Reflection:

In PKSC 4400, known as Packaging for Distribution, I learned about how packages are exposed to various shipping methods and numerous hazards during distribution. From this course I learned that to ensure adequate product protection, packaging professionals need to understand the fundamental principles of distribution packaging design. Some of the topics we discussed during this course included, ASTM and ISTA packaging test methods, packaging design guidelines for distribution, terminology, transport modes, distribution hazards, and the vast array of protective packaging materials. It was in this class where we heavily discussed the vast array of ASTM and ISTA packaging methods and how these methods are sometimes only designed for super specific scenarios and can only be used for that scenario. This class stressed the important of always properly reading through testing documents to ensure you are following the procedure correctly and making sure you are using the right testing document for the package that you may be testing.

One of the key takeaways from this course was the project assignment where we had to create and design our own test plan. They key parts to designing this test plan was to first define the environment and seeing what the packaged-product system would be going through from manufacturing to its final destination. After defining the environment, the next step is working through the vast library of ASTM and ISTA test documents and standards and finding the right documents that are going to apply to your test plan. For instance, there are many ASTM documents that are used to test horizontal impact, but only one ASTM in particular that can be used to simulate the testing of railroad cars interlocking with one another. It is little details like these that are very important to read and known when designing a test plan for whatever it may be.