Free voluntary standards for Glass and PET packaging
Bottling & capping Guides
Practical Bottling Guides for glass and PET packaging
These guides define and compile current best practices specific to the interoperability of a package with its closure system depending on the nature of the product being bottled. These guides bridge the gap between customers and suppliers by providing precise technical terminology.
They also help to :
- ensure the correct functionality of the assembly interfaces of the various components;
- limit the modes of application to certain equipment and specific operating conditions;
- determine possible performance limits and related individual responsibilities;
- Fulfil the supplier's obligation to inform users;
- provide references to the relevant standards and regulations;
- to ensure the highest level of consumer safety by placing safe and healthy products on the market;
GUIDE N° 1 - BOTTLING OF STILL WINES ON A CORK MOUTH FINISH
Scope
This guideline applies to the capping of still wines with a cork mouth finish as per Cetie data sheet GME 50.01 which has been used as a base for the European standard EN 12726.
If application is done on another finish, the user must carry out sealing tests to ensure that this application is technically acceptable.
The term “still wines” does not exist in the legislation. Still wines are defined as having a level of carbonation below 1.2 grams per litre of liquid, and for which the over-pressure due to carbon dioxide is below one bar in sealed containers when kept at a temperature of 20°C.
For wines with a level of carbonation above 1.2 grams per litre of liquid (but below 2 000 mg), suitable stoppers must be used (diameter above 24 mm for natural cork, to be defined for other types of stoppers). 01/01/1992 - Latest update 01/01/2008
This guideline applies to the capping of still wines with a cork mouth finish as per Cetie data sheet GME 50.01 which has been used as a base for the European standard EN 12726.
If application is done on another finish, the user must carry out sealing tests to ensure that this application is technically acceptable.
The term “still wines” does not exist in the legislation. Still wines are defined as having a level of carbonation below 1.2 grams per litre of liquid, and for which the over-pressure due to carbon dioxide is below one bar in sealed containers when kept at a temperature of 20°C.
For wines with a level of carbonation above 1.2 grams per litre of liquid (but below 2 000 mg), suitable stoppers must be used (diameter above 24 mm for natural cork, to be defined for other types of stoppers). 01/01/1992 - Latest update 01/01/2008
GUIDE N° 2 - METALLIC SCREW CAPPING FOR NON-CARBONATED LIQUIDS, FOODSTUFFS AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS ON BVP TYPE GLASS FINISHES
Scope
This guide gives information on good practices for bottling still products with aluminium screw caps (e.g. corresponding to specifications EC04.03) on a BVP type glass finish according to EN 15543 or equivalent.
The guide defines:
This guide gives information on good practices for bottling still products with aluminium screw caps (e.g. corresponding to specifications EC04.03) on a BVP type glass finish according to EN 15543 or equivalent.
The guide defines:
- The functions of the closure and its limits ;
- The specifications of each of the components in relation to each other, to fulfil the global functions within determined limits.
GUIDE N° 3 - TIRAGE (BOTTLING) AND FINAL CORKING OF QUALITY SPARKLING WINES PRODUCED IN SPECIFIC REGIONS (QSWPSR)ON 29-MM AND 26-MM CROWN CLOSURE. (NF H35 029)
Scope
The initial documents (1), drawn up in conjunction with professionals in the wine sector, enabled us to better understand the needs of producers of high quality sparkling wine.
To respond to the constraints and problems of QSWPSR capping, it was important that all material and equipment producers can supply and guarantee specifications and guidelines in order to ensure successful capping, filling and shipping and to respect required storage and transport conditions.
Although apparently a very simple operation, effective corking has to be regularly checked throughout the process, as quality and the protection of the product’s initial value cannot be left to chance. Flexibility in the composition of the work group has enabled us to call on different experts and specialists of the closure process to throw light on different problems.
Two complementary concerns prevailed in this work:
The initial documents (1), drawn up in conjunction with professionals in the wine sector, enabled us to better understand the needs of producers of high quality sparkling wine.
To respond to the constraints and problems of QSWPSR capping, it was important that all material and equipment producers can supply and guarantee specifications and guidelines in order to ensure successful capping, filling and shipping and to respect required storage and transport conditions.
Although apparently a very simple operation, effective corking has to be regularly checked throughout the process, as quality and the protection of the product’s initial value cannot be left to chance. Flexibility in the composition of the work group has enabled us to call on different experts and specialists of the closure process to throw light on different problems.
Two complementary concerns prevailed in this work:
- Suppliers’ obligations to state not only what materials have been used but also provide information regarding the entire closure process and its limitations, as covered by interprofessional agreements
- Drawing up a set of structured and recognised quality guidelines that provide a fundamental tool to respond to the needs of quality assurance. Although the obligation to inform is already included in product specifications, providing information on their application must also be provided.
GUIDE N° 4 - 26 mm CROWN CAPPING
Scope
This document concerns the crowning process, using crown caps for which the seal is provided by a plastic liner, onto glass finishes adapted to either "pry-off" or "twist crown" applications. It mainly focuses on capping with crown caps designed with a 6 mm height and a 26 mm diameter, as defined in EN17177, onto glass bottles.
The main objectives of the document are:
This guide represents the current situation and may be updated according to the development of new crowning technologies.
It has been drafted with reference to those standards that are either current or in preparation, and to other reference documents recognised in the industry, identified as pertinent.
01/01/2002 - Latest update 28/09/2020
This document concerns the crowning process, using crown caps for which the seal is provided by a plastic liner, onto glass finishes adapted to either "pry-off" or "twist crown" applications. It mainly focuses on capping with crown caps designed with a 6 mm height and a 26 mm diameter, as defined in EN17177, onto glass bottles.
The main objectives of the document are:
- to provide manufacturers and users with a reference tool that can ensure the correct procedures for crowning and also the safety of the consumer;
- to give the specifications of each of the components and their interfaces;
- to provide manufacturers and users with a reference document for drafting specification sheets and quality assurance procedures;
- to simplify troubleshooting in the event of problems.
This guide represents the current situation and may be updated according to the development of new crowning technologies.
It has been drafted with reference to those standards that are either current or in preparation, and to other reference documents recognised in the industry, identified as pertinent.
01/01/2002 - Latest update 28/09/2020
GUIDE N° 5 - APPLICATION OF FLAT TOP PLASTIC SCREW-ON THREADED CLOSURES ON PET BOTTLES FOR BEVERAGES
Scope
This document gives background information and recommended best practices for the application of plastic flat-top screw-on caps onto PET bottles for beverages.
It covers all closure sizes and beverage product types. It does not cover aspects related to filling or to downstream processing of products in PET bottles. 01/01/2008 - Latest update 04/11/2019
This document gives background information and recommended best practices for the application of plastic flat-top screw-on caps onto PET bottles for beverages.
It covers all closure sizes and beverage product types. It does not cover aspects related to filling or to downstream processing of products in PET bottles. 01/01/2008 - Latest update 04/11/2019
GUIDE N° 6 - METALLIC SCREW CAPPING FOR STILL WINES ON BVS TYPE GLASS FINISHES - WITH REDRAW
Scope
This Guide gives information on good practice for bottling still wine with an aluminium screw caps on a BVS type glass finish according to EN 16293, with redraw of the cap on application.
For the purposes of this Guide wine is considered to be "still" with a CO2 content < 1.2 g CO2/l (as defined in EN 16293)
The Guide defines:
This Guide gives information on good practice for bottling still wine with an aluminium screw caps on a BVS type glass finish according to EN 16293, with redraw of the cap on application.
For the purposes of this Guide wine is considered to be "still" with a CO2 content < 1.2 g CO2/l (as defined in EN 16293)
The Guide defines:
- The functions of the closure and its limits,
- The specifications of each of the components in relation to each other, to fulfil the global functions within determined limits.
GUIDE N° 7 - METALLIC SCREW CAPPING WITH THREADED PLASTIC OR ALUMINIUM INSERT FOR STILL WINES
Scope
This document applies to the screw capping of still wines with a metallic closure having a threaded plastic or aluminium insert and a tamper-evident band which needs to be snapped before it can be opened.
The closure is screwed and crimped during capping.
Application shall be done only on a BVS finish according to the EN 16293 standard. This provides a seal on the top and evenly on the side of the finish.
The term “still wines” does not exist in the legislation. This category includes all wines except sparkling, nor soft or natural, etc, and for which the overpressure due to carbon dioxide is below one bar in sealed containers when kept at a temperature of 20°C.
Still wines are defined as having a level of carbonation below 1,2 grams per litre of liquid. 01/01/2008 - Latest update 10/07/2023
This document applies to the screw capping of still wines with a metallic closure having a threaded plastic or aluminium insert and a tamper-evident band which needs to be snapped before it can be opened.
The closure is screwed and crimped during capping.
Application shall be done only on a BVS finish according to the EN 16293 standard. This provides a seal on the top and evenly on the side of the finish.
The term “still wines” does not exist in the legislation. This category includes all wines except sparkling, nor soft or natural, etc, and for which the overpressure due to carbon dioxide is below one bar in sealed containers when kept at a temperature of 20°C.
Still wines are defined as having a level of carbonation below 1,2 grams per litre of liquid. 01/01/2008 - Latest update 10/07/2023
Guide N° 8 - PLASTIC SCREW CAPPING FOR STILL WINES
Scope
This guide concerns screw capping of still wines with a threaded plastic closure having a tamper evident ring whose bridges must break on opening
The cap is screwed on after filling and can be applied on a screw finish in glass or PET of the BVS type. This operation enables a seal to be ensured on the top and sides of the sealing surface.
Note
The term “still wines” is not currently defined in legislation; it is generally accepted practice to consider “still” wines whose carbon dioxide content is less than 1.2 g per litre of liquid and which gives an overpressure of less than 1 bar relative when maintained closed at 20°C. Wines entering in this category are neither “sparkling” nor “sweet” nor “natural”, etc. 26/10/2015 - Latest update
This guide concerns screw capping of still wines with a threaded plastic closure having a tamper evident ring whose bridges must break on opening
The cap is screwed on after filling and can be applied on a screw finish in glass or PET of the BVS type. This operation enables a seal to be ensured on the top and sides of the sealing surface.
Note
The term “still wines” is not currently defined in legislation; it is generally accepted practice to consider “still” wines whose carbon dioxide content is less than 1.2 g per litre of liquid and which gives an overpressure of less than 1 bar relative when maintained closed at 20°C. Wines entering in this category are neither “sparkling” nor “sweet” nor “natural”, etc. 26/10/2015 - Latest update
GUIDE N° 9 - METALLIC SCREW CAPPING FOR PRESSURISED WINES & OTHER BEVERAGES ON BVS TYPE GLASS FINISHES - WITH REDRAW
Scope
This Guide gives the necessary information on good practice for bottling wines and other products with a CO2 content > 1.2 g CO2/l with an aluminium screw cap on a BVS type glass finish accomodating redraw of the cap on application.
Both the cap and the bottle must be foreseen for the application, subject to written agreement between the cap supplier, the bottle supplier and the filler.
It remains the responsability of the filler to ensure that the package is appropriately designed for the product bottled and foreseen conditions of storage and transport as well as to avoid risk of injury on opening.
Attention is drawn to the neccessity to observe special precautions for carbonation levels above ~3 g/l CO2 or a pressure exceeding 6 bars.
This guide does not cover the use of MCA type pressure caps or smaller diameter BVP type caps/finishes used with redraw.
The Guide defines:
This Guide gives the necessary information on good practice for bottling wines and other products with a CO2 content > 1.2 g CO2/l with an aluminium screw cap on a BVS type glass finish accomodating redraw of the cap on application.
Both the cap and the bottle must be foreseen for the application, subject to written agreement between the cap supplier, the bottle supplier and the filler.
It remains the responsability of the filler to ensure that the package is appropriately designed for the product bottled and foreseen conditions of storage and transport as well as to avoid risk of injury on opening.
Attention is drawn to the neccessity to observe special precautions for carbonation levels above ~3 g/l CO2 or a pressure exceeding 6 bars.
This guide does not cover the use of MCA type pressure caps or smaller diameter BVP type caps/finishes used with redraw.
The Guide defines:
- The functions of the closure and its limits,
- The specifications of each of the components in relation to each other, to fulfil the global functions within the determined limits.
GUIDE N°10 - WIRE CAGE GUIDE FOR FINAL CORKING OF QUALITY SPARKLING WINES OF DEMI, STANDARD OR MAGNUM BOTTLES ON GLASS FINISHES 29 MM AND 26 MM
Scope
This guide gathers the characteristics and specifications of the wire cage dedicated to Quality Sparkling Wines corking (half, bottles and magnums) with 26 and 29mm finishes.
It doesn't concern the process of corking, only the supply.
The corking conditions and process of these three supplies: bottles, cork stopper and wire cage, will be depicted in a separated guide. 16/12/2010 - Latest update
This guide gathers the characteristics and specifications of the wire cage dedicated to Quality Sparkling Wines corking (half, bottles and magnums) with 26 and 29mm finishes.
It doesn't concern the process of corking, only the supply.
The corking conditions and process of these three supplies: bottles, cork stopper and wire cage, will be depicted in a separated guide. 16/12/2010 - Latest update
GUIDE N°11 - METALLIC SCREW CAPPING DEFECTS - IDENTIFICATION AND CORRECTION
Scope
This document identifies the principal defects which may occur with "Roll-On Pilfer-Proof" aluminium screw type closures and outlines methodology to orient corrective action. It applies to all different ROPP types for both still and pressurised liquids, with and without redraw, on glass finishes designed for this application (BVP, BVS, MCA, etc.).
The use of inserts (pourers, "non-refillable" devices) with BVP closures is partially covered by this guide. 11/02/2017 - Latest update 29/03/2022
This document identifies the principal defects which may occur with "Roll-On Pilfer-Proof" aluminium screw type closures and outlines methodology to orient corrective action. It applies to all different ROPP types for both still and pressurised liquids, with and without redraw, on glass finishes designed for this application (BVP, BVS, MCA, etc.).
The use of inserts (pourers, "non-refillable" devices) with BVP closures is partially covered by this guide. 11/02/2017 - Latest update 29/03/2022
GUIDE N°12 - RECOMMENDATION FOR FLACONNAGE CRIMPING
Scope
This guide provides the 5 essential rules to follow in order to achieve a correct crimping. It has been established for the crimping of aluminium caps for FEA flacons type on the cosmetic field. By following these five rules you are sure to meet the current market requirements. - Latest update 31/01/2020
This guide provides the 5 essential rules to follow in order to achieve a correct crimping. It has been established for the crimping of aluminium caps for FEA flacons type on the cosmetic field. By following these five rules you are sure to meet the current market requirements. - Latest update 31/01/2020
GUIDE N°13 - APELOVER - GUIDELINES FOR THE GOOD PRATICE OF GLASS WIDE-MOUTH JARS MANUFACTURING & METALLIC CAPS
Scope
01/01/1989 - Latest update 01/01/1989
01/01/1989 - Latest update 01/01/1989
GUIDE N°14 - BAR TOP STOPPER APPLICATION ON GLASS FINISH FOR NON-CARBONATED ALCOHOLIC DRINKS (GME51.00)
Scope
This guide describes best practices to be implemented to obtain correct closure application with bar top stoppers that can be opened and closed manually by the consumer without requiring an opener. It covers only stoppers for glass bottles for which the seal results from the contact between the body of the cork and the internal surface of the neck of the bottle and covered by an overcap or sleeve. This guide only concerns still alcoholic drinks. It is designed for use by all professionals involved (suppliers, third-party service providers and users). 03/11/2017 - Latest update
This guide describes best practices to be implemented to obtain correct closure application with bar top stoppers that can be opened and closed manually by the consumer without requiring an opener. It covers only stoppers for glass bottles for which the seal results from the contact between the body of the cork and the internal surface of the neck of the bottle and covered by an overcap or sleeve. This guide only concerns still alcoholic drinks. It is designed for use by all professionals involved (suppliers, third-party service providers and users). 03/11/2017 - Latest update
GUIDE N°15 - GUIDANCE ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC DIRECTIVE (EC) 2019/904 AND STANDARD EN 17665
Scope
This document is intended as a guide for parties that are unsure if a product, they like to place on the market is subject to the European Directive 2019/904. It shall help to answer the following potential questions:
This document is intended as a guide for parties that are unsure if a product, they like to place on the market is subject to the European Directive 2019/904. It shall help to answer the following potential questions:
- Does my product fall into the scope of article 6 of the directive?
- If so, does my product comply with article 6?
- If so, how can I demonstrate compliance with the directive?
Guide N°16 - GLASS COLOUR
Guide N°16 remplaces Guide G0b
Scope
This guide is complementary to the data sheet DT 30.00 “Colour measurement of glass packaging”.
It has been produced by the Glass manufacturers working group
The main aim of this guide is to increase the understanding of glass colour measurement.
17/11/2021 - Latest update
Scope
This guide is complementary to the data sheet DT 30.00 “Colour measurement of glass packaging”.
It has been produced by the Glass manufacturers working group
The main aim of this guide is to increase the understanding of glass colour measurement.
17/11/2021 - Latest update
