ASTM C735-04(2019)

Standard Test Method for Acid Resistance of Ceramic Decorations on Returnable Beer and Beverage Glass Containers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method evaluates the quality and serviceability of ceramic decorations on returnable beer and beverage containers.  
4.2 This test method is also suitable for specification acceptance. Its significance is that bottles with good acid resistance coatings have longer service life.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers qualitative determination of the acid resistance of ceramic decorations on returnable beer and beverage containers, to assure the necessary durability of the decoration.  
1.2 This test provides an indication of performance when and if the decoration is to be exposed to the acid solutions used in reclaiming bottles, and it also covers those instances where the beverages themselves have acidic properties.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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-Jan-2019
• ICS: 97.040.60 - Cookware, cutlery and flatware
• Technical Committee: C14 - Glass and Glass Products
• Drafting Committee: C14.10 - Glass Decoration

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C735-04(2014) - Standard Test Method for Acid Resistance of Ceramic Decorations on Returnable Beer and Beverage Glass Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM C224-78(2020) - Standard Practice for Sampling Glass Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM C224-78(2014) - Standard Practice for Sampling Glass Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM C224-78(2009) - Standard Practice for Sampling Glass Containers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM C224-78(2004)e1 - Standard Practice for Sampling Glass Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM C224-78(1999) - Standard Practice for Sampling Glass Containers
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999

Overview

ASTM C735-04(2019): Standard Test Method for Acid Resistance of Ceramic Decorations on Returnable Beer and Beverage Glass Containers establishes a method to qualitatively determine the acid resistance of ceramic decorations applied to glass containers, such as beer and beverage bottles. This standard is essential for manufacturers, decorators, and quality assurance teams looking to ensure the durability and service life of decorative glass products intended for multiple use cycles. By measuring the chemical durability of ceramic decorations under acidic conditions, this test method supports the specification acceptance and qualification of glass containers for commercial beverage applications.

Key Topics

• Acid Resistance Testing
  • The standard describes a procedure for exposing a decorated glass specimen to a hydrochloric acid solution and visually grading the degree of attack on the decoration.
• Quality and Serviceability
  • Evaluates whether ceramic-decorated returnable bottles maintain their appearance and functional labeling throughout repeated use and exposure to acidic cleaning solutions or acidic beverages.
• Specification Acceptance
  • Facilitates objective criteria for accepting or rejecting lots of decorated glass containers based on their performance in the acid resistance test.
• Grading System
  • Seven-level grading from “no attack” to “complete removal of enamel,” offering clear guidance on acceptable quality levels for different applications.
• Applicability
  • Relevant both for reclaiming bottles with acid solutions and for end-use scenarios where beverages could be acidic.

Applications

• Returnable Beer and Beverage Glass Containers
  • Ensures the longevity of decorations on containers that are washed and reused, reducing operational costs and environmental waste.
• Quality Control in Production
  • Manufacturers and decorators can use ASTM C735-04(2019) as a routine quality check to confirm batch-to-batch consistency before market release.
• Beverage Industry Compliance
  • Beverage producers, especially those with acidic products, rely on this method to approve container suppliers and avoid issues with fading or degradation of product labeling.
• Specification Development
  • Buyers and regulatory agencies can reference this standard to set minimum durability requirements in procurement contracts and compliance programs.
• Sustainability Initiatives
  • By supporting durable, returnable glass packaging, the standard contributes to sustainability goals by extending container life and reducing packaging waste.

Related Standards

• ASTM C224 – Practice for Sampling Glass Containers, referenced for ensuring representative test specimens.
• Other Chemical Durability and Glass Standards – Organizations may also refer to related ASTM and ISO standards governing the physical and chemical properties of glassware and ceramics for food and beverage contact.

Keywords: acid resistance, ceramic decorations, glass containers, returnable bottles, beverage industry standards, ASTM C735-04(2019), durability testing, glass labeling, bottle reclaiming, quality control, decorative glassware, sustainability in packaging.

By following ASTM C735-04(2019), stakeholders can confidently assess the acid resistance of ceramic decorations on returnable glass beverage containers, ensuring quality, regulatory compliance, and consumer satisfaction.

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: C735 − 04 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Acid Resistance of Ceramic Decorations on Returnable Beer
and Beverage Glass Containers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C735; 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 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers qualitative determination of the 4.1 This test method evaluates the quality and serviceability
acid resistance of ceramic decorations on returnable beer and of ceramic decorations on returnable beer and beverage con-
beverage containers, to assure the necessary durability of the tainers.
decoration.
4.2 This test method is also suitable for specification accep-
1.2 This test provides an indication of performance when tance. Its significance is that bottles with good acid resistance
and if the decoration is to be exposed to the acid solutions used coatings have longer service life.
in reclaiming bottles, and it also covers those instances where
5. Reagent
the beverages themselves have acidic properties.
5.1 Hydrochloric Acid (27+73)—Dilute 27 volumes of
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl, sp gr 1.19) with 73
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
volumes of distilled water. This will produce nominal 11.5
standard.
weight % HCl. The volume of the solution may be varied as
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
needed.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6. Test Specimen
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
6.1 The decorated ware should be representative of the lot,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
or run, and should be taken in accordance with the principles
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
stated in Practice C224.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
7. Procedure
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
7.1 Pour the HCl (27 + 73) into a beaker large enough to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
accept all of the test specimen and the reference sample. Keep
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
this solution at room temperature (25 6 5°C).
2. Referenced Documents
7.2 Place the test specimen into the HCl so that approxi-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
mately one half of the label is immersed, and cover the beaker.
C224 Practice for Sampling Glass Containers
7.3 Remove the specimen from the HCl after 20 min. Rinse
3. Summary of Test Method with water and dry.
3.1 This test method is a qualitative method which deter- 7.4 Record the temperature of the HCl at both the beginning
mines by visual inspection the degree of attack of a nominal and the end of the test period.
10 % hydrochloric acid solution on the ceramic decoration.
7.5 Retain a duplicate piece of ware with each decoration
under test, without exposure to HCl as an aid in judging the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C14 on Glass
degree of chemical attack on the specimens under test.
and Glass Products and is the direct responsibility of
...