CNE – tests on packaging, materials, mass consumption and food contact products and toys
The National Packaging Centre (CNE) is the ISQ Group’s Laboratory specialising in tests on packaging, materials, and mass consumption and food contact products.
About us
The National Packaging Centre (CNE) is a non-profit association, founded in 1973 and considered of public utility, with the following main activities::
- Physical and Mechanical Testing Laboratory: Laboratory specialising in quality control of packaging, packaging materials, mass consumption products for domestic use, and other specific products such as barbecues, toys and others.
- Chemistry Laboratory: Laboratory specialising in food compatibility and other tests.
- Certification Body: Body for the certification of packages for the transportation of hazardous goods RID/ADR.
- Sector Standardisation Body: Management of the activities of the CT60 – Technical Packaging Commission, monitoring and participation in standards work.
Specialised laboratories
CNE has specialist laboratories for conducting tests in the following areas:
- Chemical tests
- Mechanical/physical tests
- Environmental tests
What we do
We perform tailor-made tests in various areas, in order to assess the performance of products, taking into consideration the purpose for which they are intended.
From among the laboratory activities, we should place an emphasis on our ability to assess materials and packaging with the following services:
- Assessment of mechanical/physical properties, with tensile, compression and bending tests, among others.
- Climate tests: accelerated ageing, temperature and humidity control, life cycle analyses.
- Product performance: assessment of leaks, integrity, impact, etc.
- Transport simulation, assessment of packaging behaviour: vibration, compression, falls, etc.
- Food contact, verification of compliance with European legislation, FDA, Council of Europe: overall migration, specific migration, residual amount, etc.
- Assessment of the suitability of the packaging for the product (protection, storage and distribution requirements).
- Optimisation of packaging for its product.
- Assessment and preparation of technical data sheets/declarations of conformity, and other supporting documents.
- Documentation assessment support services, tailor-made training activities and conducting audits of suppliers.
Accreditation
The CNE Laboratory is accredited by the IPAC – Portuguese Accreditation Institute with a comprehensive and diverse scope in accordance with the NP EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard (Laboratory no. L0005).
It performs the tests necessary to verify and assess the physical and mechanical characteristics of packaging and packaging materials (paper, cardboard, plastic, wood and mass consumer products), as well as to verify the suitability of materials intended to come into contact with food.
Accredited tests carried out by the CNE
- Tests on packaging materials
- Tests on packaging
- Tests on packaging for hazardous materials
- Toy safety tests
- Tests on products for mass consumption
- Barbecues
Find out about the scope of the CNE accreditation here.
ISTA Certification
The CNE laboratory has been certified by ISTA – International Safe Transit Association, since 2005 to carry out tests according to its methods.
These tests consist of a transport simulation, including handling and storage.
Not only do they serve to guarantee the integrity of the product at its final destination, but also to optimise the packaging and study alternatives to the packaging system.
Scope of the CNE’s ISTA certification
- 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H || 2A, 2B, 2C || 3A, 3B, 3E, 3F, 3K
- 6AMAZON-A, 6AMAZON-B, 6AMAZON-C, 6AMAZON-D, 6AMAZON-E. 6AMAZON-F, 6AMAZON-G, 6AMAZON-H, 6AMAZON-OB
- 6FA, 6FB
- 6SAMS
- 7D
Further information on ISTA procedures: here.
Address
Complexo ISQ/ Edifício F1
Av. Prof. Dr. Cavaco Silva, 33
Taguspark
2740-120 Porto Salvo