Protect the product
Barrier, seal integrity and mechanical properties must fit the product and its shelf-life assumptions.
Independent food packaging specialists
Independent food packaging advice.
When a film, tray or pack format is under review, we look at how it suits the food, the packing line and the markets where it will be sold. We put our findings in writing, including the information behind them and anything that still needs checking.
Films, pouches, trays, barrier papers and the rules that affect them.
A place to start
Start with the packaging decision in front of you.
Perhaps a supplier has proposed a different film, or a material change has raised questions about shelf life or sealing. Send us a brief description and up to two relevant documents. We will talk through the question with you, review what is available and write up our findings, including any information you still need before making a change.
The Packaging Question Review costs $950 USD. We confirm the scope and delivery date before you pay. Testing, legal advice and larger comparisons are quoted separately.
See the Packaging Question ReviewWhat we look at / 01
A material has to work as part of a finished pack.
We consider what the food needs, how the pack runs on the line and what can be claimed in the markets where it will be sold.
Run on the line
A promising structure still has to form, fill, seal or wrap within the realities of production.
Enter the market
Food-contact rules, EPR and packaging taxes can change which options remain practical.
Support the claim
Recyclability and compostability depend on the complete pack, the market and the relevant system.
Further support / 02
Help with a wider packaging project.
We also compare candidate packs, research rules in named markets and work with development teams over a series of questions. We scope and price that work around the project.
Packaging Options Review
When you have shortlisted two or more approaches, we compare them against the product, packing process and market, then identify the information needed to choose between them.
See the options reviewPackaging Rules & EPR Research
Targeted, source-linked research on packaging rules, plastic taxes, recyclability, compostability and EPR in the markets that matter to you.
See packaging rules researchPackaging R&D Support
Technical input for development teams working through barrier, structure, sealing, format and pack-process questions.
See R&D supportOngoing support
Technical support across several projects.
If your team is managing several changes, we can keep the earlier documents and conclusions together and review new supplier data or market developments as they arise. The schedule and capacity are agreed with you.
Packaging science / 03
Films, pouches, trays and barrier papers.
We look at the material alongside the product, packing process and markets where it will be sold.
Flexible packsFFS, flow wrap, pouches and films: structure, barriers, sealing and line fit.
Rigid packsThermoforming, trays and lidding: format, protection and process constraints.
MaterialsMultilayer structures, paper barriers and alternative material routes.
PerformanceOTR, WVTR/MVTR, mechanical properties and shelf-life assumptions.
Market rulesFood-contact requirements, EPR, plastic taxes and packaging legislation.
ClaimsRecyclability and compostability research with attention to local systems.
How we work / 04
You can see how we reached a finding.
Each written review identifies the documents we used and the assumptions we made. Where the available information falls short, we explain what a supplier, laboratory or other specialist would need to establish.
See how we workDecision record / illustrativeExample only
QuestionWill this format and structure suit the product, packing line and target market?
EvidenceProduct needs, material properties, process limits and dated market sources.
TradeoffsProtection, runnability, cost and end-of-life considerations are viewed together.
Open itemsTests, supplier data or local interpretation still needed before a final choice.
This is a method illustration, not a client result or material specification.
About Terralign / 05
Around 40 years in food packaging.
Our technical lead has worked in food-packaging R&D for around 40 years. From Sydney and Vancouver, we work remotely with businesses in other countries too. Each review is tied to a particular product, packing process and set of target markets.
More about TerralignExperienceOur technical lead brings around 40 years in food packaging.
PerspectiveTechnical performance, commercial process and regulatory context considered together.
Working modelManufacturer-neutral technical advice. Relevant commercial relationships are disclosed.
Where we workBased in Vancouver and Sydney; available for remote projects in other markets.
Start with the decision / 06
What do you need to decide about your pack?
Tell us about the food, the current or proposed pack and where it will be sold. We will reply with a suggested scope for the review.