SIST EN 277:1998

Overview

EN 277:1995 - Sacks for the transport of food aid - specifies the general characteristics, requirements and methods of test for sacks made of woven polypropylene fabric. This European Standard from CEN applies to woven polypropylene sacks intended for the transport of food aid with a filling mass up to 50 kg. It focuses on ensuring safe, fit-for-purpose packaging where the sacks are materials and articles that come into contact with foodstuffs.

Key Topics

The standard addresses the essential technical and safety aspects of woven polypropylene sacks used for food aid. Key topics include:

• Material requirements: composition and suitability of woven polypropylene fabric for food contact applications.
• Construction and design: fabric weave, sack formats and typical construction features appropriate for bulk food transport.
• Performance requirements: general strength, durability and integrity expectations under normal handling and transport conditions for sacks up to 50 kg.
• Testing methods: prescribed methods to verify that sacks meet the stated requirements (e.g., tests for strength, seam performance and other functional characteristics). EN 277 defines the types of tests to be used rather than specific operational procedures outside its scope.
• Hygiene and food-safety considerations: measures to reduce contamination risk and ensure suitability for food aid use.
• Marking and identification: requirements for labeling to support traceability and correct handling in food aid supply chains.

Applications

EN 277:1995 is practical for organizations and professionals involved in the production, procurement and quality assurance of food aid packaging:

• Manufacturers of woven polypropylene sacks who need to design and produce sacks suitable for food aid.
• Quality managers and testing laboratories that verify conformance to European requirements for food-contact sacks.
• Humanitarian and aid organizations procuring robust, food-safe sacks for bulk distribution of food aid (up to 50 kg filling mass).
• Logistics and supply chain teams ensuring packaging meets durability and hygiene expectations during transport and storage.
• Regulatory bodies and certification schemes referencing European standards for food contact packaging.

Related Standards

EN 277 is part of the broader set of European and national standards covering packaging, sacks and bags, and materials in contact with foodstuffs. Users should consult other relevant CEN standards and national regulations on food-contact materials, packaging safety, and testing protocols when applying EN 277 in procurement or compliance processes.

Keywords: EN 277:1995, sacks for the transport of food aid, woven polypropylene fabric, food-contact packaging, testing methods, filling mass up to 50 kg, CEN standard.