Overview
EN ISO 6591-1:2026 - Packaging - Dimensions and method of measurement - Part 1: Empty paper sacks - is a European and International standard developed by CEN and ISO. This document establishes clear definitions for the main dimensions of empty paper sacks and specifies standardized methods for their measurement. By providing uniform terminology and procedures, the standard supports quality assurance, interoperability, and compatibility in the paper packaging sector.
This standard helps manufacturers, suppliers, and users of paper sacks to communicate effectively, meet regulatory and contractual requirements, and ensure reliable product performance in storage, shipping, and processing applications.
Key Topics
EN ISO 6591-1:2026 addresses the following significant aspects:
- Terminology for paper sacks, ensuring consistent communication within the supply chain.
- Dimensional designation: Determining main dimensions such as length, width, gusset width, bottom width, valve opening, valve sleeve measurements, sewing line distance, and turn-over length.
- Types of paper sacks: Including open mouth sewn flat sacks, gusseted sacks, pasted sacks with hexagonal or turn-over bottoms, and various designs with valves.
- Valve position description: Standardizing how to specify the position and orientation of valves in valved sacks.
- Measurement apparatus: Use of devices (ruler or equivalent tools) accurate to 1 mm for dimensional checks.
- Conditioning and sampling: Requirements for preparing and sampling sacks according to referenced ISO standards to ensure consistency and repeatability in measurements.
- Measurement procedure: Step-by-step guidance on conditioning, flattening, and measuring sacks at designated points, with results calculated to the nearest millimetre.
- Test report requirements: The mandatory content of measurement reports for traceability and quality control.
Applications
The adoption of EN ISO 6591-1:2026 brings practical value in multiple areas of the packaging industry:
- Manufacturing and Quality Control
- Ensures that empty paper sacks conform to standard dimensions for automated filling, handling, and sealing systems.
- Enables cross-checks and compliance with customer specifications and regulatory standards.
- Procurement and Supply Chain
- Streamlines technical communication between buyers and suppliers, reducing misunderstandings and disputes about sack dimensions.
- Facilitates efficient tendering and procurement procedures.
- Packaging Design and Engineering
- Provides a foundation for developing new sack types or modifying existing designs for specific contents, environmental factors, or handling requirements.
- Allows integration with industry databases and CAD/CAM systems.
- Logistics and Warehousing
- Supports uniform stacking, storing, and shipping of sacks, improving warehouse utilization and transport efficiency.
- Testing and Certification
- Establishes baseline dimensional data for product certification, inspection, and compliance with legal or contractual obligations.
Related Standards
Several related standards complement EN ISO 6591-1:2026 by providing definitions, sampling methods, and conditioning procedures for paper-based packaging:
- ISO 6590-1 - Packaging - Terminology - Part 1: Paper sacks: Defines terminology for paper sacks.
- ISO 6599-1 - Packaging - Sacks - Conditioning for testing - Part 1: Paper sacks: Details the conditioning atmospheres and procedures prior to testing and measurement.
- ISO 7023 - Packaging - Sacks - Method of sampling empty sacks for testing: Specifies representative sampling methods for empty sacks.
- ISO 6591 Series - Additional parts of the ISO 6591 standard (as published) address other sack materials or measurement aspects.
These standards, in conjunction with EN ISO 6591-1:2026, support a standardized, high-quality, and efficient paper sack packaging industry that meets the needs of international businesses and regulatory frameworks.
Keywords: paper sack dimensions, packaging measurement standard, empty paper sacks, EN ISO 6591-1, paper packaging testing, sack manufacturing, sack quality control, packaging industry standards, valve sack measurement