Pharmaceutical & Consumer Functional Performance Packaging Testing
Ensure your packaging meets the highest standards with ISO 17025-accredited testing services trusted by pharmaceutical leaders worldwide.
Exceed packaging standards with Bird Dog Laboratories
Moisture, torque, and integrity testing through functional package testing
Welcome to Bird Dog Laboratories. We are an independent testing firm specializing in the testing of pharmaceutical and consumer product packaging and have a wealth of experience completing tests for a wide array of clients.
Trusted experts in pharmaceutical & consumer packaging integrity
Decades of experience—all applied to your needs
We are ISO 17025-accredited for USP <671> and USP <661.2> testing. With decades of experience, both individually and collectively, in pharma packaging and consumer packaging, our results are trusted by pharmaceutical and medical companies worldwide.
Customized services
When you work with us, you’ll experience tailored services to meet your unique needs. We take the time to listen, not just hear, our clients' objectives. We then create the reports and testing based on the needs of our clients so they align with your specific requirements.
Our flexible approach allows us to adapt to your goals so that we ultimately provide precise outcomes that support your success.
Comprehensive consumer & pharma package testing
Each client has different goals for their testing, which is why we provide expertise in a variety of testing methods, including USP <671> and USP <661.2>. All of our testing services deliver precise, compliant, and reliable results.
Permeation testing — USP <671>
We test the functional properties of packaging systems used for solid oral dosage forms (SODFs) and liquid oral dosage forms (LODFs). The methods used determine the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), i.e., water vapor permeation rate, for plastic packaging systems for manufacturers, packagers, and repackers.
The methods also allow pharmacists and institutional repackagers to select appropriate containers to repackage SODFs and LODFs.
Moisture vapor transmission (MVTR)
Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVTR) is the rate at which water vapor passes through a material over time and is an especially important factor in pharmaceutical packaging. Tested when the consumer product is a solid dose.
Water vapor permeation (WVP)
Water Vapor Permeation is the rate at which water vapor passes through a material over time and is an especially important factor in pharmaceutical packaging. WVP is analyzed when the final product is a liquid dose.
Plastic packaging systems for pharmaceutical use — USP <661.2>
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, new materials and packaging solutions are being developed. USP <661.2> provides a standardized framework for testing these materials, ensuring that innovative packaging options maintain the same level of safety and performance.
UV spectral transmission testing
UV Spectral Transmission Testing measures how much ultraviolet (UV) light passes through a material and ensures that packaging provides adequate protection against UV radiation, which can degrade sensitive drug products.
Physicochemical testing
Physicochemical testing evaluates the physical and chemical properties of a substance to ensure its stability, quality, and safety and confirm it meets regulatory standards.
Additional Functional Testing
We provide a range of functional testing methods so your pharma and consumer packaging is in compliance with industry standards.
Torque degradation studies
Torque Degradation Studies evaluate how the torque (tightness) of a container closure system changes over time, ensuring a proper seal throughout its shelf life.
Back-ratchet testing & analysis
Back-Ratchet Testing & Analysis evaluates the performance and security of child-resistant and tamper-evident closures by measuring the effectiveness of their ratcheting mechanisms.
Package life cycling
Package Life Cycling is a testing process that simulates the entire lifespan of a packaging system to evaluate its durability, performance, and ability to protect the product inside.
Supporting the pharmaceutical industry & beyond
We help companies just like yours exceed industry standards.
Every package requires functional package testing to ensure that package integrity is not compromised due to moisture or changes in temperature. Testing during the package development phase is a proactive step in ensuring consumer safety.
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse set of clients, tailoring our testing to meet their specific needs and challenges.
Pharma companies
In order to protect patients and also their brand’s reputation, it’s vital that pharma companies conduct functional packaging testing to ensure their products remain safe, effective, and stable throughout their shelf life.
Package manufacturers
Functional package testing is essential for package manufacturers to ensure that their products meet industry standards, perform as expected, and provide reliable protection for the contents they hold.
Chemical companies
Chemicals, especially hazardous or sensitive substances, require packaging that provides strong barrier protection, leak prevention, and material compatibility to avoid contamination, spills, and safety hazards.
Consumer products companies
Consumer products companies need functional package testing to ensure their packaging is safe, durable, user-friendly, and compliant with industry regulations. Packaging plays a key role in protecting products, preserving quality, and improving customer experience.
Common questions about our package testing
What is the purpose of this testing?
Functional testing and Physicochemical testing are essential for ensuring that plastic packaging meets safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Both types of testing ensure that plastic packaging is not only functional in terms of protection and usability but also safe and compliant with regulatory standards. These tests help manufacturers produce reliable, safe, and high-quality packaging for various products.
Can you help determine which tests we need?
We can help guide you on what results you will receive from each test, but ultimately, it is your quality and regulatory departments that decide what testing you need.
How do you ensure compliance with regulatory standards?
We are up to date on our accreditations, audits, attend seminars, and are in constant communication with USP and other organizations to ensure we are conducting all tests according to standards.
What types of pharmaceutical packaging materials can you test?
USP<661.2> tests plastic materials only, while USP<671> can test moisture barriers for any material. Bird Dog Laboratories can test any package, blister, tube, pouch, or other type that needs to be tested.
How do you report testing results?
We compile a comprehensive report (PDF format) with the final results, whether they are classifications or a values, for you to keep with your records.
What is your typical turnaround time?
Timing depends on the testing you need. Contacting us directly will give you a better timeframe. The sooner you let us know your testing needs, the sooner we can add them to our scheduling.
Partner with Bird Dog Laboratories for better consumer & pharma packaging testing
Here at Bird Dog Laboratories, our skilled team provides tailored pharmaceutical and consumer packaging testing with the utmost accuracy, confidence, and reliability for a range of parameters. You can also expect outstanding customer service every step of the way.
