ASTM vs. ISTA testing at Westpak

ASTM International and the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) have created thousands of testing standards for many industries; Westpak’s testing is focused on products and packaging and uses just a few. Some protocols document test processes and parameters for package systems, enabling labs to simulate in-transit environments that a product and packaging system will likely encounter.

Compliance with more than one test standard may be required depending on the product, its distribution and storage cycle, and regulatory guidelines for its industry. For example, a pharmaceutical container may require testing for breakage, a child-proof enclosure, leak, cold chain, label abrasion, etc. Also, achieving package compliance with testing standards like the ISTA 3 Series may be required by couriers to qualify for transit; Amazon requires vendor package certification to the ISTA 6 Series protocols.

The most notable difference between ISTA and ASTM testing standards is how they’re presented. The ASTM packaging testing standards are detailed in the official literature, but the levels, sequences, and orientations are left to the discretion of the test operator. ISTA testing protocols, on the other hand, are meant to adapt to unique package-related conditions or configurations, with each testing procedure containing thorough step-by-step instructions, including levels, sequences, and orientations, that must be strictly followed.

How do I determine whether I need ASTM or ISTA testing?

Determining whether you need ISTA or ASTM testing ultimately depends on the type of product or packaging system being tested, as well as its transit and distribution method. If the object is being sent via FedEx or UPS, for example, this may influence your decision. Likewise, if your test sample is only being transported on the East Coast, you may benefit from a different testing series than a sample that will be distributed cross-country.

Selecting the best ISTA and ASTM testing standards at Westpak can seem overwhelming at first, but our team is here to help identify the ideal solution for your testing needs.
Selecting the best ISTA and ASTM testing standards at Westpak can seem overwhelming at first, but our team is here to help identify the ideal solution for your testing needs.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ASTM and ISTA?

Reviewing the potential benefits and drawbacks of ASTM and ISTA testing standards at Westpak can be a helpful exercise to identify the type of testing that best suits your needs. Let’s take a look.

• Cost: ISTA testing is typically less costly than ASTM.  
• Equipment: ASTM requires newer, more high-end equipment.
• Time: ISTA is generally more time-efficient than ASTM.

For testing package systems, the primary benefit of ASTM is its flexibility. This allows stakeholders to customize testing methods to best suit their sample and its transit/distribution journey. Conversely, ISTA’s stringent parameters help generate highly precise results, which makes it a popular choice among medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.

Westpak testing services feature both ASTM and ISTA options. For more information on how these test standards may benefit your business, contact us today.