International Society of Beverage Technologists

COLOR TESTING METHOD

AND CORRELATION FOR
PREFORMS AND BOTTLES
A test method describing how to measure
transmission color in preforms/ bottles and how
to correlate preform to bottle color.

ISBT Document: PTC-Color-Test Methods 012207
Revision: PTCCTM012007
International Society of Beverage Technologists


COLOR TESTING METHOD AND CORRELATION FOR PREFORMS AND BOTTLES
A test method describing how to measure transmission color in preforms/ bottles and how to
correlate preform to bottle color.

Copyright 2007 by the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT).
All rights reserved.

Complete English-language documents may be obtained online from the ISBT at
www.bevtech.org.




Revision # Release Date Revision Notes
0 - Original 01/30/2007
Released for publication by the Color Sub-Committee of the
Packaging Technology Committee









International Society of Beverage Technologists
3340 Pilot Knob Road
St Paul, MN 55121 USA
www.bevtech.org

Phone : (651) 454-7250
[email protected]

COLOR TESTING METHOD AND CORRELATION FOR PREFORMS AND BOTTLES
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International Society of Beverage Technologists


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Ta b l e o f Co n t e n t s
Item Page #

Introduction 3

Principle 4

Section1: Applications 4

Section2: Procedure 5



Appendix: None









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I NTRODUCTI ON

A c ommi t t ee c ompr i sed f r om PET Cont ai ner i ndust r y devel oped
t he COLOR TESTI NG METHOD AND CORRELATI ON FOR
PREFORMS AND BOTTLES. These met hods ar e based on i ndust r y
best of pr ac t i c es.

Thi s doc ument has been pr epar ed t o pr ovi de gui del i nes t o
manuf ac t ur er s of PET c ont ai ner , Cl osur es and Fi l l i ng i ndust r y
per sonnel t o i dent i f y k ey c har ac t er i st i c s f or mai nt ai ni ng t he
qual i t y of bot h pr ef or ms and bot t l es. I ndi vi dual needs, how ever ,
may di c t at e t he appl i c at i on of ot her r equi r ement s negot i at ed
bet w een Consumer Pr oduc t c ompani es and suppl i er s of
pr ef or m/c ont ai ner s.

The I nt er nat i onal Soc i et y of Bever age Tec hnol ogi st s does not
w ar r ant t he ef f i c ac y, ac c ur ac y or c ompl et eness of t hese
gui del i nes.

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PRI N CI PL E
This method describes how to measure transmission color in preforms and
bottles. This procedure further describes how to correlate preform to bottle color.

1. 0 A PPL I CAT I ON
PET CSD, NCB-P, NCB-NP preforms and bottles both clear
1
and with colorant.
1.1 Limitations
The correlation portion of this procedure is with the same preform design blown
into a target bottle design. If a different preform design is used for a particular
bottle design, then the original correlation does not apply and needs to be
repeated. In reverse, if one preform design is used for different bottle sizes (such
as a 12oz and a 20oz), then each bottle size will require its own correlation due
to wall thickness differences. Other limitations to this document include the
assumption of the same resin, colorant, or other additive(s); if changed, then
each scenario requires a separate correlation.
2

1.2 APPARTUS
Spectrophotometer Sphere based for transmission measurements
Sample Holders Preform Holder and Bottle Film Holder for consistent
placement at transmission port

1.3 SAMPLE QUANTITIES
To be determined by end users specifications and risk analysis.


1
Clear is defined as the absence of visual transmission haze or scattering (measured as a Haze % value).
Colorless is defined as lacking in color, usually yellow (measured as ASTM E313 Y1 value).
2
High amounts of PCR (post consumer regrind) will require its own correlation. It has been found that with the same preformcolor
readings as virgin resin, the PCR preformwill blow into a lighter colored bottle. Since PCR masks the L* preformvalue, it is
important to measure the bottle to ensure the bottle is dark enough with colorant. Documentation with PCR correlations need to
include % PCR. Generally, the higher % PCR, the darker the preformL* value needs to be to ensure correct bottle color.
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2. 0 PROCEDU RE
2.1 Spectrophotometer Set-Up

A. The sample holder (either for preforms or bottle films) needs to be placed
closest to the sphere in the transmission compartment for consistent placement
at the measurement port.

B. Sensor Standardization - Follow the spectrophotometer manufacturers
procedure for standardization for total transmission mode per CIE publication
15.2; 2004 and ASTM E284.

Measurement Mode: Total Transmission
Area View: Large
Illuminant: D65
Observer: 10 degrees
Color Scale: CIELAB
Yellowness Index: Per ASTM E313 on Clear or
Colorless
1

C. Standardize with the sample holder inside the chamber but with NO SAMPLE
(preform or film).

D. Follow the equipment manufacturers instructions to standardize the
spectrophotometer. After standardization, take an air reading as a
verification by keeping the holder in the chamber with OUT a sample in it, and
take a blank measurement.
a. The measured values of the air reading should be L* 100, a* 0, b* 0
(+/- 0.1). If the results are outside of these tolerances, re-standardize.
b. It is recommended to air check periodically to ensure acceptable
standardization.




1
Clear is defined as the absence of visual transmission haze or scattering (measured as a Haze % value).
Colorless is defined as lacking in color, usually yellow (measured as ASTM E313 Y1 value).



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2.2 Preform Manufacturing and Color Measurements

A. Injection manufacturing needs to provide the dial setting the colorant is
set to at the feed throat. This later can be correlated to the Let Down
Ratio (LDR) based on weight of colorant used and weight of resin
3

used.
a. Ensure the range of LDR does exceed the expected bottle
color needs. If not, more LDRs settings will be needed.

B. Ensure that the preforms are uniform in color before taking samples.
4

a. The amount of preforms taken depends on how many data
points will be correlated per LDR.
b. Each data point will consist of measurements from ONE
preform, and then the bottle color data as a result of blowing
that same preform into the bottle.
c. The data points within a given LDR will be together referred
to a data set
d. It is recommended to have 5 or more data points so 5
preforms need to be tested. Along with having 5 data sets.
5


C. Based on the preform holder design, place a preform in the holder
correctly and consistently.

D. Take 3 to 4 rotational (approximately 120 to 90 degree turns) readings
per preform. Averaging multiple readings per preform measurement is
to minimize the variability effects of wall thickness and color dispersal
within the preform.
a. For EACH preform, record the preform identity and its
corresponding average color results, L*, a*, and b*.





3
Reference ASTM D6290 for color testing on plastic/resin pellets.
4
The preforms need to be free fromvisual defects such as color swirls, heat splay, air bubbles, etc.
5
More points or sets than 5 may be needed depending on the test and variables, such as the process, the instrument, etc.
ISBT has chosen 5 as a guideline for the correlation to develop a linear relationship.
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2.3 Bottle Manufacturing (of Tested Preforms) and Color Measurements


A. Arrange for a blow molder with the target bottle design, or similar target
bottle size, to blow bottle samples to test for color. Use the preforms
that were tested from step 2.2. Blow bottles to achieve expected panel
wall thickness with no apparent haze or pearl.

B. For each bottle sample, note the preform identity that was recorded in
step 2.2.

C. Cut a piece from the bottle that is smooth, usually from the label
panel; if possible, the piece should not have any texture to it such as
stippling, ribs, or waves. It is preferred that the bottle film cut-out piece
fits flat in the bottle film holder.
a. The piece needs to completely cover the port (minimum size
35mmx35mm).

D. Take a reading from 2 different spots on the bottle film cut-out.
a. For EACH bottle, record the preform identity, and its
corresponding average color results, L*, a*, and b*.
International Society of Beverage Technologists

2.4 Correlation of Preform and Bottle Color Results


A. Match the bottle readings data points to the corresponding preform
readings data points for the known colorant setting, such as the dial
setting or LDR. See the table below for clarification.

Colorant Setting =__________ as provided in step 2.2
DataPoint Preform Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading 4 PF L* Avg Bottle/PF Reading 1 Reading 2 Btl L* Avg
L* 1 XX-01 XX-01
L* 2 XX-02 XX-02
L* 3 XX-03 XX-03
L* 4 XX-04 XX-04
L* 5 XX-05 XX-05
Preform Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading 4 PF a* Avg Bottle Reading 1 Reading 2 Btl a* Avg
a* 1 XX-01 XX-01
a* 2 XX-02 XX-02
a* 3 XX-03 XX-03
a* 4 XX-04 XX-04
a* 5 XX-05 XX-05
Preform Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading 4 PF b* Avg Bottle Reading 1 Reading 2 Btl b* Avg
b* 1 XX-01 XX-01
b* 2 XX-02 XX-02
b* 3 XX-03 XX-03
b* 4 XX-04 XX-04
b* 5 XX-05 XX-05


B. Repeat step 2.4 with each LDR for each of the 5 data sets.

C. Average the 5 data points per data set of preform and bottle data.
Each average from the data sets can be plotted to obtain a linear
relationship to represent expected bottle color based on preform
results per L*, a*, and/or b* with the y=mx+b equation.

a. The end-users bottle color specifications need to be within the
range plotted. If not, then more LDRs will be needed as
mentioned in the preform manufacturing portion.

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