China's GB/T 27590-2011 Disposable Paper Cup Standard Tightens Printing Zones and Bans Recycled Material

Industry Watch

Starting on the first day of next month, China will implement GB/T 27590-2011, the national standard for disposable paper cups. It bans printed patterns within 15 mm from the cup rim to the cup body and within 10 mm from the cup bottom to the cup body. Recycled materials are also prohibited as raw materials. Until now, paper cups were covered only by an industry standard, not a national one. The new standard raises requirements for raw materials, additives, packaging and printing to better protect consumers. Most paper cup manufacturers are optimistic about the change, though some industry insiders say enforcement may be difficult.

Cup bases also fall under the printing ban

The most watched part of the rule concerns where graphics can appear. Outer printing must have clear outlines, uniform color and no obvious color spots. No printing is allowed within 15 mm from the rim to the cup body or within 10 mm from the bottom to the cup body.

Dong Jinshi, executive vice president and secretary-general of the Food Packaging Association, said the rim restriction protects consumers. When people drink, their lips touch the rim, so ink from printed graphics may be swallowed. If nested cups carry printing on the base, color can rub onto the inner wall of another cup. That is why the bottom must also remain print-free.

Limits placed on additives

For raw materials, the standard aims to prevent toxic solvents. Paper cups must be free of off-odor, must not use recycled materials, and cannot use additives outside the scope of GB9685 in production and processing.

Dong said this means all raw materials and additives should meet food packaging-grade requirements.

The standard also covers stiffness and permeability. Paper cups should not leak or seep water. Their packaging materials need sufficient sealing and strength, while paper cup packaging should be dustproof, moisture-proof or mold-proof.

Measured against the national standard, substandard paper cups remain widespread in the market. Most paper cup companies are optimistic about implementation, while some industry insiders believe the new national standard could be hard to enforce.

Reporters visited several supermarkets and restaurants. Paper cups sold in large supermarkets generally carry the QS mark, and many are covered with colorful patterns around the cup body. Material labeling on most brands is vague: some say virgin wood pulp, while others simply say paper, leaving consumers unable to tell whether the cup is made from virgin or recycled paper.

A staff member surnamed Li at a supermarket near Luoyuan Street acknowledged that, under the disposable paper cup standard taking effect next month, most patterned cups on the shelves do not comply. Even with less than ten days to go, most supermarkets have not received relevant notice from manufacturers.

A staff member surnamed Lu at a paper cup brand said past experience suggests manufacturers usually promote old products before a new national standard takes effect, but there has been no such move this time. Reporters also learned that most brand manufacturers have not acted. A production manager in the province said switching molds for the new standard is troublesome, so new products definitely will not reach the market on June 1.

— This article is reposted from China Packaging Network (pack.cn). Original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-362101.html