ISO 18188-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18188:2016 — Specification of polypropylene drinking straws. This International Standard gives general characteristics, requirements and test methods for polypropylene (PP) drinking straws (inner diameter approximately 3 mm to 12 mm), covering a range of forms such as straight, bendable/flexible, spoon‑end and other common shapes used for beverages and foodservice applications.

Abstract

Specifies materials and product requirements, dimensional tolerances and performance tests to verify suitability for food contact and reliable use (including resistance to temperature extremes and mechanical bending/flexing). The standard is intended to ensure consistent quality of PP straws used in beverage and foodservice contexts.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed during ISO 5‑year review process).
• Publication date: February 2016 (2016-02).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 67.250; 83.140.99.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 7.

Key bibliographic and status details above are drawn from the ISO record for ISO 18188:2016.

Scope

Applies to polypropylene (PP) drinking straws with an inner diameter in the approximate range 3 mm to 12 mm. The standard covers product forms commonly used for drinking (straight, flexible/bendable, spoon‑end for thick drinks, sharp tip for sealed containers, extendable/accordion types) and specifies requirements for materials (food‑contact grade PP and food‑safe additives), dimensional tolerances, and performance (temperature resistance, flex/bend behaviour, absence of brittle failure) together with relevant test methods and sampling.

Key topics and requirements

• Material requirements: use of food‑grade polypropylene and food‑safe additives/colourants; compatibility with food contact regulations.
• Dimensional requirements: inner diameter and length tolerances appropriate to the nominal sizes covered (typical inner diameter range 3–12 mm).
• Performance tests: assessments for temperature resistance (hot and cold), bending/flexing without fracture, and functional performance for intended straw types.
• Marking/printing and surface requirements: defined to protect food‑contact suitability and product safety (printing on straws is addressed in the normative text where applicable).
• Sampling and test methods: standardized procedures to verify conformity of batches to the specification.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of drinking straws and converters, quality/control and test laboratories, foodservice product purchasers, packaging and food safety regulators, and product designers specifying beverage accessories. The standard is used to establish minimum product quality and to support procurement specifications.

Related standards

Developed by ISO/TC 61/SC 11 (Plastics — Products), ISO 18188:2016 is related conceptually to other ISO and national standards covering plastics for food contact, packaging and product‑specific test methods; readers should consult ISO/TC 61 publications and national adoptions for closely related documents and any national deviations.

Keywords

polypropylene; PP straws; drinking straws; food contact; test methods; dimensions; bending resistance; temperature resistance; beverage accessories.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18188:2016 is an International Standard that specifies requirements, dimensions and test methods for polypropylene drinking straws.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers materials (food‑grade PP), typical straw forms (straight, flexible, spoon, sharp‑tip, extendable), dimensional tolerances (inner diameter roughly 3–12 mm), and performance/test requirements such as temperature and bending resistance, plus sampling and conformity checks.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Straw manufacturers, converters, product designers, quality and test laboratories, procurement teams in foodservice and retail, and regulatory or standards bodies referencing product requirements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 18188:2016 was published in February 2016 and was reviewed and confirmed in ISO’s review cycle; the ISO bibliographic record lists it as the current confirmed edition. Users should check with their national ISO member or the ISO catalogue for any amendments or newer revisions after confirmation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a product‑specific standard developed under ISO/TC 61/SC 11 (Products). While not one volume of a numbered series titled “18188,” it sits among other ISO standards addressing plastics products and food‑contact requirements developed by the same technical committee.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Polypropylene, PP straws, drinking straws, food contact, dimensions, test methods, bending resistance, temperature resistance.