The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s (DOST-FPRDI) Transit Testing Laboratory (TTL) officially became a member of the Packaging Institute of the Philippines (PIP) during the latter’s 2nd General Membership Meeting and Industry Updates.
PIP is a national association that promotes the importance of good packaging in the industry and among consumers. It is comprised of users, makers and suppliers of packaging materials and services.
“DOST is committed to supporting local manufacturers by providing opportunities to improve their product quality and design. DOST-FPRDI’s Transit Testing Laboratory as well as its other ISO-accredited facilities ensure that manufacturers can gain a competitive edge in exporting their products,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.
DOST-FPRDI’s TTL evaluates the performance of packaging materials used for transporting furniture and other products, adhering to the testing standards of the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The laboratory is equipped with advanced machinery, including a rotary vibration test machine, drop tester, compression test machine, and inclined impact test machine.
These machines simulate the conditions encountered during shipment, making transit testing crucial, especially as many importers require products to undergo transit testing before export.
DOST-FPRDI’s TTL operates under the Institute’s Furniture Testing Center. In addition to its PIP membership, it is also affiliated with the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), based in Michigan, USA.
“Packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring that products remain safe, secure, and intact during transit. DOST-FPRDI’s Transit Testing Laboratory is well-positioned to share its expertise, promote best practices, and contribute significantly to the furniture industry, paper-based material packaging and other packaging sectors,” explained DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon. 
Represented by DOST-FPRDI TTL’s Technical Manager Alvin F. Vardeleon (5th from left), the Institute took its oath of membership to the Packaging Institute of the Philippines last August 2024.
Engr. Vardeleon conducts drop tests that simulate unloading of packages from transit.
DOST-FPRDI is DOST’s research and development arm on wood and non-wood forest products, pioneering initiatives that promote the responsible use of forest resources. For partnerships, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit our website at https://fprdi.dost.gov.ph/. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin-de Leon & Alvin F. Vardeleon, 06 September 2024)
