Tableware Inspection | Paper Tableware Inspection Requirements and Methods

Paper tableware is environmentally friendly, disposable tableware made from paper pulp. It includes paper bowls, paper buckets, paper lunch boxes, cardboard boxes, paper plates, and paper knives, forks, and spoons. It is lightweight, hygienic, and biodegradable. It is categorized by material: paper, laminated (laminated), and coated. It is further subdivided by purpose into containers (bowls/buckets/lunch boxes/plates) and tools (knives, forks, and spoons). Quality requirements cover internal performance, appearance, environmental friendliness, and functionality:

1. Core quality requirements

1. Intrinsic quality

   • Physical properties :

     • Load-bearing performance (paper lunch box): After loading with a 3kg weight for 1 minute, the height change rate is ≤ the standard (calculated by formula).

     • Compressive strength (paper bowl/bucket): Test according to Appendix A to ensure that it does not deform under load.

     • Overall stiffness (paper tray): Measured according to Appendix B to ensure structural stability.

     • Bending resistance (paper knife, fork and spoon): Test in dry and wet states (wet state: immerse in water at 60°C for 5 minutes), press down at the force point at 25mm/min, and record the maximum force value (length < 90mm is exempt from testing).

   • Functionality :

     • Water leakage: No water leakage after standing for 30 minutes (add water to 6mm or 1/2 depth from the opening).

     • Temperature resistance:

       • Hot water resistance (95℃±5℃): No deformation, wrinkling or leakage within 30 minutes (containers); No delamination within 10 minutes (tools).

       • Heat-resistant oil (95℃±5℃): No oil leakage or deformation within 25-30 minutes (paper bowl/bucket needs to be filled with cold oil for 5 minutes before adding hot water).

     • Lid folded in half (one-piece lunch box): No cracks after opening and closing 180° 15 times.

     • Fat resistance (cardboard box): Food contact surface is tested according to GB/T 22805.2.

   • Capacity and filling quantity :

     • Capacity deviation: Determined by gravimetric method (arbitration) or volumetric method, the deviation value is calculated according to the formula (V1 measured value vs V2 nominal value).

     • Shortage of internal quantity: when Qn≤50, there is zero shortage; when Qn＞50, there is shortage ≤Qn×1% (rounded up).

2. Environmental performance (only products explicitly stated as biodegradable/compostable are assessed)

   • Biodegradation rate : base paper ≥90%, other organic components (≥1%) ≥90%.

   • Compostability : Disintegration degree ≥90%, compost ecotoxicity (germination rate) ≥90%.

3. Appearance and compatibility

   • The color is uniform, the printing is clear, and there is no oil stain or cracking; the lamination/coating does not fall off; the bottom of the bowl/barrel is flat and has no dents.

   • Container with lid: The lid opens and closes smoothly without deformation (non-one-piece lids need to be tested for fit, and open and close 3 times to be normal).

2. Test methods

1. General conditions :

   • The samples are from the same batch, and the temperature and humidity treatment is in accordance with GB/T 10739 (4h). The water leakage and temperature resistance are tested at 15~30℃.

   • Dimensional deviation: Use a vernier caliper (0.02mm accuracy) to measure the diameter/side length/length/width (use a paper knife, fork or spoon to measure the total length and widest part), and take the average of the range of 5 samples.

2. Special process :

   • Water leakage/temperature resistance test :

     • Containers: Place on filter paper/stainless steel mesh rack, add liquid and let stand to observe leakage and deformation.

     • Tools: Immerse in 95℃ water/oil for 10 minutes to check for delamination.

   • Biodegradation/composting : in accordance with GB/T 39951.

   • Fold the lid in half : Open and close the one-piece lid 15 times to visually inspect for cracks.

Summary : Paper tableware needs to pass comprehensive tests such as physical strength (compression/bending/load resistance), sealing (water leakage/temperature resistance), environmental protection (degradation rate/compost toxicity) and appearance compatibility to ensure safety, reliable functions and compliance with green standards, and meet the environmental protection needs of replacing plastic tableware.