The Materials and Unit Packaging Research Laboratory performs comprehensive research on unit packaging and packaging materials made of plastics, paper and cardboard, and other materials. The laboratory conducts research work in the following areas: innovative packaging materials; product-packaging interaction; effectiveness of protection of packaged product; development of new packaging materials and packaging.

The laboratory participates in the implementation of national and international projects and contracts concluded with entrepreneurs. It is active in adapting test methods and evaluating packaging materials for food contact in accordance with EU requirements. It participates in the implementation of new packaging materials, packaging and packaging systems into production. Qualified staff also conducts training courses, seminars and conferences on packaging materials, packaging and packaging technology.

The Laboratory for Testing of Materials and Unit Packaging is accredited by the Polish Accreditation Center with regard to PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018-02, for chemical and mechanical testing of plastic products, packaging materials, testing of physical properties of paper, paperboard, plastic products, packaging materials, and sensory testing of paper, paperboard, plastic products, packaging materials. The laboratory has held accreditation certificate No. AB 185 from the Polish Accreditation Center (PCA) since 1998.

Test methods included in the scope of accreditation:

• water vapor permeability by infrared sensor method
• carbon dioxide permeability by infrared sensor method
• Oxygen permeability by the coulometric sensor method
• static tensile properties
• thickness
• linear dimensions
• layer peel strength
• Tearing strength (tear resistance) by the Elmendorf method
• free-fall arrowhead impact resistance
• coefficient of friction
• light transmission coefficient
• tensile strength index of the weld
• resistance to axial pressure
• checking the adhesion of the print
• grammage
• sensory testing (evaluation of the transmission of odor and flavor upon direct and indirect contact with food)
• Global migration to aqueous model fluids and surrogate media in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 of January 14, 2011, as amended.
• determination of specific migration of low-molecular substances in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 of January 14, 2011, as amended.
• testing of child-resistant packaging in accordance with standards: PN-EN 862:2016-09, PN-EN ISO 8317:2016-03; PN-EN 14375:2023-09

Test methods outside the scope of accreditation:

• Thermal analysis and identification of plastics (DSC, FTIR)
• microscopic analysis
• testing the thickness of laminate layers
• water vapor permeability test – Pharmacopoeia
• measurement of hot-tack weld strength
• sealability profile of films and laminates
• self-adhesive materials: glue adhesion, loop tack
• bending stiffness by the H-O-M method
• free linear shrinkage
• weight of components and packaging
• number of pieces in the package
• tightness by hydrogen detection method
• test of resistance to light radiation and elevated temperature (aging tests)
• free fall impact resistance
• corrosion resistance of varnishes
• print abrasiveness
• Resistance to stress corrosion cracking using a 10% solution of IGEPAL
• puncture resistance of barrier flexible films
• load resistance
• defects in workmanship
• changes in linear dimensions
• Wettability of film and plate surfaces
• capacity
• Free-fall impact strength of bags
• Binder and microwave heat resistance
• color testing
• Oxygen permeability by the coulometric sensor method through packaging
• permeability of carbon dioxide by infrared sensor method through packaging