ISO 13636:2012

Overview

ISO 13636:2012 defines requirements and test methods for non‑oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) sheets (APET) used in film and sheeting applications. It applies to sheets made from virgin PET resin, recycled PET resin, or blends, with thicknesses less than 2.0 mm. The standard excludes foamed sheets and shrinkable films and addresses materials, classification, dimensional tolerances, performance criteria, testing and marking.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Material scope: Virgin PET and controlled recycled PET recyclates (as defined in ISO 12418-1) are permitted. Food‑contact suitability is classified by material code.
• Classification:
  • By layer structure: single, two‑layer, three‑layer constructions.
  • By food contact: classes for direct or indirect food contact and for non‑food use.
  • By intrinsic viscosity (IV): four IV classes tied to typical applications (packaging, thermoforming, deep drawing, heat‑resistant containers).
• Performance requirements (representative):
  • Tensile stress at yield: machine and transverse directions ≥ 45 MPa (see Clause 8.4).
  • Heat shrinkage: ≤ 3% in machine direction (see Clause 8.5).
  • Haze: ≤ 10% for transparent sheets (see Clause 8.7).
  • Oxygen transmission rate (OTR): specified limits for barrier performance (see Clause 8.6).
• Dimensions and tolerances:
  • Sheet length/width tolerances agreed between parties (typical +20 mm upper tolerance).
  • Thickness tolerances: ≤0.2 mm ±20%; 0.2–0.5 mm ±15%; ≥0.5 mm ±10%.
• Testing and conditioning: Specimens conditioned and tested in standard atmosphere (23 ± 2 °C, 50 ± 10 % RH) and tested per referenced ISO methods (intrinsic viscosity, tensile, shrinkage, gas transmission, haze).

Applications and who uses it

ISO 13636:2012 is used by:

• PET sheet manufacturers and extruders specifying product performance and layer structures.
• Packaging converters and thermoformers selecting sheet grades for food trays, clamshells, and general packaging.
• Quality/control laboratories performing acceptance testing and validating recycled PET usage.
• Brand owners and specifiers ensuring compliance with food‑contact regulations and defined functional requirements.
• Recyclers and material suppliers referencing recyclate classifications and permitted uses.

Practical applications include general thermoforming, deep‑drawing packaging, clear display packaging (low haze), and applications requiring controlled mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

Related standards

Key referenced ISO standards include: ISO 291, ISO 472, ISO 527‑1/3, ISO 1628‑5, ISO 11501, ISO 12418‑1/‑2, ISO 14782, ISO 15105‑1/‑2, ISO 15270, ISO 7792‑1 - these cover atmosphere conditioning, terminology, tensile testing, IV measurement, shrinkage, recyclate designation, haze and gas‑transmission methods.