M-RULE MODELS

M-RULE® Container Performance Model
for Beverages

M-RULE® Container Performance Model
for Foods

M-RULE® Container Performance Model
for Beverages

A powerful permeation model for predicting the performance of packaging for liquids under a broad range of conditions.

The CONTAINER SCIENCE® umbrella includes the M-RULE® Container Performance Model for Beverages, which is a computer model for predicting the performance of plastic packaging under a broad range of environmental conditions. Introduced in 2002, the M-RULE® model is a robust tool that is widely used by the packaging industry.

Proven superiority to empirical models

M-RULE® provides a unique and proven approach to permeation prediction. Unlike empirical models that rely on a database of permeation values to derive results, M-RULE® is a fundamental model based on first-principles prediction of the diffusion and solubility of gases.

Simultaneous analysis of all permeation factors

M-RULE® inherently accounts for all the factors that affect permeation, including concentration-dependent diffusion, temperature, crystallinity, orientation, stress and stress relaxation. The model simultaneously calculates the migration of O2, N2, CO2 and H2O and continually revises the diffusivities and solubilities of each of these permeants as a function of the above factors.

Analysis of additional factors

M-RULE® incorporates Vitamin C degradation and oxygen scavengers. It also predicts volume expansion and creep as a function of pressure and polymer modulus. It includes all the major barrier technology options, including plasma coatings, multilayers, blends and nanocomposites. Furthermore, M-RULE® allows the user to assess the impact of package design, filling, storage and distribution conditions on product shelf-life.

Powerful, cost-effective, and accurate

M-RULE® is a powerful tool for new package development, strategic analysis of alternative technologies, assessment of competitive materials/packages, package authorizations, light-weighting programs with existing packages, barrier technology development, and materials research and development.

With M-RULE®, users can quickly assess opportunities for cost savings and shelf-life extension without the need to first create and evaluate physical prototypes.

When you subscribe to this model, you gain unlimited access to the capabilities identified in your subscription contract for the specified contract period. Subscriptions provide company-wide, 24/7 access to the model via a secure Internet site. There are a number of different subscription levels available, so that you can tailor the service to meet your specific needs.

M-RULE® Container Performance Model
for Foods

A powerful permeation model for predicting the performance of packaging for solids and liquids in complex structures.

The M-RULE® Container Performance Model for Foods was introduced in 2008. This subscription-based computer model is a powerful permeation model for predicting the performance of packaging for a variety of liquid and solid food products, as well as for complex food packaging (like bag-in-bag, bag-in-box, institutional packaging, etc.). This model is also used for packaging for electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and industrial chemicals.

Based on proven technology

The M-RULE® Container Performance Model for Foods is based on the same materials, science, algorithms, and code developed for the M-RULE® Container Performance Model for Beverages, the industry standard tool for permeation prediction in the beverage industry since its introduction in 2002. Consequently, the Model for Foods benefits from the in-depth validation and features enhancements of that model.

Assessment of moisture sorption based on internal and external factors

A powerful feature of the M-RULE® Container Performance Model for Foods is its ability to accurately predict temperature-dependent moisture sorption as a function of relative humidity and food composition (using only carbohydrate, protein, and fat content of each product), eliminating the need for empirical moisture sorption vs. relative humidity measurements at different temperatures.

Along with moisture sorption, the M-RULE® Container Performance Model for Foods predicts the glass-transition temperature of the food product (where the food loses its crispness), which provides the user with an independent, non-empirical prediction of upper and/or lower moisture targets.

Shelf-life prediction without the need for costly empirical testing

The M-RULE® Container Performance Model for Foods incorporates vitamin degradation, food respiration and oxygen scavengers. It also predicts package expansion and contraction as a function of internal and external pressure and polymer modulus. It includes all the major barrier technology options, including plasma coatings, multilayers, blends and nanocomposites. Furthermore, this M-RULE® model allows the user to assess the impact of package design, filling, storage and distribution conditions on product shelf-life.

The M-RULE® approach to permeation prediction is unique and proven. Unlike empirical models that rely on a database of permeation values to derive results, each M-RULE® model is a fundamental model based on first-principles prediction of the diffusion and solubility of gases. These powerful systems are also remarkably user-friendly. The intuitive input fields and graphical outputs make data input and interpretation easy.

With the M-RULE® Container Performance Model for Foods, users can quickly assess opportunities for cost savings and shelf-life extension without the need to first create and evaluate physical prototypes. The model simulates far more packaging options and a far greater range of environmental conditions than you could ever address using physical prototypes.

Simultaneous analysis of all permeation factors

M-RULE® inherently accounts for all the factors that affect permeation, including concentration-dependent diffusion, temperature, crystallinity, orientation, stress and stress relaxation. The model simultaneously calculates the migration of O2, N2, CO2 and H2O and continually revises the diffusivities and solubilities of each of these permeants as a function of the above factors.

Powerful, cost-effective, and accurate

M-RULE® is a versatile tool for new package development, strategic analysis of alternative technologies, assessment of competitive materials/packages, package authorizations, light-weighting programs with existing packages, barrier technology development, and materials research and development.

Subscribers to this M-RULE® Container Performance Model for Foods have unlimited access to the capabilities identified in their subscription contracts for the specified contract period. Subscriptions provide company-wide, 24/7 online access to the model via a secure Internet site. There are a number of different subscription levels available so that you can tailor the service to meet your specific needs.

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M-RULE® models

Contact our sales and marketing agent, SBAcci, Inc.

SBAcci, Inc., based in Jacksonville, Florida, is the exclusive sales and marketing provider of Container Science’s M-RULE® Container Performance Models. Please call 904-382-8735 or email SBAcci, Inc. at j.maddox@sba-cci.com for more information. You may also visit their web site at www.sba-cci.com.