ISTA 1A
ISTA 1A covers integrity testing for packaged products. It is not designed to simulate environmental occurrences.
Testing and Technical Services
Helping to better predict performance during your distribution cycle.
PCA has the ability to perform a wide variety of materials and package testing.
Materials Testing and Optimization
Our technical staff regularly tests paper and combined board to validate that the highest-quality raw materials go into what we manufacture for our customers.
Packaging and Unit Load Testing
In our packaging lab, we test finished boxes and unit loads (with and without contents) in ways that simulate how they are used. Our technicians also help support various customer packaging validation programs.
International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) Certified Testing
Our labs can perform a wide variety of ISTA test procedures on both individual packages and unit loads and displays. The most common ISTA test procedures are for packaged products weighing 150 pounds or less.
ISTA 3A
ISTA 3A is for individual packaged products shipped through a parcel delivery system.
ISTA 3L
ISTA 3L is for packages fulfilled and shipped by e-commerce retailers via parcel or less-than-truckload (LTL) methods.
ISTA 6
ISTA 6 series protocols are member performance tests created to simulate Amazon, Sam’s Club and FedEx distribution environments.
SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging) Testing
Formerly known as Ships in Own Container (SIOC), Amazon’s Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP) program allows qualifying products to move through Amazon’s fulfillment network and delivery system in their own packaging rather than an added shipping box. Achieving certification requires packaging that can withstand the demands of handling, sorting, transportation and last-mile delivery.
PCA technicians are highly experienced in SIPP testing protocols and documentation procedures. From package evaluation and performance testing to certification support and design recommendations, our team helps customers develop packaging solutions that meet Amazon requirements, protect products, reduce material usage and enhance supply chain efficiency.
Tools of Our Trade
PCA Utility Suite
PCA Utility SuiteTM enables our structural engineers to determine the optimal package construction for your needs with greater accuracy. It is based on proprietary formulas and available exclusively through PCA.
SKU Terminator
SKU TerminatorTM evaluates a database of SKU specifications and recommends a variety of possible consolidation scenarios, providing you the opportunity to reduce your packaging inventory.
Packaging Review
Our knowledgeable and experienced experts can identify opportunities to better rightsize your packaging, reduce materials or inventories, and improve packaging line or unitization efficiency.
Innovation lives here
Research and Innovation Center
Centrally located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, our state-of-the-art Research and Innovation Center coordinates PCA’s packaging engineering resources.
In addition to our testing capabilities, this team provides a variety of technical, package engineering, development and consultative services.
Our team leads new product development initiatives, helps troubleshoot unique packaging optimization solutions and provides technical consultation on packaging and distribution systems.