IPS Testing, an independent testing and analytical services provider to customers in the paper, packaging, nonwovens and consumer products industries, announced the expansion of its ISO 17025 certification to include testing of diaper and incontinence products.
 
IPS is now certified to test personal care incontinence products according to the following methods: rate of acquisition, rewet, breathability, retention capacity and elasticity.
 
The added certification builds on the company’s many years of experience in evaluating absorbent products as well as its plans to assist the efforts of the National Association for Continence (NAFC) and manufacturers that target the institutional market to ensure minimum performance standards for incontinence products are met via standardized testing. Additionally, several states require manufacturers to submit products to an independent laboratory that is ISO 9001 compliant in order to participate in reimbursement programs.
 
According to Chris Reitmeyer, vice president of IPS Testing, the company sought out the more rigorous ISO 17205 certification, as it means, beyond good laboratory practices, that IPS is certified to complete the particular test methods indicated within the scope.
 
“This type of testing is important as it is designed to quantify key performance measures of incontinence products such as retention capacity. Doing these tests helps ensure that customers are receiving a quality product and that purchasers are receiving good value,” Reitmeyer says.
 
Demand for ISO 17025 incontinence testing is expected to grow due to the aging baby boomer population as well as the need to meet state requirements related to quality, according to Reitmeyer. The certification is also beneficial for National Brand Equivalency (NBE) purposes, as NBE testing is performed for retailers and big box stores to aid in the selection of suppliers for store brands.
 
“Many of the same manufacturers that supply the institutional market also cater to the store brand segment,” Reitmeyer adds.  “The test methods applied and the ISO accreditation achieved will support this dual purpose.”