Boiled reproduction cork - Grading, classification and packing
1Key Takeaways
This document defines when boiled reproduction cork is considered to be commercially dry. In addition, it classifies the different possibilities of grading boiled reproduction cork in terms of thickness, specifies its visual classification, packing and marking and defines the acceptable loss in transit.
2Expert Interpretation
Professional analysis of the ISO 1216:2017 international standard regarding the commercial drying definition of boiled regenerated cork, the thickness grading system (6 main grades + sub-grades), 7 visual quality categories, rectangular packaging specifications (number of layers/size/labeling requirements), and transportation loss control (≤3%). Includes a comparison of the standard's technical evolution and implementation recommendations.
Analysis of the Standard's Core Content
ISO 1216:2017, Fourth Edition, clearly defines the commercial drying standard for boiled reclaimed cork: moisture content ≤ 14% (based on the ISO 2386 test method). This standard applies to boiled reclaimed cork that has been free of impurities. Thickness measurement requires the average of four points in the tangential/axial direction, and irregular thickness areas must not exceed 10% of the total area.
Thickness Grading System
| Grade Code | Thickness Range(mm) | Industry Name | Sub-grades Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 < d ≤ 22 | 14-22 | Extra thin | 14-18mm,18-22mm |
| 22 < d ≤ 27 | 22-27 | Thin | - |
| 27 < d ≤ 32 | 27-32 | Pint | Can be combined with Quart to form 27-40mm |
| 32 < d ≤ 40 | 32-40 | Quart | - |
| 40 < d ≤ 54 | 40-54 | Thick | 40-45mm,45-54mm |
| d > 54 | >54 | Extra thick | - |
Packaging Technical Requirements
Boiled recycled cork must be pressed into rectangular parallelepiped bales and secured with non-metallic strapping. The standard stipulates:
- Tare weight of the package ≤ 3% of the gross weight (at 14% moisture content)
- Standard dimensions: 1150±50mm long × 550±50mm wide
- The number of plies required varies depending on the thickness grade (e.g., 26 plies for 14-22mm, 11 plies for >54mm)
Marking must include:Thickness grade, visual quality (e.g., classification), manufacturer/exporter name, and country of origin.
Technological Evolution Analysis
Compared with the third edition in 1998, the 2017 edition has the following major revisions:
- The name of the standard has been changed from "Boiled cork pieces" to "Boiled reproduction cork"
- The scope of application has been expanded to include the definition of commercially dry state
- The thickness sub-grade division rules have been refined
Implementation Recommendations
Enterprises should pay attention to the following when applying this standard:
- Establish a thickness measurement SOP to ensure consistency in the four-point measurement method
- The transportation contract must clearly specify the measurement basis for the 3% loss limit (moisture content of 14%)
- The number of packaging layers must be strictly implemented in accordance with the thickness grade (see Table 1)
- It is recommended to establish a physical sample library for visual quality classification