Philippines’ first packaging testing lab opens

On December 21, 2021, the Packaging Technology Division (PTD-ITDI) of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opened the country’s first Simulation Packaging Testing Laboratory (SPTL) and Green Packaging Laboratory (GPL) in an inaugural ceremony held physically and virtually via the Zoom Meeting and Facebook Live platforms.

The event was graced by Undersecretary for R&D, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, and ITDI Director, Dr. Annabelle V. Briones. Also present were Assistant Secretary for Human Resources Management, Management Services, and Special Concerns, Dr. Diana L. Ignacio; Director for Internal Audit Service (IAS), Maria Teresa B. de Guzman; ITDI Deputy Directors for Research and Development, and Administrative and Technical Services, Dr. Christine Marie C. Montesa and Dr. Zorayda V. Ang, respectively; and PTD Chief, Daisy E. Tañafranca. Also present were ITDI staff, industry guests, and representatives of media and the academe.

The program was officially opened by Dr. Briones followed by messages from Usec. Guevara and Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Maborrang. It was keynoted by DOST Secretary, Fortunato T. de la Peña.

SPTL, which houses GPL, is among DOST's "Big 21 in 2021" projects launched early in 2021. It can simulate actual environmental hazards that packaged products, e.g. fresh and semi-processed agricultural produce, furniture, personal care, and dangerous goods will undergo during its process movement along the supply chain.  

GPL, on the other hand, serves as a venue to develop new packaging materials through use of green and sustainable packaging technologies that focus on applications of indigenous and renewable materials to include wild grass and coconut coir, among others. Along the process improvement chain, materials are caused to reduce waste and energy consumption.

Further, GPL is equipped for conducting product development research, as well as testing of performance of the finished packaging material or system while ensuring reduced carbon dioxide emissions and consumer safety.