Resistance Test
An international standard specifies a method for determining the resistance of paper and board to grease penetration. In food packaging applications, iso 16532 1 provides the benchmark for evaluating barriers applied to paperboard cartons. This test focuses on the penetration of liquid grease through the flat surface of the sheet.
Test Execution
The procedure involves placing a test piece of paperboard on a glass plate, applying a specific grease mixture, and placing a heavy weight on top to simulate storage conditions. In iso 16532 1, the time required for the grease to penetrate the paperboard and stain the glass is recorded. This duration indicates the effectiveness of the barrier coating, such as fluorochemicals or synthetic polymers, under stress.
If the grease penetrates too quickly, the board fails the test, which means the packaging is unsuitable for greasy food products.
Quality Assurance
Food manufacturers require packaging materials that prevent grease from staining the outer carton during transport and display. By certifying that a board complies with iso 16532 1, the mill guarantees that the product will maintain its visual appeal on the retail shelf. This compliance is particularly important for fast food cartons and pet food bags.
Using standard testing ensures that different board batches can be compared fairly, which helps converters choose the most cost effective barrier solution for their specific application.