Fully revamped Topa Institute ready for the future

Lots of expertise and state of the art testing equipment

The Topa Institute, part of the Topa Group, has undergone a complete metamorphosis after major renovations. It has become a real showroom with the latest machinery. More important is the knowledge and experience of the team, especially in the field of cargo securing.

Topa not only produces packaging, but also tests it for their customers at the Topa Institute. This is important because goods must be well protected during transport, which must also be safe. This is why legal regulations have been drawn up for transport packaging and cargo securing. At the Topa Institute, experts test the protective function of packaging, its strength and fusing. At the same time, the institute also looks at how it can be more sustainable.

Portfolio manager Arjan Voshart: 'In our Topa Institute, we investigate, among other things, how we can generate better packaging and reduce costs using less material. Thanks to this in-house development, testing and research center, we guide our customers in their quest for less CO₂ emissions, less use of raw materials and lower costs in their logistical process.'

Why test?

The Topa Institute tests with clear objectives. Saving, for example. Nice material savings can be thought of on paper, but transport must not suffer. That is why testing is a good solution. Qualification is also a reason for testing. Packaging that protects the product from weather is developed, tested and then qualified in climate chambers. The procedures for this are strict and include several components. This process has a structured approach. A new product can also be grounds for testing. Mechanical testing makes it possible to get a good idea of the most critical points of a product along with the (transport) packaging before product introduction. Early testing on a new product often yields simple improvements and provides assurance whether the right packaging has been chosen. 

Testing transportation situations

In the laboratory, up to very extreme transport situations can be simulated to minimize the amount of damage. The test center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for transport simulation. On the road, vibrations, shocks, impacts, pressure loads, fluctuations in temperature or changes in humidity can have a major impact on the load. Topa Institute determines the test goals in advance together with the customer. Renewed or tightened legislation around transport can also be a reason to take another critical look at the current form of transport and storage. Moreover, different rules apply in other countries. Topa Institute tests the quality of the packaging and takes the applicable legislation into account.

Cargo fuse

Portfolio manager Arjan Voshart knows better than anyone how important the testing of transport packaging is. Not only because products must be delivered in good condition after transport, but certainly also for safety reasons. Arjan: 'Chief inspector Kurt Garrez, an expert in the field of load securing and packaging, and chairman of the Belgian national expert network Centrex, has seen in numerous traffic accidents what impact it can have if regulations around load securing and packaging are not followed. So for parties operating as shippers, it is important to know the rules, pack and secure loads according to the regulations. At Topa, we are very concerned with cargo securing. This is how we help customers improve the quality and safety of transport. Our ISTA, EUMOS and APASS certificates confirm that we have the right knowledge and expertise. Moreover, our latest machines also comply with the "DIN 55415:2022-09" standard.

Climate neutral

In 2022, on its 100th anniversary, Topa could call itself a "Climate Neutral Company. Arjan: "Our goal for 2022 was a reduction of 15%. But we all managed to reduce our emissions by over 27% and of course we are very proud of that.' We offset the remaining CO₂ emissions by supporting the 'Wind Energy Chile' climate project. When the wind turbines are built, this project will save some 197,420 tons of CO₂ emissions per year. 

Higher level

The purpose of the recent investments is to bring the Topa Institute and its services to an even higher level. There are more possibilities and the Topa Institute is prepared for future requirements. New concrete floors have been poured and almost all equipment has been renewed. Within the group, all the know-how is thus available to help customers with the right packaging solutions based on tests and measurements.