sets standards for packaging tests. These tests simulate various transport conditions to ensure that packaging is able to withstand the rigors of being transported and can survive the supply chain unscathed.
ISTA certification is more than just a seal – it is a promise of quality and reliability. What it guarantees:
These are the very reasons why Amazon, one of the world’s largest online retailers, has its own transit tests: the 6-AMAZON.com-SIOC Type A validation test. Every manufacturer that wants to sell its products on Amazon has to pass the Amazon ISTA test. “We are so far the only company in Austria that is able to test and certify the Amazon guidelines with its own ISTA laboratory. This integrated approach of not just being a packaging manufacturer but also a development and certification partner for our customers puts us in a unique position in the market,” says CEO Stefan Flatz.
The Flatz laboratory conducts a large number of tests, including:
The laboratory offers tests from various ISTA series, from Non-Simulation Tests (Series 1) to specific Member Performance Tests (Series 6) and Development Tests (Series 7).
Choosing the right partner to conduct packaging tests is crucial to be successful in e-commerce and beyond. With Flatz, you have an experienced, reliable partner by your side that will not only conduct ISTA-certified tests, but also offer comprehensive advice and support. Place your trust in Flatz’s expertise to transport your products safely and efficiently to your customers.
Are you interested in learning more about our ISTA tests and packaging solutions? Please feel free to contact us and we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your products.
In a world in which there is increasing awareness of environmental issues, Flatz, which is based in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, has placed itself right at the pinnacle of the innovative packaging industry. One example of the company’s innovative strength is the development of sustainable coffee packaging for CoffeeB – a brand that has very much subscribed to the no-capsule system. This partnership symbolizes not only the fusion of environmental awareness and modern technology, but also marks a turning point for sustainable food packaging.
The innovative molded fiber packaging technology from Flatz is based on a fine but effective layer that enables the packaging to be in direct contact with food. Flatz has developed a solution that satisfies the highest barrier requirements, including oxygen, moisture, gas, light and aroma barriers, and therefore safeguards the freshness and quality of the food inside the packaging.
Besides the revolutionary coffee packaging for CoffeeB, the technology is also suitable for a wide range of different foods: for fruit and vegetables, sausages and meat products, for to-go packaging, confectionery, dry foods, to list just a few applications. Flatz is working continuously to tailor its packaging solutions to suit different food types and requirements. This individual approach allows the company to meet the specific needs of different food producers and customize the packaging perfectly to suit the particular product.
The characteristic color and structure of the molded fiber create a natural and ecological esthetic look that is immediately striking. However, Flatz also offers the option for the food packaging to be bleached or dyed to meet different design requirements. This flexibility in the design makes Flatz’s packaging not just functional, but also visually appealing. Very appetising, just as food packaging should be.
A key element of Flatz’s sustainability strategy is to use sustainable raw materials.
As molded fiber is entirely paper-based anyway, it is one of the most sustainable and easily recyclable materials. The established collection and recycling systems mean that paper forms part of one of the most effective recycling systems in Europe. And if any molded fiber packaging from Flatz does end up discarded in the environment, this doesn’t matter – it will break down and turn back into soil. This all helps to reduce mountains of waste and our consumption of resources.
In addition, with its molded fiber packaging Flatz satisfies the strict requirements set out in the EU Plastic Packaging Waste and Recycling (PPWR) Directive. The PPWR aims to reduce plastics consumption and increase the rates of recycling. This is a major challenge for the food industry – particularly with packaging designed for direct contact with food. Flatz’s packaging innovation provides the solution – the requirements of the PPWR are actually exceeded. The Vorarlberg-based company is therefore a pioneer in delivering an eco-conscious future in the packaging industry.
By adopting this holistic approach to production, Flatz is demonstrating how companies can adopt innovative practices to achieve not just their own sustainability goals, but also actively contribute to the global agenda for protecting the environment.
“We’re seeing a revolution in the packaging industry that can really make something happen. Even if this is just a small part of something much bigger, we’re more than happy to do our bit,” says Stefan Flatz, owner of the Vorarlberg-based company.
Hängt von den Anforderungen ab: Isolierend mit Transportschutz, Mehrweg mit einfachem Handling, hoher Transportschutz und doch leicht und natürlich auch die Optik. Geht alles, fragen Sie uns einfach.