SIST EN 13973:2003

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.