Whether cleanroom packaging is necessary depends on the process, the ISO class and the client's material requirements. By making the right choices, you can prevent contamination and comply with the strictest standards for high-tech environments.
Summary of this article
Your client processes the components you supply in a cleanroom. Is it therefore necessary for the packaging in which you deliver products to be cleanroom-proof? Or is standard packaging sufficient?
In the diagram above, we have clearly outlined the deciding factors. The most important question to ask your client is: Will the packaging enter the cleanroom? If the product is removed from its packaging before entering the cleanroom, then the packaging obviously does not need to meet cleanroom standards.
The above probably sounds quite logical, yet it happens that the assumption is made that a package must be cleanroom-proof, when in practice this may not be necessary. A shame, because then you unnecessarily have a special (and expensive) packaging developed, while standard packaging suffices. On the other hand, it can also happen that you do not think about this at all and then it turns out that your packaging does not meet your customer’s requirements.
Understanding the steps of your client’s manufacturing or assembly process is thus essential when creating a set of requirements, as the basis for the final packaging design.
When you know for sure that the packaging does go into the cleanroom, the next question arises: “what must the packaging meet?”. When your client processes or assembles products in a cleanroom, there are bound to be certain parameters determined in terms of the requirements a product must meet and how “clean” it must be.
What exactly are the parameters and does the ISO-5 or -7 standard apply? Do you lack this crucial information or could you use help interpreting and making concrete the package of requirements? At Faes, we know all about cleanroom packaging.
Our packaging experts ask the right questions and proactively think with you about smart, efficient and effective packaging solutions.
Many standard packaging materials are absolutely unsuitable for use in cleanrooms. Examples include:
As the basis for the classification and specification of cleanroom standards, ISO standards apply. In the industries in which Faes operates, the ISO-5 and ISO-7 standards are the most common. The classification and standards describe the maximum number of particles and other contaminants that may be present per defined area, for example per cubic decimeter. For ASML suppliers, the ‘grade 4’ and ‘grade 2’ standards, among others, are important to keep an eye on when making an application. It is also important to ask about these grades when supplying to an ASML partner. Because, while they may overlap with ISO standards, ASML’s standards stand on their own.
Want to know exactly which standards apply to your company or your client? We have detailed for you in this white paper various technical data, specifications, classifications and ISO standardization requirements around clean packaging.
If the packaging does not have to be cleanroom-proof, that does not mean that there are no other opportunities to optimize your packaging and packaging process. There most certainly are. For example, have you thought about delivering your products in reusable packaging? If you regularly deliver the same components to your customer, reusable packaging is an efficient and sustainable packaging solution. You can calculate exactly how many returns the investment pays off and at the same time how much packaging waste you save.
Do you find this interesting? Then also read fellow packaging expert Corné’s blog on how sustainable packaging helps improve your performance.
Or do you have another packaging issue where you could use the expertise of a packaging expert? Ask your question in the contact form below and we’ll get back to you quickly. Do you have an urgent question and want to speak directly to me or one of my colleagues? Feel free to call us!
Robert Verboven is Sales Manager at Faes and advises customers on smart packaging solutions within the industry. He translates complex packaging needs into practical solutions that contribute to a more efficient supply chain.
More articles by Robert VerbovenGood packaging doesn’t just happen by chance. Using a tried-and-tested approach, our specialists guide you step by step from the initial idea to the finished product.
