Overview
ASTM D1968-22: Standard Terminology Relating to Paper and Paper Products is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This standard provides comprehensive definitions and terminology relating to paper, paperboard, and paper products. It is designed to facilitate clear communication, consistent documentation, and technical accuracy within the paper and packaging industries across the globe.
ASTM D1968-22 reflects harmonization with global principles for standardization, aligning with the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) Committee guidelines. The standard is used by manufacturers, suppliers, testing laboratories, regulatory agencies, and organizations worldwide to ensure a unified language and understanding of paper-related terms.
Key Topics
-
Definitions of Key Paper and Paperboard Materials
Terms such as acid-sized paper, alkaline-filled paper, base paper, bonding paper, chipboard, containerboard, linerboard, and boxboard are clearly defined to differentiate products and their applications.
-
Manufacturing Processes and Additives
The standard describes various types of pulps (mechanical, chemical, semichemical), sizing processes, coatings, fillers, and additives used in papermaking.
-
Physical and Performance Properties
Important characteristics like brightness, opacity, bursting strength, tensile strength, folding endurance, grain direction, durability, and life expectancy (LE ratings) are standardized.
-
Packaging and Converting Terms
Terms related to boxes, cartons, cases, corrugated fiberboard, and other packaging components are included, supporting the packaging and distribution environments.
-
Recycling and Environmental Considerations
Definitions for recycled fiber, recovered paper materials, recyclable and reusable materials, and relevant processes ensure proper use in environmental and sustainability contexts.
Applications
ASTM D1968-22 is widely used in:
-
Quality Control and Product Specification
Ensuring precise terminology in documentation, testing, and product specification, minimizing misinterpretation between buyers, suppliers, and regulators.
-
Regulatory Compliance
Assuring alignment with requirements from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense and other bodies that reference ASTM standards in procurement and compliance processes.
-
Laboratory Testing and Reporting
Establishing a common language for reporting physical and chemical properties of paper and paperboard, supporting the accuracy and comparability of test results.
-
Packaging Design and Engineering
Facilitating clear communication in the development and specification of paper-based packaging, from cartons and cases to specialty papers for archival, printing, or industrial use.
-
Sustainability and Recycling Programs
Defining terms related to recycled content, recovered materials, and recyclable products, contributing to the development of environmentally responsible paper products and policies.
Related Standards
ASTM D1968-22 references or aligns with numerous related ASTM standards, including:
- D685: Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
- D828: Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard
- D2176: Test Method for Folding Endurance of Paper and Plastic Films by the M.I.T. Tester
- D4727: Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard Sheet Stock
- D5663: Guide for Validating Recycled Content in Packaging Paper and Paperboard
- D8410: Specification for Compostability of Cellulosic-Fiber-Based Packaging Materials
- D996: Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
For further details or the latest updates, users should consult the ASTM website and ensure they refer to the current published version of each standard.
By establishing a unified vocabulary for materials, processes, properties, and environmental considerations in the world of paper and paper products, ASTM D1968-22 supports innovation, quality, efficiency, and compliance in the global paper and packaging industries.