The US company said the decision was a strategic one as the Indian subcontinent was one of the fastest growing market places in the world.

The lab, due to open in Mumbai in January, will be offering barrier and headspace analysis, leak detection and burst testing for food, beverage and pharmaceutical/medical packaging. The water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeation testing services are also intended for manufacturers and converters of rigid and flexible packaging containers and films.

The operation will be the first independent Mocon-certified lab and will be run by Indian firm Hemetek.

“It’s important to point out that the lab is certified," said Mocon product manager for consulting and test services Alan Shema. "That means that companies using the Mumbai facility will get the same level of service and quality they would find at our US headquarters."

Indian companies have traditionally relied on universities and other institutions for their package testing needs – with turnaround times ranging from a couple of weeks to more than a month. Mocon said its new venture will provide results in less time, helping companies decrease development time and improve speed-to-market.