Standard Practice for Evaluation of Chemical Resistance of Printed Inks and Coatings on Flexible Packaging Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Packaging materials may be exposed to chemicals such as water, alcohol, acid, etc. during their life cycle. If it is anticipated that the packaging material will be exposed to a chemical, it is important that the ink or coating, or both, not degrade, soften, or dissolve as a result of that contact.  
3.2 The testing included in this practice is applicable to surface printed and coated materials designed to be resistant to a specific chemical.  
3.3 The chemicals to be tested should be compatible with (that is, not damage or degrade) the substrate being printed or coated, or both.  
3.4 There are four separate methods detailed in this practice. The methods represent increasing degrees of severity from Method A to Method D. Selection of method should be based on the type of exposure anticipated. For example, the pouring method (Method A) is typically used where incidental exposure is anticipated, such as a spill or splash of chemical on the material surface. Method B or C is typically used when chemical resistance is desired depending on the level of exposure (B) and abrasion (C) anticipated. Method D would represent continual contact between the chemical and material and would need to be chemical-proof, (for example, if the package were to be submerged in the chemical and exposed to abrasion over a period of time.)  
3.5 This practice does not address acceptability criteria. These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer of the product, based on the type of exposure that is anticipated.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the procedure for evaluating the ability of an ink, overprint varnish or coating to withstand chemical exposure. Typical chemicals, which may come in contact with the package, include water, alcohol, acid, etc. The specific chemical and method of choice as well as determination of measurement outcome are left to users to agree upon in joint discussion. Suggestions for ways to measure and collect information are offered in the various methods listed in this practice.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Aug-2018
Drafting Committee
F02.20 - Physical Properties

Relations

Effective Date
01-Sep-2018
Effective Date
01-May-2020
Effective Date
01-Oct-2015
Effective Date
15-Nov-2011
Effective Date
01-Sep-2018
Effective Date
01-Sep-2018
Effective Date
01-Sep-2018

Overview

ASTM F2250-13(2018): Standard Practice for Evaluation of Chemical Resistance of Printed Inks and Coatings on Flexible Packaging Materials provides a systematic approach to assess how printed inks, overprint varnishes, and coatings withstand exposure to various chemicals on flexible packaging substrates. Packaging materials may come in contact with water, alcohol, acids, and other chemicals throughout their lifecycle. Ensuring the resistance of inks and coatings is critical to maintaining package integrity, product labeling, and branding.

This practice outlines multiple methods for evaluating chemical resistance, allowing manufacturers, converters, and end-users to select procedures appropriately based on the type, duration, and severity of exposure anticipated for the packaging materials in use.

Key Topics

  • Materials Covered: Surface-printed and coated flexible packaging materials using inks, varnishes, or coatings.
  • Chemicals Evaluated: Common substances include water, alcohol, and acids; user-specific chemicals can also be tested as required.
  • Test Methods: Four distinct methods (A through D) ranging from short, incidental exposure to continuous and abrasive chemical contact.
    • Method A (Pouring): Simulates spills or splashes.
    • Method B (Timed Exposure): Evaluates sustained contact.
    • Method C (Wiping): Assesses resistance to chemical abrasion.
    • Method D (Wipe after Timed Exposure): Combines immersion and abrasion.
  • Result Reporting: Observations for degradation, smearing, discoloration, or ink/coating removal are recorded quantitatively (degree or percentage of damage) or as pass/fail.
  • Scope and Responsibilities: Selection of chemicals, exposure methods, and acceptance criteria must be agreed upon jointly by users and producers to meet actual application needs.
  • Safety and Compliance: Users must address any relevant safety, health, and environmental considerations, as well as regulatory compliance.

Applications

The chemical resistance testing procedures detailed in ASTM F2250-13(2018) are widely applicable in industries where flexible packaging is exposed to potentially aggressive chemical environments. Use cases include:

  • Food and Beverage Packaging: Ensuring that printed inks and coatings do not deteriorate when exposed to condensation, acidic juices, alcoholic beverages, or cleaning agents.
  • Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging: Verifying resistance to various solvents, disinfectants, and other chemicals to maintain label integrity and prevent contamination.
  • Household and Industrial Chemicals: Testing packaging materials that may be in contact with cleaners, solvents, or corrosive substances.
  • Quality Assurance and R&D: Benchmarking new materials or formulations for chemical durability, aiding in performance validation and compliance with customer or regulatory expectations.

By following these standardized methods, manufacturers can confidently identify inks and coatings suitable for specific packaging applications, minimizing risks of label loss, product misidentification, or compromised package performance.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM and international standards are relevant to the evaluation of packaging material performance and chemical resistance:

  • ASTM E171/E171M: Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging - Provides procedures for preparing test specimens and environments to ensure consistent results.
  • ISO and EN standards on packaging, printing, and chemical resistance, which may offer complementary or harmonized procedures for global compliance.
  • Standards adhering to the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles to facilitate international acceptance.

Keywords: chemical resistance testing, flexible packaging, ink resistance, coating durability, ASTM F2250, packaging materials, food packaging standards, chemical exposure, quality control, packaging compliance.

By utilizing ASTM F2250-13(2018), organizations can improve the quality, durability, and regulatory acceptance of flexible packaging materials in diverse industries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F2250-13(2018) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Evaluation of Chemical Resistance of Printed Inks and Coatings on Flexible Packaging Materials". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 Packaging materials may be exposed to chemicals such as water, alcohol, acid, etc. during their life cycle. If it is anticipated that the packaging material will be exposed to a chemical, it is important that the ink or coating, or both, not degrade, soften, or dissolve as a result of that contact. 3.2 The testing included in this practice is applicable to surface printed and coated materials designed to be resistant to a specific chemical. 3.3 The chemicals to be tested should be compatible with (that is, not damage or degrade) the substrate being printed or coated, or both. 3.4 There are four separate methods detailed in this practice. The methods represent increasing degrees of severity from Method A to Method D. Selection of method should be based on the type of exposure anticipated. For example, the pouring method (Method A) is typically used where incidental exposure is anticipated, such as a spill or splash of chemical on the material surface. Method B or C is typically used when chemical resistance is desired depending on the level of exposure (B) and abrasion (C) anticipated. Method D would represent continual contact between the chemical and material and would need to be chemical-proof, (for example, if the package were to be submerged in the chemical and exposed to abrasion over a period of time.) 3.5 This practice does not address acceptability criteria. These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer of the product, based on the type of exposure that is anticipated. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes the procedure for evaluating the ability of an ink, overprint varnish or coating to withstand chemical exposure. Typical chemicals, which may come in contact with the package, include water, alcohol, acid, etc. The specific chemical and method of choice as well as determination of measurement outcome are left to users to agree upon in joint discussion. Suggestions for ways to measure and collect information are offered in the various methods listed in this practice. 1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 Packaging materials may be exposed to chemicals such as water, alcohol, acid, etc. during their life cycle. If it is anticipated that the packaging material will be exposed to a chemical, it is important that the ink or coating, or both, not degrade, soften, or dissolve as a result of that contact. 3.2 The testing included in this practice is applicable to surface printed and coated materials designed to be resistant to a specific chemical. 3.3 The chemicals to be tested should be compatible with (that is, not damage or degrade) the substrate being printed or coated, or both. 3.4 There are four separate methods detailed in this practice. The methods represent increasing degrees of severity from Method A to Method D. Selection of method should be based on the type of exposure anticipated. For example, the pouring method (Method A) is typically used where incidental exposure is anticipated, such as a spill or splash of chemical on the material surface. Method B or C is typically used when chemical resistance is desired depending on the level of exposure (B) and abrasion (C) anticipated. Method D would represent continual contact between the chemical and material and would need to be chemical-proof, (for example, if the package were to be submerged in the chemical and exposed to abrasion over a period of time.) 3.5 This practice does not address acceptability criteria. These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer of the product, based on the type of exposure that is anticipated. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes the procedure for evaluating the ability of an ink, overprint varnish or coating to withstand chemical exposure. Typical chemicals, which may come in contact with the package, include water, alcohol, acid, etc. The specific chemical and method of choice as well as determination of measurement outcome are left to users to agree upon in joint discussion. Suggestions for ways to measure and collect information are offered in the various methods listed in this practice. 1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F2250-13(2018) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.080 - Inks. Printing inks. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM F2250-13(2018) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F2250-13, ASTM E171/E171M-11(2020), ASTM E171/E171M-11(2015), ASTM E171/E171M-11, ASTM F2097-20, ASTM F2559/F2559M-21, ASTM F99-21. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F2250-13(2018) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2250 − 13 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Practice for
Evaluation of Chemical Resistance of Printed Inks and
Coatings on Flexible Packaging Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2250; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Significance and Use
1.1 This practice describes the procedure for evaluating the
3.1 Packaging materials may be exposed to chemicals such
ability of an ink, overprint varnish or coating to withstand as water, alcohol, acid, etc. during their life cycle. If it is
chemical exposure. Typical chemicals, which may come in
anticipated that the packaging material will be exposed to a
contact with the package, include water, alcohol, acid, etc. The chemical, it is important that the ink or coating, or both, not
specific chemical and method of choice as well as determina-
degrade, soften, or dissolve as a result of that contact.
tion of measurement outcome are left to users to agree upon in
3.2 The testing included in this practice is applicable to
joint discussion. Suggestions for ways to measure and collect
surface printed and coated materials designed to be resistant to
information are offered in the various methods listed in this
a specific chemical.
practice.
3.3 The chemicals to be tested should be compatible with
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
(that is, not damage or degrade) the substrate being printed or
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
coated, or both.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
3.4 Therearefourseparatemethodsdetailedinthispractice.
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
The methods represent increasing degrees of severity from
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
Method A to Method D. Selection of method should be based
with the standard.
on the type of exposure anticipated. For example, the pouring
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
method(MethodA)istypicallyusedwhereincidentalexposure
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
is anticipated, such as a spill or splash of chemical on the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
material surface. Method B or C is typically used when
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
chemical resistance is desired depending on the level of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
exposure (B) and abrasion (C) anticipated. Method D would
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
represent continual contact between the chemical and material
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
and would need to be chemical-proof, (for example, if the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
package were to be submerged in the chemical and exposed to
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
abrasion over a period of time.)
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3.5 This practice does not address acceptability criteria.
These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer
2. Referenced Documents
of the product, based on the type of exposure that is antici-
pated.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E171/E171M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible
4. Apparatus
Barrier Packaging
4.1 Method A Apparatus:
4.1.1 Inclined plane capable of holding material at approxi-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on Primary
mately a 45-degree angle, allowing chemical to be tested to
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.20 on
Physical Properties. flow easily downward.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
4.1.2 Small pouring container or syringe of chemical to be
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F2250 – 13. DOI:
tested.
10.1520/F2250-13R18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.2 Method B Apparatus:
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.2.1 Watch glass, sized to cover sample to be tested and
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. easily handled.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2250 − 13 (2018)
4.2.2 Small pouring container or syringe of chemical to be 7.2.2 Lay the sample on a flat surface taking care that it is
tested. smooth without wrinkles, creases, or folds. The surface to be
evaluated (the printed or coated side) should be facing up.
4.2.3 Timing device.
4.2.4 Absorbent material. 7.2.3 Pour or squirt chemical evenly over area to be tested.
7.2.4 Place watch glass over wet sample and set timing
4.3 Method C Apparatus:
device. A one minute exposure may be used for this method.
4.3.1 Cotton swab.
4.3.2 Container of chemical to be tested.
NOTE 1—The time should be based on the anticipated length of
exposure or, if ranking materials, then multiple time intervals should be
4.4 Method D Apparatus:
used.
4.4.1 Watch glass, sized to cover sample to be tested and
7.2.5 When specified time has elapsed, carefully remove
easily handled.
glass and examine sample for any running, smearing or
4.4.2 Small pouring container or syringe of chemical to be
discoloration.
tested.
7.2.6 Blot gently with absorbent material. Examine absor-
4.4.3 Timing device.
bent wipe for any transfer of ink or coating and the sample for
4.4.4 Wipe or cotton swab.
any smearing or discoloration.
7.2.7 Record results in user specified format. For example,
5. Sampling
results may be recorded as pass (no change)/fail or as a degree
5.1 The number of samples tested should be adequate to be
or percentage of damage.
predictive of performance. Caution should be taken when
eliminating samples with d
...

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