AREAS OF WORK
  1. Discussions with the exporter and visit to study the present packaging system and collect other details for pack development.
  2. The selected product varieties will be studied in the laboratory for their basic parameters such as IMC, CMC and sorption isotherm.
  3. Based on the product characteristics to identify 3 to 4 suitable packaging materials and evaluate their basic physico-chemical properties such as :
    • Thickness
    • WVTR
    • OTR
    • Heat Seal Strength
    • Tensile Strength
  4. To conduct shelf-life studies of the above products in the selected flexible packaging materials. For shelf-life studies any one form, from one of the three identified products would be selected.
  5. The shelf-life studies would be conducted by filling and sealing the products in pouches made from the selected packaging materials and exposing them to accelerated conditions of 38 Deg. C. +/- 1 Deg. C. and 90% R.H. +/- 2% R.H. and to standard conditions of 27 Deg. C +/- 2 Deg. C., 65% R.H. +/- 2% R.H. for a period of 4 months and 12 months respectively.
    The product would be packed in ordinary manner, vacuum packed and/or gas flushed as considered appropriate.
  6. To draw samples from the exposed lots at regular intervals of time and assess the keeping quality of the product w.r.t. the critical parameters.

    Any changes in packaging materials would also be studies.
  7. To tabulate the results obtained and determine the shelf-life of the products at standard and accelerated conditions in the 3 to 4 selected packaging materials.
  8. To work out dimensional details for the consumer packs of 100 grams and 200 grams (or any two suitable capacities). Graphics not included. Graphic design is not included since these relate to the targeted country and the consumers. We recommend this study to be undertaken at the exporters end.
  9. To draw specification details for flexible consumer packs.
  10. To develop transport pack for suitable number of consumer packs and draw specification details. Pallet/container modularity to be considered for dimensions.
  11. To develop a suitable bulk packaging system for the products (exporters to specify any 2 suitable capacities), and draw specification details.
  12. To work out cost details of the recommended packaging systems. Consumer pack, transport pack for consumer packs and bulk pack).
  13. To present the findings of the study to APEDA/exporters.
  14. To prepare a final report and submit to APEDA supported by drawings and prototypes wherever possible.