Free voluntary standards for Glass and PET packaging
Bottling guides
Bottling guides
Practical Guides for Bottling Glass and PET Packaging These guides define and compile current best practices specific to the interoperability of packaging with its sealing system based on the nature of the bottled product.
These guides establish a bridge between clients and suppliers by proposing precise technical terminology.
They also enable:
- Ensuring the proper functionality of the assembly interfaces of different components.
- Defining application modes for specific equipment and operating conditions.
- Determining potential performance limits and related individual responsibilities.
- Fulfilling the obligation to inform users by the supplier.
- Providing references to current standards and regulations.
- Guaranteeing a maximum level of safety for the consumer by introducing safe and healthy products to the market.
GUIDE N° 1 - Still wines bottling - cork stopper application on a cork mouth finish
This guide 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
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
This guide gives information on good practices for bottling still products with aluminum 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 guide defines:
- The functions of the closure and its limits ;
- The specifications of each of the components related to each other, to fulfill the global functions within determined limits.
GUIDE N° 3 - Tirage (bottling) and final corking of quality sparkling wines produced in specific regions (VMQPRD) on 29-mm and 26-mm crown closure. (NF H35 029)
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 to ensure successful capping, filling, and shipping and to respect required storage and transport conditions.
Although 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 workgroup has enabled us to call on different experts and specialists in the closure process to throw light on different problems.
Two complementary concerns prevailed in this work:
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 to ensure successful capping, filling, and shipping and to respect required storage and transport conditions.
Although 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 workgroup has enabled us to call on different experts and specialists in 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
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
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
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
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
This Guide gives information on good practices for bottling still wine with aluminum screw caps on a BVS-type glass finish according to EN 16293, with a redraw while the cap application..
For 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:
For 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 related to each other, to fulfill the global functions within determined limits.
GUIDE N° 7 - Metallic screw capping with threaded plastic or aluminium insert for still wines
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
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
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
This guide gives the necessary information on good practices for bottling wines and other products with a CO2 content > 1.2 g CO2/l with an aluminum screw cap on a BVS-type glass finish accommodating redraw of the application cap.
Both the cap and the bottle must be foreseen for the application, subject to a written agreement between the cap supplier, the bottle supplier, and the filler.
It remains the responsibility 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 necessity 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:
Both the cap and the bottle must be foreseen for the application, subject to a written agreement between the cap supplier, the bottle supplier, and the filler.
It remains the responsibility 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 necessity 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 related to each other, to fulfill 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
16/12/2010
- Latest update
Guide N°11 - Metallic screw capping defects - Identification and correction
This document identifies the principal defects that may occur with "Roll-On Pilfer-Proof" aluminum screw-type closures and outlines the 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
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
This guide provides the 5 essential rules to follow to achieve a correct crimping. It has been established for the crimping of aluminum caps for FEA flacons type in 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
Every stage in the packaging of a product is part of good manufacturing practice, in the same way as its production.
The correct use of industrial glass jars and metal capsules is part of this principle.
It enables these two complementary elements to fulfill their protective packaging role to the full. This guide, which does not claim to be exhaustive, sets out the main rules to be observed.
As you will see, they are pragmatic and simple to implement. This document should not be considered as a regulatory text, but as a very general guide that can be adapted in certain specific cases.
01/01/1989 - Latest update 01/01/1989
The correct use of industrial glass jars and metal capsules is part of this principle.
It enables these two complementary elements to fulfill their protective packaging role to the full. This guide, which does not claim to be exhaustive, sets out the main rules to be observed.
As you will see, they are pragmatic and simple to implement. This document should not be considered as a regulatory text, but as a very general guide that can be adapted in certain specific cases.
01/01/1989 - Latest update 01/01/1989
GUIDE N°14 - Bar top stopper application on glass finish for non-carbonated alcoholic drinks (GME 51.00)
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 (EU) 2019/904 and standard en 17665
This guide is intended to offer interested parties like bottlers, brand owners or closure manufacturers an introduction to the application of the Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUP) 2019/904 [3] and harmonised standard EN 17665, specifically Article 6 (1) to (4) which requires single-use plastic products, as defined in Part C of the Annex of the Directive, that have caps and lids made of plastic may be placed on the market only if the caps and lids remain attached to the container during the product’s intended use stage.
One purpose of this document is to guide parties intending to place products on the market that might fall into the scope of Article 6 (1) to (4) to answer the following questions:
Furthermore, the guide outlines the requirements of the SUP Directive and the rationale behind the specification for a closure with an attachment feature.
17/03/2022 - Latest update 25/01/2024
One purpose of this document is to guide parties intending to place products on the market that might fall into the scope of Article 6 (1) to (4) to answer the following questions:
- Does my product fall into the scope of Article 6 (1) to (4) of the Directive?
- If so, does my product comply with Article 6 (1) to (4).
- If so, how can I demonstrate compliance with the Directive?
Furthermore, the guide outlines the requirements of the SUP Directive and the rationale behind the specification for a closure with an attachment feature.
17/03/2022 - Latest update 25/01/2024
GUIDE N°16 - Glass colour
Guide N°16 remplaces Guide G0b
This guide is complementary to the data sheet DT 30.00 “Colour measurement of glass packaging”.
It has been produced by the Glass manufacturer's working group.
he main aim of this guide is to increase the understanding of glass colour measurement. 17/11/2021 - Latest update 04/10/2023
This guide is complementary to the data sheet DT 30.00 “Colour measurement of glass packaging”.
It has been produced by the Glass manufacturer's working group.
he main aim of this guide is to increase the understanding of glass colour measurement. 17/11/2021 - Latest update 04/10/2023
Guide synthetic cork - Still wines bottling - synthetic stopper application on a cork mouth finish
Document under drafting stage
This document applies to the bottling of still wines with a synthetic cork stopper on a cork mouth finish as per the European standard EN 12726
it sets down different tests, measures and precautions to be observed to ensure optimum performance during capping of still wines with synthetic stoppers in a cork mouth finish as per Cetie data sheet GME 50.01 (Standard EN 12 726). When used on others finishes, specific tests are to be set up.
16/11/2023 - Latest update
This document applies to the bottling of still wines with a synthetic cork stopper on a cork mouth finish as per the European standard EN 12726
it sets down different tests, measures and precautions to be observed to ensure optimum performance during capping of still wines with synthetic stoppers in a cork mouth finish as per Cetie data sheet GME 50.01 (Standard EN 12 726). When used on others finishes, specific tests are to be set up.
16/11/2023 - Latest update
