Multi-parameter
Integrated evaluation of headspace gas composition and package pressure
What is Multi-parameter?
Our Multi-parameter service is a laboratory service that enables manufacturers and laboratories to study several critical headspace and package parameters in parallel within a single, structured study.
Rather than assessing individual parameters in isolation, Multi-parameter combines oxygen, carbon dioxide, and internal package pressure measurements to provide a comprehensive view of packaging and product safety and behaviour under defined conditions.
Each study is designed around the customer’s specific product, packaging format, and investigation objectives. Testing can be performed at one or multiple time points and under defined storage or handling conditions, allowing customers to evaluate interactions between gas composition and pressure over time.
Multi-parameter is particularly suited for development, optimisation, and investigative work where a deeper understanding of package and product performance is required beyond single-parameter verification.
What is measured?
Multi-parameter studies are configured to include multiple headspace and package measurements within the same investigation. Measurement scope is defined in collaboration with the customer based on the questions that need to be answered.
Available measurements
Depending on the study design, measurements can include:
- Oxygen concentration (O₂) – Evaluation of residual oxygen levels or oxygen ingress in sealed packages over time.
- Carbon dioxide concentration (CO₂) – Measurement of carbon dioxide levels in sealed packages, including modified atmosphere and gas-flushed applications.
- Total and partial pressure – Measurement of total internal package pressure and calculation of individual gas partial pressures within the sealed container.
Combined parameter evaluation
A defining feature of the Multi-parameter service is the ability to evaluate multiple parameters simultaneously based on need and agreement, allowing studying of interactions and dependencies such as:
- Oxygen and carbon dioxide behaviour under storage
- Gas composition changes in relation to internal pressure development
- Pressure evolution linked to product activity or environmental conditions
- Correlations between headspace composition and packaging performance
By collecting these datasets in parallel, the study provides a more complete picture than sequential single-parameter testing.
Measurement principles
All measurements are performed using non-destructive, laser-based headspace analysis and package pressure measurement technologies available in Gasporox laboratories.
Key principles include:
- Packages remain sealed and intact throughout testing
- No consumables are required during measurement
- Results are quantitative, repeatable, and traceable
- Measurements are suitable for both development and quality investigations
Study design and customisation
Each multi-parameter study is carefully tailored to your specific requirements and investigation goals. The study design is built around your packaging format and product characteristics, your objectives for gas composition and pressure evaluation, and the level of data scope, resolution, and depth you require. Defined time points and relevant storage conditions are also incorporated to ensure the results are directly aligned with your application and decision-making needs.
Common uses
Multi-parameter studies are typically used when customers need to understand how multiple factors influence packaging performance or product safety. Common use cases include:
Packaging development and optimisation
Evaluation of how packaging materials, formats, and sealing conditions influence headspace gas composition and internal pressure behaviour.
Evaluation of modified atmosphere packaging behaviour over time
Assessment of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pressure changes to verify that modified atmosphere conditions are maintained throughout storage.
Shelf life and storage condition studies
Investigation of how defined storage conditions affect gas composition and internal pressure over time in relation to product stability and safety.
Investigation of pressure build-up or gas composition drift
Identification and analysis of unintended changes in internal package pressure or gas composition that may indicate product activity or packaging limitations.
Root cause analysis following quality deviations or complaints
Targeted investigation of packaging behaviour to support identification of potential causes behind observed quality deviations or customer complaints.
Support for internal development documentation and decision making
Generation of structured, multi-parameter datasets to support technical justification, internal reviews, and development decisions.
Benefits of multi-parameter analysis
Multi-parameter analysis provides insight that cannot be achieved through isolated measurements alone.
Why it matters
- Holistic understanding – Simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters reveals interactions that may otherwise be overlooked.
- Efficient data generation – Multiple datasets are generated within a single study, reducing the need for separate investigations.
- Improved decision support – Results provide a stronger technical basis for packaging selection, process optimisation, and risk assessment.
Comparison with single-parameter studies
While single-parameter testing is effective for targeted verification, it may not capture the full behaviour of a packaging system. Multi-parameter studies enable:
- Evaluation of cause-and-effect relationships
- Identification of coupled changes in gas composition and pressure
- More realistic representation of in-market conditions
Who Multi-parameter is for?
The multi-parameter study is designed for organisations that require an in-depth understanding of packaging and headspace behaviour without establishing complex in-house test setups.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers and Laboratories
Food producers and contract manufacturers
Beverage manufacturers, bottlers, and co-packers
Types of organisations
Multi-parameter is suitable for:
- Manufacturers performing packaging and shelf life development
- Laboratories supporting investigation and evaluation activities
- Contract manufacturers and packers assessing packaging performance
Development and production stages
The service can be applied at various stages, including:
- Early-stage packaging and product development
- Pilot and scale-up runs
- Process optimisation and troubleshooting
- Post-market investigations
What’s included
Multi-parameter provides clearly defined outputs focused on actionable insight and technical clarity. As a part of a Multi-parameter study you will receive:
- Structured test report – A written report describing the study design, measurement setup, and results.
- Multi-parameter datasets – Quantitative results for all selected parameters, presented per time point or condition.
- Trend and comparative analysis – Evaluation of changes over time or differences between formats, conditions, or configurations.
- Defined study scope – Clear documentation of sample selection, measurement parameters, and test conditions agreed in advance.
- Return of samples – All tested samples remain intact and can be returned to the customer after analysis.
Need help understanding your product?
Technology
The AutoMAP™ Pharma optical gas sensors are built on more than 25 years of development and refinement in industrial laser-based gas measurement. The system uses Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), a highly reliable and precise method for non-destructive headspace gas analysis.
Developed by Gasporox in collaboration with its technology partners, this laser sensor technology is widely used in demanding industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and energy.
Gasporox’s laser-based headspace analysis has been successfully deployed for over a decade in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is integrated into fully automated inspection systems and benchtop instruments for 100% in-line and laboratory testing of vials, ampoules, and other parenteral packaging formats. The performance and robustness of the system have been validated through extensive real-world use.