Test Protocol Adopted for Foodservice Packaging

Published: October 01, 2001

FALLS CHURCH, VA A taskforce of foodservice packaging manufacturers and suppliers, coordinated through the Foodservice & Packaging Inst. Inc. (FPI), has adopted an industry-standard color transfer test protocol for finished, printed foodservice packaging items.

The taskforce, comprising representatives from ten companies, spent two months reviewing various color transfer test procedures and unanimously approved a harmonized protocol for what commonly is called the “hard-boiled egg test.” The test is a procedure that ensures printing on single-use foodservice packaging items, such as plates, etc., does not transfer to food.

Rick Kornbau, manager, product stewardship, for Pactiv Corp., led the taskforce. He explains, “For years companies have been testing their printed foodservice packaging products for color transfer using a hard-boiled egg placed on the product. But everybody seemed to have a different way of going about it. What that meant was that ten different…tests gave you ten different results. That doesn't sound like a big deal, but when it comes to testing for color transfer from our products, it is a big deal, because all of us want to do everything we can to ensure products continue to meet government food safety standards.”

In related news, North American and European converters of foodservice packaging products are optimistic about the future of the industry despite the recent economic slowdown, reports the 2001 Annual Foodservice Packaging Industry Survey.

The study, which was released to members and other survey participants in July, includes facts and trends, domestic statistics, import and export data, and industry news pertinent to the foodservice packaging industry collected over the past year. It also features the results of the operations and markets survey of FPI members and nonmembers and members of the European Food Service & Packaging Assn.

The report is available to FPI members and other survey participants. For information contact FPI at 703/538-2800; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..