ISO 12625-8:2010

Overview

ISO 12625-8:2010 is an international standard developed by ISO, focused on testing tissue paper and tissue products for their water-absorption time and water-absorption capacity using the basket-immersion method. This document establishes a manual method for evaluating these critical absorbency properties, which are key quality indicators in both consumer and industrial applications of tissue products. The standard provides a consistent approach to measure performance, supporting product comparison, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across the global tissue paper industry.

Key Topics

• Basket-Immersion Test Method: Outlines procedures for immersing a sample in water using a cylindrical basket to measure both how long it takes for the tissue to become fully wet and how much water it can hold.
• Water-Absorption Time: Defines the time required for complete wetting of the tissue sample, an important parameter affecting consumer perception and product performance.
• Water-Absorption Capacity: Specifies how much water the tissue can absorb relative to its mass, offering a quantitative measure of absorbency.
• Manual Testing Focus: This standard details a manual test method due to observed variability with automated methods; automated tests may only be used if shown to deliver comparable results.
• Sample Preparation and Conditioning: Provides clear guidance on representative sampling, conditioning test pieces as per ISO 187, and ensuring accuracy in test conditions.
• Testing Precision: Incorporates requirements for reproducibility, interlaboratory consistency, and proper test reporting.

Applications

• Product Development and Quality Control: Manufacturers use ISO 12625-8 to benchmark and optimize absorbency during the development and production of tissue paper and related products such as paper towels and napkins.
• Comparative Product Assessment: Facilitates comparison of tissue products between different brands or suppliers in global trade, ensuring consistent and reliable performance metrics.
• Compliance and Certification: Supports certification processes, supplier audits, and regulatory requirements by providing standardized, internationally accepted methods for absorbency testing.
• Research and Testing Laboratories: Supplies a reference method for research organizations and testing labs performing independent quality assessments or supporting the tissue paper industry.
• Customer Assurance: Retailers and end-users benefit from assurance that products meet established performance standards for absorbency and reliability.

Related Standards

• ISO 287 - Paper and board - Determination of moisture content of a lot - Oven-drying method. Used for establishing the moisture content of tissue samples before absorbency testing.
• ISO 15755 - Paper and board - Estimation of contraries. Applies to the detection of impurities and foreign material in tissue paper products.
• ISO 186 - Paper and board - Sampling to determine average quality. Used to select representative samples for testing.
• ISO 187 - Paper, board, and pulps - Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing.
• ISO 14487 - Pulps - Standard water for physical testing.

Practical Value

ISO 12625-8:2010 delivers practical benefits for the tissue paper supply chain, from raw material suppliers and converters to manufacturers and retailers. By defining a reliable, reproducible method for measuring water-absorption, it helps businesses maintain high product standards, foster marketplace trust, and ensure customer satisfaction. Employing this basket-immersion test method is essential for demonstrating tissue product performance, achieving certification, and competing successfully in international markets.

For more information and to access ISO 12625-8:2010, visit the ISO website at www.iso.org.