ASTM Packaging Standards

International Packaging Standards

ASTM packaging standards form the global foundation for ensuring that packaging systems deliver safety, reliability, and performance throughout the supply chain.

From corrugated containers and flexible films to shipping units and medical device packaging, these standards define trusted methods for testing durability, strength, barrier properties, and sustainability.

Developed by ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging, the standards support industries as diverse as food, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, e-commerce, and logistics.

By aligning design, testing, and quality assurance, ASTM packaging standards help manufacturers reduce waste, protect product integrity, and build consumer confidence.

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Digital Access to International Packaging Standards

ASTM’s packaging standards are continuously updated to reflect new technologies, materials, and environmental goals. They support industries as varied as consumer goods, e-commerce, healthcare, and hazardous materials transport.

With access through ASTM Compass®, stakeholders across design, manufacturing, quality control, and logistics can work from the same trusted references, ensuring alignment and efficiency across the entire packaging lifecycle.

In a sector where performance and sustainability are equally vital, ASTM packaging standards deliver the essential framework for protecting products, reducing waste, and building consumer trust worldwide.

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Popular ASTM Packaging Standards

ASTM has developed hundreds of packaging standards, many of which are considered industry staples:

  • D4169 — Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems, widely used to simulate distribution hazards like compression, vibration, and shock.
  • D882 — Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting, essential for evaluating films and flexible packaging.
  • D1974 — Standard Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes, providing guidance on ensuring box integrity in transit.
  • D4991 — Standard Test Method for Leakage Testing of Empty Rigid Containers by Vacuum Method, critical for packaging that must maintain airtightness.
  • F88/F88M — Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials, often used in medical and food packaging to verify sealing reliability.

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ASTM Packaging Standards in Spanish

  • ASTM D1434 Test Method for Determining Gas Permeability Characteristics of Plastic Film and Sheeting
  • ASTM D3078 Test Method for Determination of Leaks in Flexible Packaging by Bubble Emission
  • ASTM D6701 Test Method for Determining Water Vapor Transmission Rates Through Nonwoven and Plastic Barriers
  • ASTM E0171 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging
  • ASTM F0088 Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials
  • ASTM F0392 Practice for Conditioning Flexible Barrier Materials for Flex Durability
  • ASTM F1115 Test Method for Determining the Carbon Dioxide Loss of Beverage Containers
  • ASTM F1317 Test Method for Calibration of Microwave Ovens
  • ASTM F1519 Test Method for Qualitative Analysis of Volatile Extractables in Microwave Susceptors Used to Heat Food Products
  • ASTM F1884 Test Methods for Determining Residual Solvents in Packaging Materials
  • ASTM F1886 Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by Visual Inspection
  • ASTM F1980 Guide for Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier Systems and Medical Devices
  • ASTM F2097 Guide for Design and Evaluation of Primary Flexible Packaging for Medical Products
  • ASTM F2250 Practice for Evaluation of Chemical Resistance of Printed Inks and Coatings on Flexible Packaging Materials
  • ASTM F2252 Practice for Evaluating Ink or Coating Adhesion to Flexible Packaging Materials Using Tape
  • ASTM F2475 Guide for Biocompatibility Evaluation of Medical Device Packaging Materials
  • ASTM F3263 Guide for Packaging Test Method Validation