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Internship Program

Package Testing Program

Internship Program
In 2001 DDL, started an Internship Program for juniors and seniors enrolled in Packaging Engineering or Materials Science programs. DDL identifies qualified interns through an application and interview process. During this process, a team of managers assess a student’s knowledge gainedhrough their education, communication skills, self motivation and their interest in DDL, Inc. Our internships are typically 6 months in duration and run January – August and June- December. DDL, Inc continually seeks interns that fit this profile. We encourage full-time internships but part-time internships will be considered.

In the past 10 years we have had 15 interns in our program and 9 of them have accepted full-time employment with DDL. We would like you to have this educational experience with DDL, Inc. Please consider a career with DDL by pursuing our Internship Program Today!
Who We Are
DDL, Inc. is a one-stop shop for medical product, process and package testing validation. DDL has been in the medical device package, product and material testing industry for over 20 years. We strive to offer the most effective business practices while employing a staff of technical experts.

DDL has been a leader and innovator in the medical device package and product testing industry since 1990. We offer single-source solutions to medical device development engineers, QA and regulatory affairs professionals who are concerned that their devices meet all regulatory agency requirements and the highest industry standards.

What We Do
Our professional engineers and technicians provide reliable, quality-assured testing services and documentation throughout every step of the critically important testing and validation process.
 
Package Integrity, Strength and Validation Testing 
DDL performs a variety of testing services to ensure the integrity of the medical device packaging is compliant with ISO standards, such as ISO 11607.
 
ISO 11607 is the foremost guidance document for validating packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices.  Packaging must comply with ISO 11607 to ensure that the enclosed medical device is kept sterile throughout all the elements and hazards generated by the manufacturing, shipping and storage environments.

DDL’s package testing services simulate the typical events associated with the distribution environment to validate packages for distribution and to certify them as compliant with published ASTM Standards, ISO Standards and other industry compliance requirements.
Package Integrity Testing | Sterile Packaging
In order to maintain the sterility of a packaged product until it reaches its point of end use, the package must have a microbial barrier in its post-sterilization environment. The manufacturer must demonstrate that, under the rigors of distribution, storage, handling, and aging, the sterile package integrity is maintained at least for the claimed shelf life of the medical device or product.

The microbial barrier properties of the package materials and package design must be evaluated after exposure to the environmental and dynamic stresses expected for the finished package. Several methods may be used to satisfy these requirements. They involve evaluating the material performance itself and the whole, finished package as produced on the packaging line.  Packages may lose their integrity as a result of the dynamic related events which occur during processing and/or distribution. Physical test methods may be used to validate that the package integrity has been maintained throughout the package’s processing, expected shelf life, and handling.

Package Strength Testing | Medical Device Packaging
In order to produce acceptable packaging on a daily basis and throughout a determined shelf life validation, it is important to evaluate the strength characteristic. Not only does strength play a key role in a shelf life package validation, but it also lets the medical device manufacturer determine that their process for sealing packages is staying consistent to their predetermined specification set in the process validation.

There seems to be some confusion within the medical device industry regarding the strength of a package as opposed to the integrity of a package. Package strength concerns the force required to separate two components of the package. It could be the force to separate two flexible components of a pouch, or a flexible lid and a thermoform tray. These forces may be measured in pounds per inch width, as in the seal/peel test; or in pounds per square inch, as in the burst test method. Alone, these tests of package strength values do not necessarily prove the integrity of the entire package. In fact, the seal width that was actually measured may be within the strength specification but may have a channel leak that could breach the package and negate integrity
Sustainable Package Testing | DDL's Responsible Packaging Development Group
Designing packaging that is responsible, yet still maintains the protective function it serves for the product is becoming a more common goal in consumer packaging design. Many experts in the industry will talk about the importance of sustainability in packaging, without considering the potential unintended consequences that could arise if the package is not designed responsibly.

DDL has been conducting distribution simulation testing on packages for more than 20 years.  We have a strong understanding of the distribution environment and the conditions that your package goes through during the transportation process.  If you're looking to achieve material source reduction for your sustainable package, DDL is here to help consult on your responsible package design, as well as to test the results of your sustainable package to ensure it complies with all industry standards and regulations.  Our single source, totally integrated approach enables globally recognized corporations to maximize product performance, reliability, compliance and safety while also achieving their sustainability goals.

Why DDL, Inc.?
From all aspects of DDL's business, from lab technicians to the CEO, DDL's employees share one common goal - to continually exceed our customer satisfaction by providing accurate data, attention to detail and quick turn-around times by using DDL's quality system, responsive project management and exceptional customer service.

 


DDL is proud to be supportive of our employees and our community. Our culture committee enables a feedback rich environment that embraces change, values and diversity. We encourage and celebrate innovative ideas which add value to DDL and our community. DDL's deep passion to succeed together in our goals and accomplishments help us to create and support an inviting and warm work environment.


If you'd like more information about DDL's Packaging Internship, please contact Holly Emigh, DDL's HR Assistant at 952-941-9226 ext. 161 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .