EN 788:1994

Overview

EN 788:1994 - Sacks for the transport of food aid defines the general characteristics, requirements and methods of test for tubular sack packages made of composite film (for example PET/Alu/PE). Adopted nationally as SIST EN 788:1998, this CEN standard addresses packaging used specifically for the transport and distribution of food aid, with an emphasis on materials and construction suitable for food contact and long‑distance logistics.

Key topics and requirements

The standard focuses on practical, testable requirements rather than prescribing a single construction method. Key technical topics include:

• Material composition and food contact suitability - requirements for composite films (e.g., PET/Alu/PE) used in sacks that will contain food aid.
• Package construction - expectations for tubular sack design and sealing to ensure containment during handling and transport.
• Barrier and protective properties - criteria related to moisture, oxygen and light barrier performance appropriate for preserving food quality.
• Mechanical performance - requirements to ensure sacks withstand stacking, handling and transport stresses (tensile strength, puncture and tear resistance).
• Seal integrity and leakage prevention - requirements and test methods to verify reliable seals and closure performance.
• Dimensional and marking requirements - guidance on sack dimensions, tolerances and essential markings for traceability and handling.
• Test methods - standardized procedures for verifying compliance with the above properties (mechanical tests, barrier testing, seal checks and food contact assessments).

Note: EN 788 specifies general characteristics and test methods; exact limits and acceptance criteria are determined within the standard and by purchasers.

Applications and users

This standard is directly applicable to the design, procurement, testing and regulatory compliance of packaging used in humanitarian food distribution and commercial supply chains where durable, food‑grade tubular sacks are required. Typical users include:

• Humanitarian organisations and logistics coordinators specifying packaging for food aid
• Packaging manufacturers and converters producing composite tubular sacks
• Quality assurance and testing laboratories performing compliance tests
• Procurement teams and food safety regulators setting acceptance criteria

Related standards

EN 788 sits alongside other European and national standards covering packaging, food contact materials and test methods. The document is referenced by national adoptions (for example SIST EN 788:1998) and aligns with the ICS categories:

• 55.080 (Sacks. Bags)
• 67.250 (Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs)

Keywords: EN 788, Sacks for the transport of food aid, tubular sacks, composite film, PET/Alu/PE, food packaging standard, packaging test methods, food contact materials, humanitarian logistics.