EN 13973:2002
(Main)Rigid plastics containers - Method for determination of drainability
Rigid plastics containers - Method for determination of drainability
This European standard specifies a method for determination on the drainability of plastics bottles and jars with a normal capacity up to 5.0 l and of plastic canisters/jerricans with a nominal volume up to 20 litres.
Formstabile Kunststoffbehälter - Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Entleerbarkeit
Conteneurs en plastique rigide - Méthode de détermination de l'aptitude au vidage
La présente Norme Européenne spécifie une méthode permettant de déterminer l'aptitude au vidage des bouteilles et des bocaux en plastique d'une capacité nominale inférieure ou égale à 5 l et des bidons et jerricans en plastique d'un volume nominal inférieur ou égal à 20 l.
NOTE Dans la présente norme, les bouteilles, bocaux, bidons et jerricans en plastique sont désignés par le terme "conteneurs".
Toge plastične posode - Metoda za ugotavljanje odtekanja
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 15-Oct-2002
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 261 - Packaging
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 11-Sep-2024
- Completion Date
- 14-Apr-2025
Overview - EN 13973:2002 (Rigid plastics containers - Drainability test)
EN 13973:2002 specifies a standardized laboratory method to determine the drainability of rigid plastic containers. The standard covers plastics bottles and jars (nominal capacity up to 5.0 L) and canisters / jerricans (nominal volume up to 20 L). The test quantifies the residual product left after normal emptying under gravity, supporting design validation and quality control for packaging that affects product waste and usability.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and principle
- Measures mass of test liquid remaining after gravity drainage to calculate absolute and relative drainability.
- Tested containers
- Applies to rigid plastics containers (bottles, jars, canisters/jerricans) within the stated capacity limits.
- Apparatus
- Balance: accuracy at least 0.1% of measured weight.
- Thermometer: scale increments ≤ 1 °C, accuracy ± 1 °C.
- Holding device (if required) to position containers during draining.
- Testing liquids
- Normal tap water at 23 °C ± 1 °C is the default. Alternative test liquids may be used if their characteristics are defined and reported.
- Procedure (high level)
- Weigh empty container; fill to ≥ 50% nominal capacity; agitate to wet inner surfaces; open and drain under gravity until flow stops; incline to optimal draining angle and hold for 1 minute; re-weigh.
- Calculations
- Absolute drainability = mass after emptying − mass before filling (g).
- Relative drainability (%) = (absolute drainability / nominal capacity mass) × 100.
- Reporting requirements
- Test reference, container description, material, nominal capacity, number of replicates, test liquid and temperature, individual and average absolute and relative drainability, sampling method, tester signature, etc.
- Related normative reference
- EN 13974 for dimensional tolerances is cited.
Applications - who uses EN 13973:2002
- Packaging engineers and designers validating container shapes, necks and spouts for improved product evacuation.
- Quality control and laboratory technicians performing routine acceptance tests on production batches.
- Manufacturers of plastic bottles, jars and jerricans demonstrating compliance and optimizing designs to reduce product waste.
- Brand owners and spec writers including drainability requirements in procurement and technical specifications.
- Regulatory bodies or eco-design initiatives concerned with reducing residual product waste.
Related standards and keywords
- Related: EN 13974 (tolerances for rigid plastics containers).
- Useful SEO keywords: EN 13973:2002, rigid plastics containers, drainability test, plastic bottles, plastic jerricans, residual content, relative drainability, packaging test method, container design validation.
This standard provides a clear, repeatable procedure to quantify container emptying performance - a practical tool for improving packaging efficiency, reducing product waste and supporting procurement and compliance documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 13973:2002 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Rigid plastics containers - Method for determination of drainability". This standard covers: This European standard specifies a method for determination on the drainability of plastics bottles and jars with a normal capacity up to 5.0 l and of plastic canisters/jerricans with a nominal volume up to 20 litres.
This European standard specifies a method for determination on the drainability of plastics bottles and jars with a normal capacity up to 5.0 l and of plastic canisters/jerricans with a nominal volume up to 20 litres.
EN 13973:2002 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 55.100 - Bottles. Pots. Jars; 55.140 - Barrels. Drums. Canisters. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 13973:2002 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 80/232/EEC, 87/356/EEC. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
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Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Formstabile Kunststoffbehälter - Verfahren zur Bestimmung der EntleerbarkeitConteneurs en plastique rigide - Méthode de détermination de l'aptitude au vidageRigid plastics containers - Method for determination of drainability55.140Barrels. Drums. Canisters55.100Steklenice. Lonci. KozarciBottles. Pots. JarsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13973:2002SIST EN 13973:2003en,fr,de01-julij-2003SIST EN 13973:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 13973October 2002ICS 55.100; 55.140English versionRigid plastics containers - Method for determination ofdrainabilityConteneurs en plastique rigide - Méthode de déterminationde l'aptitude au vidageFormstabile Kunststoffbehälter - Verfahren zur Bestimmungder EntleerbarkeitThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 19 August 2002.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2002 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 13973:2002 ESIST EN 13973:2003
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SIST EN 13973:2003은 경질 플라스틱 용기의 배출 가능성을 평가하기 위한 중요한 유럽 표준으로, 처리 가능한 플라스틱 병 및 항아리 (용량 최대 5.0리터)와 플라스틱 캐니스터/제리캔 (명목 볼륨 최대 20리터)에 대한 방법을 제시합니다. 이 표준은 플라스틱 제품의 효율적인 사용과 환경적인 책임을 고려하여 수립된 것으로, 폐기물 관리 및 재활용을 위한 기초 자료로서의 중요성이 높습니다. 이 표준의 강점 중 하나는 배출 가능성에 대한 명확한 테스트 방법을 제공한다는 점입니다. 이를 통해 제조업체는 제품 설계 단계에서부터 효율성을 고려하여 소비자에게 보다 나은 사용 경험을 제공할 수 있도록 도와줍니다. 또한, 표준의 적용은 제품의 품질을 보장할 뿐만 아니라 환경적 지속 가능성을 높이는 데 기여합니다. SIST EN 13973:2003의 적절성 또한 두드러집니다. 유럽에서 통용되는 기준으로서, 이 문서는 다양한 용도의 플라스틱 용기에 대한 배출 성능을 비교하고 분석하는 데 필수적이며, 소비자 안전 및 환경 보호를 위한 정책 설정에도 기여할 수 있습니다. 따라서 이 표준은 경질 플라스틱 용기 사용에 관련된 모든 이해관계자에게 필수적인 정보와 지침을 제공하여, 산업 전반에서의 표준화된 접근 방식을 촉진합니다. 결론적으로, SIST EN 13973:2003은 경질 플라스틱 용기의 배출 가능성 판단 및 평가를 위한 필수적인 지침을 제공하며, 이는 산업의 지속 가능한 발전에 필수적인 역할을 합니다.
La norme EN 13973:2002, intitulée "Rigid plastics containers - Method for determination of drainability", établit un cadre essentiel pour évaluer la drainabilité des conteneurs en plastique rigide. Son champ d'application est clairement défini, portant sur les bouteilles et les bocaux en plastique d'une capacité normale allant jusqu'à 5,0 litres, ainsi que sur les canisters et jerricans en plastique avec un volume nominal allant jusqu'à 20 litres. Ce standard présente plusieurs points forts notables. Tout d'abord, il fournit une méthode normalisée, garantissant la cohérence et la fiabilité des résultats lors de l'évaluation de la drainabilité. Cela est particulièrement pertinent pour les fabricants de contenants en plastique, car cela leur permet de respecter les exigences réglementaires et d'assurer la qualité de leurs produits. De plus, la norme EN 13973:2002 est d'une grande pertinence dans le contexte actuel, où la gestion des déchets plastiques et la durabilité sont des préoccupations croissantes. En facilitant l'évaluation de la performance des conteneurs en plastique, cette norme contribue également à promouvoir des pratiques d'emballage plus responsables. En effet, comprendre la drainabilité des contenants peut influencer les décisions en matière de conception produit, réduisant ainsi les impacts environnementaux liés à l'utilisation excessive de plastiques. En résumé, la norme SIST EN 13973:2003, dérivée de l'EN 13973:2002, représente une avancée significative dans l'évaluation des contenants en plastique rigide, en offrant une méthode d'analyse structurée et pertinente pour l'industrie. Sa capacité à répondre aux besoins contemporains en matière de durabilité et de qualité, tout en facilitant l'innovation dans le domaine des emballages, en fait un instrument précieux pour les acteurs du secteur.
標準EN 13973:2002は、硬質プラスチック容器の排水性を評価するための方法を定めた非常に重要な文書です。この標準が適用される範囲は、通常5.0リットルまでのプラスチックボトルやジャー、また、名目体積が20リットルまでのプラスチックキャニスターやジェリカンに広がっています。これにより、さまざまなタイプのプラスチック容器の排水性を一貫して実施し、比較可能なデータを提供することが可能になります。 この標準の強みは、排水性の測定が明確に定義されている点です。具体的な試験手順が詳細に説明されており、製造業者や研究機関が信頼性の高い結果を得るための指針を提供しています。また、EN 13973:2002は、プラスチック製容器における環境への影響を考慮した評価方法を提供することで、持続可能な開発目標への貢献も可能にしています。 この標準はさらに、業界全体での均一な評価基準を確立するため、製品の品質管理や規制遵守に寄与します。特に、リサイクルプロセスでの効率を向上させるための重要な手段として位置付けられています。結果的に、EN 13973:2002は、プラスチック容器の設計者や製造事業者にとって、優れた排水性の確保と製品性能向上のための指針となり、業界の持続可能性を推進する役割を果たすことが期待されます。
Der Standard EN 13973:2002 bietet einen präzisen und methodischen Ansatz zur Bestimmung der Drainierfähigkeit von starren Kunststoffbehältern, insbesondere von Kunststoffflaschen und -gläsern mit einem normalen Fassungsvermögen von bis zu 5,0 Litern sowie von Kunststoffkanistern und -kanistern mit einem Nennvolumen von bis zu 20 Litern. Diese Norm ist von großer Relevanz für Hersteller und Anwender von Kunststoffverpackungen, da die Drainierfähigkeit eine entscheidende Rolle in der Qualitätssicherung und in der Effizienz der Produktnutzung spielt. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil des Standards liegt in seiner klaren Definition des Prüfverfahrens, das auf die spezifischen Merkmale von Kunststoffen zugeschnitten ist. Durch die standardisierte Methode können Unternehmen gleichbleibende Ergebnisse erzielen, was eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit im Markt darstellt. Darüber hinaus fördert die Anwendung dieser Norm die Sicherheit der Verbraucher, da die Drainierfähigkeit direkten Einfluss auf die Handhabung und Entsorgung der Verpackungen hat. Die Relevanz von EN 13973:2002 zeigt sich auch in der zunehmenden Bedeutung von Nachhaltigkeit und Ressourcenschonung. Durch die Verbesserung der Drainierfähigkeit können Unternehmen Materialien effizienter nutzen und Abfall reduzieren. Die Möglichkeit, die Entleerungseffizienz von Behältern zu messen, ist ein wichtiger Schritt in Richtung umweltfreundlicher Verpackungslösungen. Insgesamt stellt die SIST EN 13973:2003 eine wichtige Grundlage für die Evaluierung von starren Kunststoffbehältern dar, da sie nicht nur die technische Interoperabilität gewährleistet, sondern auch zur Optimierung der Produktverpackung und zur Verbesserung der Umweltauswirkungen beiträgt. Unternehmen, die diese Norm implementieren, können von ihren Vorteilen in Bezug auf Qualität und Nachhaltigkeit profitieren und sich somit besser auf dem Markt positionieren.
The standard EN 13973:2002 outlines a critical methodology for assessing the drainability of rigid plastic containers, specifically focusing on bottles and jars with a capacity of up to 5.0 liters and plastic canisters/jerricans with a nominal volume up to 20 liters. The scope of this standard is significant as it provides clear guidelines essential for manufacturers and quality assurance professionals in the plastics sector, ensuring that products meet both functional performance criteria and regulatory compliance. One of the key strengths of EN 13973:2002 is its comprehensive approach to defining the drainability testing process. By standardizing the methodology, it enables consistent and repeatable results across different testing environments. This consistency is crucial for companies seeking to ensure that their products perform reliably in real-world applications, where effective drainage can impact usability and waste management. Moreover, the relevance of this standard extends beyond just compliance; it aids in optimizing the design and functionality of plastic containers. By employing the standardized method for determination of drainability, manufacturers can enhance their product designs, thereby improving customer satisfaction and reducing environmental impacts associated with non-drainable packaging. The robust framework provided in SIST EN 13973:2003 supports innovation in packaging while simultaneously addressing the essential need for sustainable practices in the industry. Adopting this standard not only facilitates adherence to best practices but also fosters confidence in products circulating in the market, promoting transparency and safety in consumer goods.










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