Overview
EN ISO 8367-1:1996 - Packaging - Dimensional tolerances for general purpose sacks - Part 1: Paper sacks (ISO 8367-1:1993) specifies the dimensional tolerance regime to be used when manufacturing and accepting paper sacks as defined in ISO 6590-1. It standardizes which dimensions are measured, how samples are taken and which reference methods are used for measurement and grammage determination. The document is intended to ensure consistent quality, interchangeability and clear procurement criteria for paper sack production and supply chains.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to general-purpose paper sacks (see ISO 6590-1 for sack types and vocabulary).
- Dimensions covered: Tolerances are specified for key sack features, including:
- Ply grammage (paper weight)
- Length and width of the sack
- Width of gusset and circumference with gussets
- Width of bottom
- Width and type of valve (pasted or sewn) and position of the leading edge of the valve sleeve
- Print position on the sack (in both length and width directions)
- Measurement and sampling: Sampling methods and dimensional measurement are referenced to established ISO methods (ISO 7023 for sampling empty sacks; ISO 6591-1 for measurement of empty paper sacks). Ply grammage is determined in accordance with ISO 536.
- Tolerance values: Numerical tolerances for each listed dimension are provided in the standard’s table (Table 1). Where tighter tolerances are required, purchaser and supplier should agree specific limits.
Applications and who uses it
- Sack manufacturers and converters - to control production tolerances, set production quality checks and design tooling.
- Packaging buyers and specifiers - to include clear dimensional tolerance requirements in purchase orders and contracts.
- Quality control and inspection labs - to verify acceptance criteria for incoming or outgoing paper sacks.
- Printers and fillers - to ensure print registration and valve alignment meet downstream filling and printing accuracy needs.
- Standards bodies and procurement teams - to harmonize requirements across suppliers and markets.
Practical value
- Reduces disputes between suppliers and buyers by providing objective acceptance criteria.
- Improves fit-for-purpose performance (filling machines, sealing, palletizing).
- Supports consistent printing registration and valve placement for automated filling systems.
Related standards
- ISO 6590-1 - Packaging - Sacks - Vocabulary and types (paper sacks)
- ISO 6591-1 - Packaging - Sacks - Description and method of measurement - Part 1: Empty paper sacks
- ISO 7023 - Packaging - Sacks - Method of sampling empty sacks for testing
- ISO 536 - Paper and board - Determination of grammage
For exact numeric tolerance values and the table of limits, consult EN ISO 8367-1:1996 (Table 1).
