In the agri-food sector, preserving product quality and safety relies on a factor that is as simple as it is essential: packaging integrity. This protective envelope must act as an effective barrier against external aggressions, guaranteeing the shelf life, freshness and, above all, the safety of food. However, this crucial function is often jeopardised by the appearance of micro-leaks, invisible to the naked eye but potentially devastating.
The DIN 55508-1 standard requires a comprehensive and rigorous technical approach to leak measurement, combining quantification in millilitres per second (ml/s) with precise diagnosis of defect size in microns (µm). This dual measurement is not a simple recommendation, it is a necessity, particularly in an agri-food context subject to transport and storage cycles with multiple constraints.
At Anéolia, a French company pioneering leak and gas analysis systems, we are strongly committed to food safety through total technical control. Our Exos® and Oxylos® instruments are designed to precisely meet the requirements of the standard and the real-life situations encountered by manufacturers.
The critical issue of leaks in the agri-food industry
Defective packaging, even if only slightly perforated, can cause silent but serious losses: oxygen ingress, protective gas leaks, or microbial contamination. In a food product, these disruptions can lead to rapid deterioration, compromising organoleptic and nutritional quality and, above all, health safety.
Measuring in millilitres per second assesses the volume flow rate of the leak and gives an immediate indication of the amount of gas or air escaping. This is essential data for determining the functional impact of the defect and measuring actual losses. However, this volumetric data does not provide information on the nature or potential progression of the defect.
This is where the measurement in microns comes in, which analyses the physical size of the defect or micro-perforation. For example, a micro-leak of 5 microns, undetectable by crude means, can turn into a significant leak under the effect of transport vibrations or storage temperature variations, promoting contamination or failure.
Impact of transport conditions on packaging integrity
Agri-food products often travel long and complex distances before reaching the end consumer. Each stage of transport, whether by road, air or sea, imposes severe mechanical constraints: vibrations, shocks, pressure variations and temperature fluctuations. These conditions promote the worsening of micro-leaks.
For example, flexible packaging with an initial flaw smaller than 10 microns may see this defect widen under continuous vibration, leading to the penetration of air or microorganisms. Without systematic measurement in microns and ml/s, this risk of aggravation goes unnoticed, with unpredictable consequences for product quality. Rigorous monitoring of these parameters during design, manufacturing and logistics is therefore vital. The aim is to detect micro-leaks at the outset in order to limit their development and anticipate the necessary checks or replacements.
Storage: an increase in risk if the leak is not controlled
Storage conditions also play a decisive role. Fluctuations in temperature, humidity and pressure affect the resistance of packaging materials. The polymers used can lose their elasticity, and welded joints can become brittle.
Under DIN 55508-1, combined measurement of volume flow and defect size makes it possible to model the possible development of micro-leaks during storage. This allows product degradation to be predicted even before it becomes visible.
The integrity of a healthy barrier prevents oxidation, moisture and microbial growth, which are major factors in the loss of nutritional and health value. Regular monitoring using appropriate instruments therefore extends the shelf life of products and ensures their compliance with the most stringent health standards.
A strong industrial commitment: safety, traceability, performance
The quest for food safety cannot be separated from perfect mastery of measurement and analysis tools. The dual measurement required by the DIN 55508-1 standard is a pillar on which risk prevention is based.
For manufacturers in France and around the world, we are committed to providing not only state-of-the-art instruments, but also comprehensive support so that every player in the agri-food chain can integrate this technical revolution into their daily practices.
Continuous improvement of packaging integrity controls, based on accurate data and in-depth expertise, reduces losses, limits product recalls, and protects consumer health.
Conclusion: collective responsibility for a safer future
The agri-food challenge is complex: ensuring the freshness and safety of a wide variety of products under often difficult production, transport and storage conditions. The dual measurement of leaks in ml/s and microns, in accordance with DIN 55508-1, is becoming an essential technical compass for meeting this challenge.
Agri-food professionals now have, or can now have, the tools they need to detect, understand and control invisible leaks. This is a strong technical and ethical commitment that goes beyond simple compliance: it guarantees sustainable product quality, consumer confidence and business continuity.
Eric Schaller
CEO Anéolia
