ASTM C675-91(2022)

Standard Test Method for Alkali Resistance of Ceramic Decorations on Returnable Beverage Glass Containers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method provides a means for determining the durability of decorated returnable glass beverage containers which may be a prerequisite in product specifications.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determination of the alkali resistance of ceramic labels (hereafter referred to as ACL (Applied Color Label) on returnable beverage bottles (hereafter referred to as ware) to ensure the necessary durability of the label. A number of states require the cleaning and sanitizing of this ware by washing in hot alkali solutions. Accelerated tests are needed to ensure that the ACL will withstand the anticipated number of washings and still present an acceptable ware identification and appearance.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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-2022
• ICS: 97.040.60 - Cookware, cutlery and flatware
• Technical Committee: C14 - Glass and Glass Products
• Drafting Committee: C14.10 - Glass Decoration

Overview

ASTM C675-91(2022): Standard Test Method for Alkali Resistance of Ceramic Decorations on Returnable Beverage Glass Containers sets out a qualitative test to measure how well ceramic decorations, specifically Applied Color Labels (ACL), resist degradation during repeated exposure to alkaline washing solutions. This standard is crucial for manufacturers, bottlers, and industries involved in the production and recycling of glass beverage containers, as it determines whether the labeling remains identifiable and presentable after multiple washing cycles in hot alkali solutions. Compliance with this test method is frequently a prerequisite in product specifications and regulatory requirements.

Key Topics

• Alkali Resistance Testing: The standard outlines a process to assess the durability of ceramic decorations applied to glass bottles that are intended for reuse. It specifically focuses on the performance of these decorations when exposed to cleaning with hot alkaline solutions, a common step in sanitizing returnable glassware.
• Applied Color Label (ACL) Durability: The method evaluates how long the ACL can withstand attack by alkali solutions before significant visual degradation (defined as 90% destruction) occurs. The test involves repeated immersion cycles with periodic visual inspection.
• Test Procedure: A qualitative procedure is employed, requiring minimal skill but consistent observational judgment. The containers are partially immersed in a specific alkali solution, subjected to controlled temperatures, and checked at intervals for intact labeling.
• Safety and Environmental Considerations: The standard reminds users to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements when executing the test.

Applications

The ASTM C675-91(2022) standard is applied in:

• Quality Control: Glass manufacturers and decorators use this method to ensure their ceramic labels meet minimum durability standards relevant to repeated washing processes required by laws or commercial practices.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many regions mandate that returnable beverage bottles be thoroughly cleaned before reuse. This standard helps demonstrate compliance by providing documented evidence of label durability.
• Beverage Industry: Bottlers and beverage companies implement this standard to confirm that their branding, product information, and traceability features (like serial numbers or expiration dates printed on the container) remain legible and intact across multiple reuses.
• Product Development: R&D teams use the results from this test method for selecting or formulating new ceramic enamels or refining application processes to achieve superior alkali resistance.

Related Standards

• ASTM C738: Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Surfaces
• ASTM C904: Terminology Relating to Glass and Glass Products
• ISO 4802-2: Laboratory Glassware - Hydrolytic Resistance of the Interior Surfaces of Glass Containers
• ASTM C927: Standard Specification for Ceramic Colorants Used in Decoration of Ceramic Tiles and Glass
• ASTM C162: Terminology of Glass and Glass Products

Practical Value

By following ASTM C675-91(2022), stakeholders in the glass container supply chain can ensure:

• Consistent labeling durability, improving consumer safety, brand integrity, and regulatory adherence.
• Efficient product specification and contract requirements, streamlining procurement and sourcing for companies that rely on reusable glass containers.
• Sustainability support by extending the lifecycle of returnable bottles and minimizing waste.

Keywords: ASTM C675, alkali resistance, ceramic decorations, applied color label, ACL, returnable glass containers, glass bottle labeling durability, alkaline washing, beverage industry standards, quality control, regulatory compliance.

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: C675 − 91 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Alkali Resistance of Ceramic Decorations on Returnable
Beverage Glass Containers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C675; 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 test method covers determination of the alkali 3.1 This test method provides a means for determining the
resistance of ceramic labels (hereafter referred to as ACL durability of decorated returnable glass beverage containers
(AppliedColorLabel)onreturnablebeveragebottles(hereafter which may be a prerequisite in product specifications.
referred to as ware) to ensure the necessary durability of the
label.Anumber of states require the cleaning and sanitizing of 4. Interferences
this ware by washing in hot alkali solutions. Accelerated tests
4.1 Prepare fresh alkali solution for each set of ware and do
are needed to ensure that the ACL will withstand the antici-
not use the solution more than 24 h because of carbon dioxide
pated number of washings and still present an acceptable ware
(CO )absorptionandtheinhibitingactionofboroncompounds
identification and appearance.
dissolved from the ACL.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 Do not use borosilicate glass containers for test solu-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tions.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5. Apparatus
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 Tank, steel or stainless steel, equipped with a thermo-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
statically controlled means of heating, and a solution level
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
control, to prevent variations in solution concentration and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
temperature. The tank should be equipped with a coarsescreen
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mesh shelf on which ware being tested is placed to avoid
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
sludge build-up around the ware.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 Bottle Saw or Hot Wire Cutter—Either a hot wire or an
2. Summary of Method
abrasive wheel saw can be used to cut ware. If an abrasive
wheel is used, the abrasive and glass sludge should be rinsed
2.1 The time required for destruction ofACLon exposure to
off the ware to avoid excessive depletion of the alkali solution.
alkalisolutionsisroughlyproportionaltothelabelthickness.A
thin coating of good alkali-resistant enamel will fail in a
6. Reagents
relatively short time, while an extremely heavy coating of a
poor alkali-resistant enamel will look reasonably good. A 6.1 Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests.
qualitative procedure is described. Any plant or laboratory Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all reagents shall
using this procedure should establish its own standards. conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical
2.1.1 This test method is a qualitative method and deter- Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where such
mines the time required for 90 % destruction of any ACL specifications are available. Other grades may be used, pro-
exposed to an alkali solution by visual inspection. This test vided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
method requires a minimum of skill and experience by the high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of
operator. the determination.
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C14 on Glass Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications , American
and Glass Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C14.10 on Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
Glass Decoration. listed by the American Chemica
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