Stability Deep Dive

Fit for Purpose: The Science of Stability in Vivomer Packaging

When it comes to sustainable packaging, sustainability is only half the battle. For a packaging material to be truly revolutionary, it must be fit for purpose. It has to protect the product inside just as well as the plastic it replaces.

Central to the performance of Vivomer, as an alternative solution to plastic packaging, is a rigorous process known as stability testing.

What is Stability Testing?

Stability testing is the systematic process of ensuring a product formulation maintains its intended physical, chemical, and microbiological quality over time. There are several key parameters and tests set by the industry to evaluate the stability of packaging: 

• Organoleptic Properties: Monitoring for any changes in colour, odour, or appearance.

• Microbiological Stability: Ensuring the preserving system remains effective through microbial counts and challenge tests.

• Compatibility: Evaluating the interaction between the internal formula and the Vivomer container to ensure long-term stability.

• Oven Seal: Oven seal verifies a leak-proof seal is formed upon jar closure that will prevent product leaking when the jar is stored under different orientations.

• Vacuum Testing: Vacuum testing can simulate the conditions of air-freight and tests container closure integrity.

• Torque Testing: The application and removal torque calculates the force required to open and close the packaging cap when exposed to force. 

• Pigment UV Stability: Reproduces the effects of long-term colour exposure to sunlight.

• Drop Testing: To evaluate how the packaging and its contents react to impacts such as free-falls, tumbles, and other types of handling during the shipping, distribution and user environments.

Vivomer: Tested, Proven, and Certified

Vivomer boasts a proven 3-year shelf life, maintaining its integrity. This durability has been verified in some of the world’s most demanding retail environments, including Tesco, Boots, Holland & Barrett, Wholefoods, and Target.

Vivomer is both EU and FDA Food Certified, meaning it meets the stringent requirements for safety and purity usually reserved for the food industry.

To date, Vivomer has been tested on over 300 unique formulations. Whether it’s an oil-based serum or a water-based lotion, our extensive material grade family is designed to adapt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Vivomer packaging last on the shelf? Vivomer has a proven shelf life of 3 years, ensuring it remains stable and functional throughout its time in retail and in the consumer's home.

Is Vivomer safe for different types of skincare? Yes! We have tested Vivomer on over 300 formulations to ensure compatibility across a wide range of cosmetic products, from oils to creams.

Is Vivomer food safe? Absolutely. Vivomer is both EU and FDA Food Certified, meeting global standards for material safety.

Can Vivomer be used with existing machinery? Yes, our material is designed to work with traditional manufacturing techniques like blow molding and injection molding, making it easy for brands to scale their sustainability efforts.

Meta Description: Discover how Shellworks ensures Vivomer packaging is fit for purpose through rigorous stability testing, FDA certifications, and a proven 3-year shelf life.