The route to transit-safe packaging: Flatz’s ISTA-certified laboratory.

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.

What is ISTA certification?

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:

• Damage minimization: ISTA tests ensure that packaging is able to withstand the rigors of being transported, which reduces the likelihood of any damage.
• Cost savings: Less damage means fewer returns and replacement deliveries, which produces significant cost savings.
• Customer satisfaction: Customers receive their products unscathed, which increases their level of satisfaction and brand loyalty.

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:

• Drop tests: Simulating impact loads on corners and edges
• Climate test: Simulating the impact of different temperatures and levels of humidity
• Vibration test: Simulating the impact of vibration and impact loads
• Box compression test (BCT): Determining the vertical compression resistance

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.