ISO standardises dimensions and performance of drinking straws
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has for the first time brought beverage straws under its regulation.
A recently published ISO will provide standardised specifications for polypropylene drinking straws, setting out general requirements for dimension and performance properties for the first time. With billions of drinking straws being produced every year, the ISO said that the move would “help manufacturers to produce consistent, quality products”.
The standard specifies that the plastic must conform to the food contact requirements of the market. Plastic straws have to show their resistance to hot and cold temperatures and bend without rupture.
There had previously been no standardised guidelines for plastic drinking straws.
ISO 18188 covers the whole range of straws – including straight, flexible, extendable, spoon-shaped and sharp-tipped; for use in juice cartons, cocktail glasses or tumblers.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on 23 February 1947, the organization promotes worldwide proprietary, industrial and commercial standards. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and as of 2013 works in 164 countries.
