Aptar Beauty Expands ISTA-6 Testing Capabilities in Europe
Aptar Beauty, a global leader in innovative packaging and dispensing solutions for the beauty industry, has announced the official ISTA-6 Amazon certification of its state-of-the-art testing laboratory located at its Chieti facility in Italy. This strategic achievement reinforces Aptar Beauty’s commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable, and e-commerce-ready packaging solutions under its “local for local” approach. The expansion of in-house testing capabilities reflects the company’s dedication to improving customer experience, ensuring product protection, and accelerating time-to-market in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.
What is ISTA-6 Certification?
The ISTA-6 certification, developed by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) in collaboration with Amazon, sets stringent protocols for evaluating the performance of packaging in e-commerce logistics environments. These tests simulate real-world shipping and handling scenarios to ensure that products can withstand the rigorous conditions of distribution through platforms like Amazon. ISTA-6 certified packaging helps reduce product damage, minimize returns, and enhance consumer satisfaction by improving the unboxing experience.
As more beauty brands shift towards online retail and omnichannel strategies, compliance with ISTA-6 standards becomes critical for success. Packaging that passes this certification not only meets durability requirements but is also optimized for sustainability and efficiency, often reducing the need for excessive outer packaging.
A Key Step in Aptar Beauty’s Local-for-Local Strategy
The Chieti testing laboratory marks a significant milestone in Aptar Beauty’s “local for local” strategy. By investing in advanced testing equipment and certification capabilities at a regional level, the company enhances its ability to serve local markets while maintaining global quality standards. This localized approach shortens development and approval timelines, allowing customers to qualify packaging solutions faster and closer to their target markets.
Luigi Garofalo, Global Category Director for Personal Care and Home Care at Aptar Beauty, explained:
“At Aptar Beauty, we understand that packaging is a critical part of the brand experience. That’s why we have invested in state-of-the-art equipment and secured ISTA-6 certification for our Chieti lab. This milestone demonstrates our ability to conduct advanced packaging testing that meets the highest industry standards, particularly for the growing e-commerce segment.”
Amazon APASS Program Member
In addition to ISTA-6 certification, Aptar Beauty is also an official participant in the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) network. This allows the company to help Amazon sellers design, test, and certify packaging that meets Amazon’s performance requirements. The combination of APASS membership and in-house ISTA-6 testing capabilities strengthens Aptar Beauty’s position as a one-stop packaging partner for beauty brands looking to scale in digital marketplaces.
Through this dual recognition, Aptar Beauty not only guarantees the quality of its packaging but also empowers brands to streamline their go-to-market strategies, reduce risk, and improve operational agility.
Advanced In-House Testing Capabilities
The Chieti laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge testing technology that simulates a variety of transportation and handling scenarios. This includes:
- Vibration tables to replicate conditions during road transportation and courier delivery
- Drop testers to evaluate the impact of accidental drops or handling during transit
- Compression and shock testing equipment to validate packaging durability and resistance
These tests are aligned with ISTA-6 protocols and help brands ensure their packaging can handle the stresses of the e-commerce supply chain—without over-engineering or excessive material usage.
By conducting these tests in-house, Aptar Beauty eliminates the need for external testing labs, offering its customers a faster and more integrated packaging validation process. Products that pass testing can carry “e-commerce capable” claims, helping brands market their goods with greater confidence and meet online retail requirements globally.
Beyond Compliance: Expertise That Adds Value
With more than 75 years of expertise in beauty packaging, Aptar Beauty offers far more than just mechanical testing. The company combines deep knowledge of product formulation, consumer trends, and regulatory compliance with its technical capabilities to deliver solutions tailored to each client’s market goals.
From designing packaging for skincare and fragrance to personal care and cosmetics, Aptar Beauty’s multidisciplinary teams collaborate with clients to navigate the complexities of omnichannel distribution. This includes optimizing packaging for sustainability, ensuring compatibility with product formulations, and creating intuitive user experiences.
Supporting Sustainability and Consumer Satisfaction
Aptar Beauty’s certified testing lab also plays a key role in promoting environmentally responsible packaging. By testing for durability under real-world conditions, the company ensures its packaging solutions are efficient, right-sized, and waste-reducing—without compromising product safety or shelf appeal.
This aligns with growing consumer expectations and regulatory demands for sustainable packaging in the beauty sector. Brands working with Aptar Beauty can meet these standards while delivering high-quality experiences to their customers.
