GIFSQ Tools · Module 10 — Packaging & Shelf-Life · Tool 200 of 500
Compare two packaging trials side by side: the shelf-life gain, the cost difference per 1,000 packs and the defect-rate difference.
Try sample values — fills the form with the worked example below.
–
Shelf-life gain (days)
–
Cost difference per 1,000 ($)
–
Defect-rate change (%)
Equation: Shelf-life gain (days) = life B − life A; gain (%) = gain ÷ life A × 100. Cost difference per 1,000 ($) = (cost B − cost A) × 1,000. Defect-rate change (percentage points) = defect B − defect A.
Method: Paired packaging trial comparison: the same product packed two ways and judged on shelf life, pack cost and defect rate together.
Assumptions: both trials ran under the same storage conditions with the same product and the same test methods.
Limitations: the comparison is only as good as the trials — small samples and different storage conditions can make the winner look better than it is.
Rounding: shelf-life gain to 2 decimal places; cost difference to 2 decimal places; defect change to 2 decimal places; intermediates unrounded.
This is a calculation aid, not a laboratory report — confirm against your accredited method before citing a value.
Method: Paired packaging trial comparison: the same product packed two ways and judged on shelf life, pack cost and defect rate together.
Assumptions: both trials ran under the same storage conditions with the same product and the same test methods.
Limitations: the comparison is only as good as the trials — small samples and different storage conditions can make the winner look better than it is.
Rounding: shelf-life gain to 2 decimal places; cost difference to 2 decimal places; defect change to 2 decimal places; intermediates unrounded.
This is a calculation aid, not a laboratory report — confirm against your accredited method before citing a value.
Worked example: Trial A: 90 days, $0.12, 2% defects. Trial B: 120 days, $0.15, 1% defects. Gain = 30.00 days (33.33%); cost = +$30.00 per 1,000; defects = −1.00 points — B lasts longer and fails less, at a higher cost.
Enter values above to see results.
Judge trials on all three numbers together — a longer life at a much higher cost or defect rate may not be the better pack. Tool 200 of 500 — GIFSQ
