Introducing sustainable materials in large-scale manufacturing means developing and testing new materials. As industries move toward more sustainable manufacturing practices, new materials require rigorous testing to ensure quality, performance, and compliance.
The need for testing such innovations remains a high priority, as every new material must continue to meet established quality expectations. Whether you’re developing plastic film alternatives, paper-based packaging, or paperboard innovations, each must demonstrate the same durability, functionality, and consistency that consumers and regulators demand.
The Importance of Testing Sustainable Materials
Businesses across industries take pride in using sustainable materials for their products, driven by mandates and corporate goals that encourage innovation. Sustainability is transforming packaging — from plant-based films to biodegradable coatings and fiber-based containers. A growing number of companies are adopting eco-conscious materials to meet environmental objectives, reduce their footprint, and appeal to increasingly sustainability-minded consumers.
If you’re exploring new sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact, comprehensive testing is essential. Evaluating performance — including strength, thickness, seal integrity, and barrier properties — ensures these materials meet quality standards without compromising functionality. Testing throughout development, from early R&D to final production, provides the data needed to make informed decisions, improve efficiency, and reduce waste and production costs over time.
Thwing-Albert offers a full line of instrumentation capable of testing sustainable materials. We maintain an extensive catalog of testing equipment for various industries and applications. With our products, you can achieve your environmental goals while producing materials and products that can meet standards like ASTM, ISO and other quality metrics to become game changing for the shareholders and producers. Our time-tested equipment has been trusted by industry leaders interested in understanding the performance of materials including the decision to work with sustainable options. Â Companies worldwide rely on Thwing-Albert testing instruments for accurate and reliable results necessary for production and R&D.
Testing Methods for Sustainable Materials
The industrial use of sustainable materials is constantly evolving, but the testing methods they must undergo remain the same. Â Quality requirements have long been in place to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product performance in the marketplace. At Thwing-Albert, our machines can perform a range of testing methods on sustainable materials, including the following examples:
|
Test |
Material |
|
Tensile strength |
Biodegradable materials or compostable films |
|
Thickness |
Plant-based plastic films |
|
Handle strength |
Paperboard containers |
|
Wet tensile strength |
Coated and uncoated paperboards |
|
Seal strength |
Flexible films and pouches |
|
Opening force |
Bamboo paper boxes |
Sourcing Equipment for Material Testing
Sustainable materials or not, sourcing the right equipment for testing the physical properties of the material is crucial. Thwing-Albert offers a wide range of materials testing equipment for various industries, including:
- Adhesives and seals
- Corrugated board
- Foil and metalÂ
- Food packaging
- Ink and graphic artsÂ
- PackagingÂ
- PaperboardÂ
- Plastic filmÂ
- Rigid plasticÂ
- Rubber foamÂ
Our collection of grips, fixtures and accessories can be configured to meet your specific industry standards and test requirements.Â
Software Solutions for Smarter Testing
Thwing-Albert offers powerful software solutions to simplify data collection and analysis:
- MAP4 Material Testing Software: Our MAP4 Material Testing Software is developed to work with Thwing-Albert equipment. It’s compatible with Windows operating systems and works seamlessly to automatically record and analyze test data.
- Data Acquisition Software (DAS): DAS is another Windows-based software designed to collect data and conduct statistical analysis
- WinWedge Data Acquisition Software: Use this software to collect data, input directly into your preferred PC application.
Thwing-Albert software programs are optional. Contact a representative to learn more about the best options for your testing needs.
Conduct Sustainable Materials Testing with Thwing-Albert Products
For more than 120 years, Thwing-Albert Instrument Company has supported global manufacturers, research facilities, and laboratories in improving product quality and advancing innovation.
Our equipment helps you evaluate sustainable materials with confidence, ensuring performance and compliance. Every Thwing-Albert testing machine undergoes the highest standards of quality control, allowing us to deliver only the best equipment to our customers. Contact us today for recommendations on testing instruments designed to meet your sustainable material testing applications.
