A test report containing at least the following particulars shall be drawn up and shall be
available to
the users of the packaging:
1. Name and address of the test facility;
2. Name and address of applicant (where appropriate);
3. A unique test report identification;
4. Date of the test report;
5. Manufacturer of the packaging;
6. Description of the packaging design type (e.g. dimensions, materials, closures, thickness,
etc.), including method of manufacture (e.g. blow moulding) and which may include drawing(s)
and/or photograph(s);
7. Maximum capacity;
8. Characteristics of test contents, e.g. viscosity and relative density for liquids and particle
size for solids;
9. Test descriptions and results;
10. The test report shall be signed with the name and status of the signatory.
The following standard liquids shall be used for this plastics material.
(a) Wetting Solution for substances causing severe cracking in polyethylene under stress, in
particular for all solutions and preparations containing wetting agents.
An aqueous solution of 1% of alkyl benzene sulphonate, or an aqueous solution of 5% nonylphenol
ethoxylate which has been preliminary stored for at least 14 days at a temperature of 40 °C before
being used for the first time for the tests, shall be used. The surface tension of this solution
shall be 31 to 35 mN/m at 23 °C.
The stacking test shall be carried out on the basis of a relative density of not less than 1.20.
A compatibility test with acetic acid is not required if adequate chemical compatibility is proved
with a wetting solution.
For filling substances causing cracking in polyethylene under stress which is resistant to the
wetting solution, adequate chemical compatibility may be proved after preliminary storing for three
weeks at 40 °C in accordance with 6.1.5.2.6, but with the original filling matter;
(b) Acetic acid for substances and preparations causing cracking in polyethylene under stress, in
particular for monocarboxylic acids and monovalent alcohols.
Acetic acid in 98 to 100% concentration shall be used. Relative density = 1.05.
The stacking test shall be carried out on the basis of a relative density not less than 1.1.
In the case of filling substances causing polyethylene to swell more than acetic acid and to such
an extent that the polyethylene mass is increased by up to 4%, adequate chemical compatibility may
be proved after preliminary storing for three weeks at 40 °C, in accordance with 6.1.5.2.6 but with
the original filling matter;
(c) Normal butyl acetate/normal butyl acetate-saturated wetting solution for substances and
preparations causing polyethylene to swell to such an extent that the polyethylene mass is
increased by about 4% and at the same time causing cracking under stress, in particular for
phyto-sanitary products, liquid paints and esters. Normal butyl acetate in 98 to 100% concentration
shall be used for preliminary storage in accordance with 6.1.5.2.6.
For the stacking test in accordance with 6.1.5.6, a test liquid consisting of a 1 to 10% aqueous
wetting solution mixed with 2% normal butyl acetate conforming to (a) above shall be used.
The stacking test shall be carried out on the basis of a relative density not less than 1.0.
In the case of filling substances causing polyethylene to swell more than normal butyl acetate and
to such an extent that the polyethylene mass is increased by up to 7.5%, adequate chemical
compatibility may be proved after preliminary storing for three weeks at 40 °C, in accordance with
6.1.5.2.6 but with the original filling matter;
(d) Mixture of hydrocarbons (white spirit) for substances and preparations causing polyethylene
to swell, in particular for hydrocarbons, esters and ketones.
A mixture of hydrocarbons having a boiling range 160 °C to 220 °C, relative density 0.78-0.80,
flash-point > 50 °C and an aromatic content 16% to 21% shall be used.
The stacking test shall be carried out on the basis of a relative density not less than 1.0.
In the case of filling substances causing polyethylene to swell to such an extent that the
polyethylene mass is increased by more than 7.5%, adequate chemical compatibility may be proved
after preliminary storing for three weeks at 40 °C, in accordance with 6.1.5.2.6 but with
iginal filling matter;
(e)
Nitric acid for all substances and preparations having an oxidizing effect on polyethylene and
causing molecular degradation identical to or less than 55% nitric acid.
Nitric acid in a concentration of not less than 55% shall be used.
The stacking test shall be carried out on the basis of a relative density of not less than 1.4.
In the case of filling substances more strongly oxidizing than 55% nitric acid or causing
degradation of the molecular mass proceed in accordance with 6.1.5.2.5.
The period of use shall be determined in such cases by observing the degree of damage (e.g. two
years for nitric acid in not less than 55% concentration);
(f) Water for substances which do not attack polyethylene in any of the cases referred
to under
(a) to (e), in particular for inorganic acids and lyes, aqueous saline solutions, polyvalent
alcohols and organic substances in aqueous solution.
The stacking test shall be carried out on the basis of a relative density of not less than 1.2.
A design type test with water is not required if adequate chemical compatibility is proved with
solution or nitric acid.