Overview
ISO 6591-1:1984 - Packaging - Sacks - Description and method of measurement - Part 1: Empty paper sacks defines a standardized system to describe and dimension empty paper sacks and specifies the method of measurement. The standard sets out how sacks are described using dimensional designations (figures such as width, length, gusset and valve dimensions), the equipment and sampling requirements, conditioning before testing, the measurement procedure and the required test report content.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Dimensional designation: Sacks are identified by type (open-mouth, valved, sewn, pasted, gusseted, etc.) and by a sequence of dimensions (for example, open-mouth sewn flat sack = b / a; valved sewn flat sack = b / a / g (v) / f / (i)).
- Defined dimensions include: sack length (a), sack width (b), width of gusset (e), width of end (c), valve width (g), valve sleeve width (v), valve length (f), valve sleeve length (i), sewing line distance (n), and closure turn-over length (p). All dimensions are expressed in millimetres to the nearest 1 mm.
- Measurement equipment and accuracy: Use a ruler or instrument graduated in millimetres with 1 mm accuracy.
- Conditioning: Condition sacks to an equilibrium using atmospheres given in ISO 6599-1. Equilibrium is reached when successive measurements (at intervals ≥ 6 hours) do not differ by more than 1 mm - typically 1 day for sacks without a moisture barrier, and about 3 days for sacks with a moisture barrier.
- Sampling and procedure: Sampling is carried out per ISO 7023. Place sacks flat, smooth out wrinkles, measure at specified points in clause 4, compute the mean of determinations and report to nearest millimetre.
- Valve position nomenclature: Valve location is described as top/bottom and left/right based on sack orientation.
- Test report requirements: Include full sample identification, reference to ISO 6591-1, conditioning atmosphere, measured dimensions, any unusual features and any additional relevant information.
Applications
- Specification and procurement of paper sacks for bulk goods and industrial packaging.
- Quality control and incoming inspection in sack manufacturing and converting plants.
- Test laboratories performing dimensional verification and certification.
- Technical documentation for logistics, packaging engineering, and standard-compliant product labeling.
Who should use this standard
- Packaging manufacturers and converters
- Quality assurance and testing laboratories
- Purchasing and specifications engineers
- Regulatory and standards compliance teams
Related standards
- ISO 6590-1 - Packaging - Sacks - Vocabulary and types - Part 1: Paper sacks (referenced)
- ISO 6599-1 - Packaging - Sacks - Conditioning for testing - Part 1: Paper sacks (referenced)
- ISO 7023 - Packaging - Sacks - Method of sampling empty sacks for testing (referenced)
Keywords: ISO 6591-1:1984, paper sacks, dimensional designation, method of measurement, packaging standard, valved sacks, gusseted sacks, sampling, conditioning.