The Detmold Group’s new LaunchPad laboratory now includes an Australian-first dedicated bag testing facility.
The R&D laboratory in Brompton, South Australia, is part of the recently-completed LaunchPad facility which tests paper and board repulpability and medical mask functional effectiveness.
Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson recently toured the R&D laboratory with leaders of the Detmold Group, including acting co-CEO Sascha Detmold Cox, R&D manager Megan Schutte and chemist Sarah Bagster.
The company said its LaunchPad laboratory is elevating product capability testing to new standards in Australia and globally and forms part of the wider LaunchPad facility, now completely functional after a three-year process.
The facility focusses on innovation, new product development and developing more sustainable products for local and international markets.
Detmold Cox said the $500,000 LaunchPad facility was the first and only dedicated bag-testing facility in Australia and one of only a few laboratories able to test coated paper/board packaging for repulpability – the ability to pulp materials for recycling.
The repulpability testing capabilities have been developed by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO).
The LaunchPad laboratory also tests medical mask functional effectiveness to AS4381 / AS1716 standards – including filtration testing and blood/fluid penetration testing.
“Innovation is essential in our industry, as consumers demand higher quality packaging and medical supplies,” Detmold Cox said.
“Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and want to know that their packaging can be recycled, as no-one wants to live in a throw-away society.
“Through LaunchPad we are now able to offer higher, Australian specific testing standards for businesses in the packaging, food and beverage and quick service industries.”
She also said the LaunchPad laboratory had created bespoke testing equipment which replicated the usage of products in real world usage situations. It was also climate controlled for humidity and moisture to replicate oven and refrigeration conditions.
Detmold Cox added that the governor’s tour of the LaunchPad laboratory was an excellent opportunity to celebrate women in business and STEM, and South Australia as the national centre of packaging innovation.
