Astm Packaging Standards

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) was developed in 1898 by chemists and engineers to oversee consumer satisfaction and competitive international marketing. Today, some 12,000 standards are used to ensure superior products, such as packaging material.

Function

• ASTM packaging standards apply to various pulp, paper and paper board materials used to make boxes, labels and other parcels for packaging. These standards are used for testing and evaluation of chemical, physical and mechanical properties to determine structural characteristics such as water and oil resistance. ASTM provides these standards to guide commercial packaging plants in producing quality products.

Types

• Several sectors use ASTM standards for safe packaging procedures. Pharmaceutical companies, pesticide manufacturers and electronic businesses utilize these standards for safe shipment of products and consumer protection. Aerosol and paint cans are even designed according to ASTM standards.

Significance

• ASTM provides standards for child resistance packaging for pesticides and drugs pertaining to closures to prevent accidental poisoning. Standards for testing chemical residues are also provided to prevent toxicity or allergic reactions to consumers. Microwave ovens are tested by standard procedures as well for calibration, temperature and volatile extractables.