Glass and Ceramics Industry Standards: November 2025 Compliance Updates (Part 2)

Staying competitive and compliant in the global glass and ceramics sector means keeping up with the latest in international standards. For November 2025, five new ISO standards have been published, providing vital, harmonized methodologies for testing reinforcement properties and indoor air purification performance in fine ceramic materials. These developments signal meaningful advances for engineers, manufacturers, quality managers, and researchers keen on optimizing product performance, safety, and environmental outcomes across construction, advanced materials, and high-performance ceramic applications.

Overview

The glass and ceramics industries continue to evolve, propelled by innovation in materials science and an ever-growing demand for sustainable, high-performance products. International standards play a pivotal role in this sector, underpinning quality assurance, safety, interoperability, and sustainability goals. For professionals tasked with compliance, engineering, procurement, and research, staying abreast of new standards is essential—not just for risk mitigation, but for capturing market opportunities.

This article provides detailed insights into five newly released ISO standards (published November 2025) that significantly impact the testing and qualification of advanced ceramics—particularly in relation to reinforcement tensile properties and the evaluation of photocatalytic air-purification materials under indoor lighting. You’ll find comprehensive technical reviews, implementation guidance, and compliance tips to help you understand and leverage these new requirements.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 19630:2025 - Tensile Testing of Ceramic Filaments

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Methods of test for reinforcements — Determination of tensile properties of filaments at ambient temperature

The newly revised ISO 19630:2025 specifies rigorous conditions for determining the tensile properties of single ceramic filaments under ambient temperature conditions. It applies to continuous filaments extracted from tows, yarns, braids, and knittings with fracture strain less than or equal to 5%. Key properties measured include tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and fracture strain.

This standard is highly relevant for:

• Manufacturers of advanced ceramic composite reinforcements
• R&D laboratories and quality control units
• Engineers specifying materials for high-performance aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications

Notably, ISO 19630:2025 does not apply to carbon fibres with nonlinear stress-strain behavior or for homogeneity checks of fiber strength. However, it details methodologies for estimating strength statistical parameters, helping organizations meet exacting product qualification needs.

Key highlights:

• Expands on prior editions with a fully revised gauge length procedure and statistical treatment
• Defines displacement rates, load cell specifications, and specimen preparation
• Sets out comprehensive test reporting and calculation requirements for tensile, modulus, and fracture limits

Access the full standard:View ISO 19630:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 17168-1:2025 - Air Purification Performance - Removal of Nitric Oxide

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Test method for air-purification performance of semiconducting photocatalytic materials under indoor lighting environment — Part 1: Removal of nitric oxide

This standard establishes the procedure for assessing the ability of ceramic-based photocatalytic materials to purify air by removing nitric oxide (NO) under indoor lighting conditions. Covering materials such as flat sheets, plates, honeycomb structures, and composites containing ceramic microcrystals, ISO 17168-1:2025 supports accurate, reproducible testing applicable across a wide spectrum of air purification and building material technologies.

Key applications include:

• Building construction materials with photocatalytic coatings
• Indoor environmental quality products
• Manufacturers and researchers developing novel air-cleaning ceramics

Notable features include test apparatus and flow control requirements, pollutant gas handling, calibration standards, and detailed safety/environmental cautions. While focusing specifically on NO removal, the methodology enhances confidence in product claims for end-users and regulators alike.

Key highlights:

• Provides a flow-through photoreactor test under artificial indoor light
• Quantifies net removal of NOx with differentiated measurement for adsorption, removal, and formation
• Aligns with global laboratory quality systems (ISO/IEC 17025)

Access the full standard:View ISO 17168-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 17168-2:2025 - Air Purification Performance - Removal of Acetaldehyde

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics)— Test method for air-purification performance of semiconducting photocatalytic materials under indoor lighting environment — Part 2: Removal of acetaldehyde

Building on the series, ISO 17168-2:2025 details the protocol for evaluating the performance of indoor-light-active photocatalytic ceramics in removing acetaldehyde—a common volatile organic compound (VOC) with odorous and potentially harmful effects. It applies to the same range of materials as Part 1, ensuring consistency in product evaluation for manufacturers of construction panels, composites, and coated surfaces.

Primary compliance stakeholders include:

• Product development and QC teams in interior materials
• Facilities managers seeking reliable air-purifying products
• Regulatory agencies setting emission and IAQ standards

The method specifies flow-controlled test gas systems, light source calibration, pollutant measurement, and complete reporting. A secondary measurement quantifies conversion of acetaldehyde to carbon dioxide (CO₂), providing additional data on oxidation performance.

Key highlights:

• Standardizes assessment of acetaldehyde removal under realistic (indoor light) conditions
• Covers test set-up, pollutant preparation, dark control, and calculation of removal rates
• Gains repeatability through detailed apparatus and procedural requirements

Access the full standard:View ISO 17168-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 17168-4:2025 - Air Purification Performance - Removal of Formaldehyde

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics)— Test method for air-purification performance of semiconducting photocatalytic materials under indoor lighting environment — Part 4: Removal of formaldehyde

The fourth standard in the series addresses one of the most critical indoor air pollutants: formaldehyde, a known cause of "sick building syndrome". ISO 17168-4:2025 stipulates the test framework for measuring the ability of photocatalytic ceramics to remove formaldehyde under conditions representative of everyday indoor environments.

Target users include:

• Suppliers and evaluators of indoor construction materials and coatings
• QA labs supporting product claims for health-focused air purification
• Policy makers and certification authorities in environmental health

The protocol employs a photoreactor with controlled test gas and light conditions, measures removal via analytical instrumentation, and verifies performance via dark condition controls. It excludes powders or highly adsorptive materials where equilibrium cannot be reliably attained.

Key highlights:

• Focuses on quantifying reduction of formaldehyde, a high-priority VOC
• Supports health-driven product innovation and regulatory compliance
• Delivers actionable, laboratory-proven performance data

Access the full standard:View ISO 17168-4:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 17168-5:2025 - Air Purification Performance - Removal of Methyl Mercaptan

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics)— Test method for air-purification performance of semiconducting photocatalytic materials under indoor lighting environment — Part 5: Removal of methyl mercaptan

Rounding out the series, ISO 17168-5:2025 delivers a method for verifying the removal of methyl mercaptan, a malodorous sulfur-based compound frequently associated with poor indoor air quality. This standard is crucial for validating claims in applications ranging from office buildings and public spaces to transportation interiors.

Typical organizations impacted:

• Manufacturers of advanced ceramic air-purification solutions
• Commercial real estate, facilities, and maintenance operators
• QA and regulatory professionals in the indoor environment sector

The defined test protocol closely follows those developed for the removal of NO, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde, ensuring seamless integration across test laboratories and product portfolios. Data capture includes pollutant removal rates, verification under controlled conditions, and clear reporting standards.

Key highlights:

• Applies to flat and filter-type test pieces in photoreactor systems
• Provides reliable, standardized evidence of methyl mercaptan reduction
• Supports stakeholder-driven requirements for odor control and indoor comfort

Access the full standard:View ISO 17168-5:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Adoption of these new ISO standards presents significant benefits for organizations dedicated to quality, health, and innovation in the glass and ceramics sector.

• Market access & credibility: Certified testing and performance data aligned with ISO methodologies boost credibility with regulators and customers globally.
• Health & sustainability: Enhanced air-purification protocols address public demand for healthier indoor environments and stricter regulatory frameworks.
• Manufacturing innovation: Rigorous reinforcement property testing drives improvements in composite design and safety.
• Simplified procurement: Unified test methods simplify specification writing, supplier assessment, and qualification processes.

Compliance Considerations

• Review current testing and QA protocols—update to meet the revised or new methods
• Engage with accredited labs (ISO/IEC 17025 compliant) for official certification
• Allow for transition timelines, especially for ongoing contracts or product lines
• Document all procedural changes and retrain relevant personnel

Risks of non-compliance include: rejected products, regulatory penalties, loss of market share, and decreased customer trust.

Technical Insights

Common to all the ISO 17168 series standards and the updated ISO 19630:2025 are these best practices:

• Apparatus Calibration: All test equipment, including tensile testers and photoreactors, must be periodically calibrated to maintain result integrity.
• Specimen Preparation: Strict protocols for sample size, mounting, and treatment ensure repeatable and reproducible outcomes.
• Environmental Controls: Tests must replicate real-use scenarios, particularly regarding temperature, humidity, and lighting, to yield meaningful data for both R&D and final QA.
• Reporting Requirements: Comprehensive recording of methods, calibration, deviations, and results fosters global data comparability and confidence in claims.
• Continuous Training: Personnel should be trained or requalified as standards evolve, keeping teams up-to-date on both laboratory safety and technical nuance.
• Third-party Certification: Whenever possible, leverage ISO/IEC 17025 accredited facilities for external validation—especially for regulatory or market-driven assurance needs.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The November 2025 release of these five international standards is a significant event for the glass and ceramics sector. Whether you are manufacturing advanced structural components or innovating clean-air technologies, these standards unlock new benchmarks for performance, quality, and compliance.

Action points for industry professionals:

1. Download and review the full text of relevant standards for your operations via iTeh Standards
2. Evaluate your current lab and production testing against the updated requirements
3. Adjust documentation, training, and supplier contracts to reflect changes
4. Use third-party certified data to strengthen product claims and customer confidence
5. Stay connected with iTeh Standards for future updates and guidance

Take the initiative to lead—implement these standards and drive excellence in your materials, products, and results.

Stay informed on evolving international standards and compliance topics at iTeh Standards.