The difference isn't all language (sidebar)

While language may be the biggest barrier to communications with Asian manufacturers and packaging suppliers, Dennis Young tells PW there are package testing facilities and laboratories, at least in China. Young, president of a transport packaging consultancy (Grand Rapids, MI), identified China Packaging Research & Testing Center (Tianjin, People's Republic of China). Young and the CPRTC are working on a project to measure the vibration experienced by packages in China's truck freight business.

The CPRTC, says Young, has extensive material testing facilities, including instruments for physical and barrier property tests of packaging materials. In addition, the center has excellent computer facilities to analyze and convert test data.

If this level of testing lab is not available, Young has developed what he calls the 4S test that doesn't require instruments. The four parts of the test are shock, shake, stand and ship. He can provide the testing guidelines.