DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  
  DUS 1890  
First  Edition  
2019 -mm-dd 
 
 
 Reference number  
DUS 1890 : 2019 
© UNBS  2019   
  
Specification for Polyethylene Film and Sheeting  
 DUS 1890: 2019  
ii © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its  correct application  
© UNBS 2019   
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards  
P.O. Box 6329  
Kampala  
Uganda  
Tel: +256 41 4 333 2 50/1/2/3  
Fax: +256 41 4 286 123  
E-mail: info@unbs.go.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  DUS 1890: 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
1 Scope ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  2 
4 Classification  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  2 
5 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
5.1 Appearance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  3 
5.2 Thickness tolerances  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  3 
5.3 Yield tolerances  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 3 
5.4 Width tolerances  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 3 
5.5 Length  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  3 
6 Detail requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  3 
7 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  4 
8 Test methods  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  4 
8.1 Conditioning  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
8.2 Test conditions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 4 
8.3 Density  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  4 
8.4 Impact strength  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 4 
8.5 Coefficient of friction, kinetic  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
8.6 Haze  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  4 
8.7 Treatme nt ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
8.8 Thickness  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
8.8.1  Test specimens  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 4 
8.9 Yield  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  5 
9 Packaging and package marking  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  5 
Annex  A (informative)  Other properties  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  6 
A.1 Tensile strength and elongation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  6 
A.2 Tear strength  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  6 
A.3 Water vapor transmission  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  6 
A.4 Gas transmission  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6 
A.5 Odor  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  6 
A.6 Gloss  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  6 
A.7 Transparency  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  6 
A.8 Flatness  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  6 
Annex  B (informat ive)  Alternative techniques for determination of average thickness  ............................  7 
B.1 Thickness  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  7 
B.1.1  Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  7 
B.1.2  Test specimens  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 7 
B.1.3  Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  7 
B.1.4  Calculation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  7 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  9 
 DUS 1890: 2019  
iv © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Trade , Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327 , of the Laws of Uganda , as amended .  UNBS is man dated to co -
ordinate the elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT  Agreemen t of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of key stakeholders 
including  government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments be fore recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee UNBS /TC 19, Packaging and 
Packaging products . DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  DUS 1890: 2019  
 
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  1 
 Specification for Po lyethylene Film and Sheeting  
1 Scope   
1.1 This specification covers the classification of polyethylene film and sheeting from 0.03 mm - 0.3 mm in 
thickness, inclusive. The film or sheeting may contain additives for the improvement of the surface properties , 
pigments, or stabilizers, or combinations thereof.  
1.2 This specification allows for the use of recycled polyethylene film or resin as feedstock, in whole or in 
part, as long as all the requirements as governed by the producer and end user are also met.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is 
the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and 
determine the applicability of regulat ory limitations prior to use . 
2 Normative references   
The following referenced documents referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content 
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies . For undated 
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
ISO 291,  Plastics — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing  
ISO 527 -3, Plastics — Determination of tensile properties — Part 3: Test condi tions for films and sheets  
ISO 1183 -1, Plastics — Methods for determining the density of non -cellular plastics — Part 1: Immersion 
method, liquid pycnometer method and titration method  
ISO 1183 -2, Plastics — Methods for determining the den sity of non -cellular plastics — Part 2: Density gradient 
column method  
ISO 472, Plastics — Vocabulary  
ISO 13468 -1, Plastics — Determination of the total luminous transmittance of transparent materials — Part 1: 
Single -beam instrument  
ISO 7229 , Rubber - or plastics -coated fa brics — Measurement of gas permeability  
ISO 7765 -1, Plastics film and sheeting — Determination of impact resistance by the free -falling dart method — 
Part 1: Staircase methods  
ISO 7765 -2, Plastics film and sheeting — Determination of impact resistance by t he free -falling dart method — 
Part 2: Instrumented puncture test  
ISO 8295 , Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of the coefficients of friction  
ISO 6383 -1, Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of tear resistance — Part 1: Trouser tear metho d 
ISO 6383 -2, Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of tear resistance — Part 2: Elmendorf method   
2 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 DUS 1892 , Test method for specular gloss of plastic films and solid plastics  
ISO 4591, Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of average thicknes s of a sample, and average 
thickness and yield of a roll, by gravimetric techniques (gravimetric thickness)  
ISO 293, Plastics — Compression moulding of test specimens of thermoplastic materials  
ISO 4593 , Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of thic kness by mechanical scanning  
ISO 2528, Sheet materials — Determination of water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) — Gravimetric (dish) 
method  
ISO 15106 -2, Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of water vapour transmission rate — Part 2: 
Infrared detec tion sensor method  
3 Terms and definitions   
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 472  and the following apply.  
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:  
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp  
3.1  
treated  
surface characteristics of the sheet or film have been modified by flame, corona discharge, or other means to 
promote the adhesion of inks, etc  
3.2  
yield 
the area provided by a giv en weight of film or sheeting of specified thickness.  
4 Classification  
The film and sheeting covered in this specification shall be designated by a type number, composed by listing 
the desired cell limit for each of the five properties, in the order shown in Table 1.  
Table 1 — Type numbers  
Property 
Order 
Number  Property  1 2 3 4 Units  
1 Density A 0.926 –<0.941  0.941 –0.965  <0.910  ... g/cm3 
2 Impact strength  40–70 71–150 151–300 >300  grams  
3 Coefficient of friction G 0.20–0.40 0.41–0.70 >0.70  ... ... 
4 Haze  5.0–9.0 >9.0 ... ... ... 
5 Nominal thickness  0.0300 -0.0508  0.0508 –0.1016  0.1016 -0.1778  0.1778 -0.3048  mm 
A Annealed density of molded plaques or Melt Index extrudates  
G Coefficient of friction listed in this table is based on the kinetic coefficient of friction  
 DUS 1890: 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  3 
 5 General requirements  
5.1 Appearance  
The material shall have appearance qualities conforming with those produced by good commercial practice. It 
shall be as fr ee as commercially possible of gels, streaks, pinholes, particles of foreign matter, and 
undispersed raw material. Gels need to be kept as minimal as possible when recycled materials are used in 
the films. There shall be no other visible defects such as ho les, tears, or blisters. The edges shall be free of 
nicks and cuts visible to the unaided eye. There shall be no visible evidence of damage from shipping.  
5.2 Thickness tolerances  
The point -to-point thickness tolerances of the film or sheeting covered in t his specification shall be nominal 
±5 %. 
5.3 Yield tolerances  
The actual yield of film or sheeting covered in this specification shall be within the tolerance limits of the 
nominal yield as prescribed in Table 2. In cases where each roll, blanket, or unit of production is packaged 
and marked by the producer as the ultimate consumer sales unit with stated dimensions, the single -roll 
tolerances for yield shall apply . 
Table 2 — Yield tolerances  
Number of Rolls  Tolerance, 
% 
Single rolls and lots up to and including 25 
rolls ±10 
Lots over 25 rolls and up to and including 
100 rolls  ±5 
Lots over 100 rolls  ±3 
5.4 Width tolerances  
The tolerance for width shall be ±3.3 mm of nominal width except that the tolerance shall be not less than ±3.3 
mm. 
5.5 Length  
For unit consumption  the length of film or sheeting per roll shall be within +4, -0 % of the length as marked, or 
as agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller. Each roll shall be in one piece, except that it is 
permissible for no more than 10 % of the rolls in any one shipment to contain a maximum of three pieces. 
Such rolls shall be clearly labelled.  
6 Detail requirements   
6.1 The film or sheeting shall conform to the requirements of Table 1 as indicated by the type designation.  
6.2 The film and sheeting shall not be  blocked excessively as agreed upon between the purchaser and the 
seller   
4 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 7 Sampling  
Samples of film or sheeting sufficient to determine conformance to this specification shall be taken at random.  
8 Test methods  
8.1 Conditioning  
Condition the test specimen s at 23 ± 2°C and 50 ± 10 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h prior to test in 
accordance with ISO 291  unless otherwise specified by agreement or the relevant material specification. In 
cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be ±1°C and ±5 % re lative humidity.  
8.2 Test conditions  
Conduct the tests at 23 ± 2°C and 50 ± 10 % relative humidity unless otherwise specified by agreement or the 
relevant material specification. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be ±1°C and ±5 % relative 
humi dity. 
8.3 Density  
Determine the annealed density of the moulded plaques or melt index extrudate as specified in Specification 
D4976.  Plaques shall be compression moulded in accordance with ISO 293 . 
8.4 Impact strength  
Test the film or sheeting for impact s trength in accordance with test methods ISO 7765 -1 or ISO 7765 -2. 
Note  The impact resistance of polyethylene film, while partly dependent on thickness, has no simple correlation with 
sample thickness. Hence, impact values expressed in grams cannot be norma lized over a range of thicknesses without 
producing misleading data as to the actual impact resistance of the material. Data from these methods are comparable 
only for comparing specimens that vary in thickness by no more than ±25 % from the nominal or ave rage thickness of the 
specimens tested.  
8.5 Coefficient of friction, kinetic  
Determine the kinetic coefficient of friction in accordance with test method ISO 8295 . 
8.6 Haze  
Determine the haze of the film or sheeting in accordance with Test Method ISO 13468 -1. 
8.7 Treatment  
Designate the film or sheeting simply as untreated or treated in accordance with 3.2.1.  
8.8 Thickness  
The thickness of the film and sheeting shall be determined in accordance with ISO 4593 .  
8.8.1  Test specimens  
Five specimens, at least 5  by 5 cm in area, taken randomly across the width of the roll shall be tested. At least 
one set of specimens shall be measured from each roll being tested.  DUS 1890: 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  5 
 8.9 Yield  
8.9.1  Calculate the actual yield using procedure in ISO 4591 .  
8.9.2  Calculate the nominal  yield using ISO 4591  and the unannealed film density. Determine the 
unannealed film density in accordance with test method ISO 1183 -2, using three specimens after conditioning 
in accordance with ISO 291 . 
8.9.3  Calculate the deviation of the actual yield f rom the nominal yield as follows:  
100
nn a
YY YD
 
Where,  
D deviation from the nominal yield, %,  
Ya measured yield, m2/kg, and  
Yn nominal yield, m2/kg  
9 Packaging and package marking  
9.1 The material shall be packaged in a manner that protects the integrity of the film or sheeting . 
9.2 Shipping containers shall be marked with the name, type in accordance with this specification, 
thickness, width, and weight of the film or sheeting contained therein, as defined by the contract or order 
under which th e shipment is made, the name of the manufacturer, and the contract order number.   
6 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 Annex  A 
(informative)  
 
Other properties  
A.1 Tensile strength and elongation  
When tensile strength and elongation are to be measured, test in accordance with Test Method ISO 527 -3. It 
is important that these properties be measured in both the transverse and longitudinal direction s. 
A.2 Tear strength  
When required, determine the tear strength in accordance with test methods ISO 6383 -1 or ISO 6383 -2, as 
agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.  
A.3 Water vapor transmission  
Determine the water vapor transmission of polyethyle ne film and sheeting, when necessary, in accordance 
with Test Methods ISO 2528  or ISO 15106 -2, as agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.  
A.4 Gas transmission  
Determine the gas transmission through polyethylene film and sheeting, when necessary, in accordance with 
Test Method ISO 7229  or specific methods for the gases of interest, as agreed upon between the purchaser 
and seller.  
A.5 Odor  
When required, rate the film and sheeting odor as satisfactory or unsatisfactory when compared to an odor 
stand ard. The odor standard and test method shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.  
A.6 Gloss  
Determine the gloss of polyethylene film and sheeting, when necessary, in accordance with test method DUS 
1892 . Sample preparation and test method s hall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.  
A.7 Transparency  
Determine the transp arency, when required . The specular transmittance data obtained should correlate with 
“see-through” clarity.  
A.8 Flatness  
When required, rate the film or sheetin g for degree of flatness. The test method and the degree of flatness 
shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.  DUS 1890: 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  7 
 Annex  B 
(informative)  
 
Alternative techniques for determination of average thi ckness  
B.1 Thickness  
This method for thickness determination is to be used as a referee method for average thickness and is 
especially suitable for use in determining the average thickness for embossed film and sheeting. For routine 
testing or specificatio n, standard dead weight methods shall be used.  
B.1.1  Apparatus  
The apparatus shall consist of the following:  
a) Analytical balance, equipped with pan straddle or other stationary support, sensitive to 0.0005 g,  
b) Class S Weights,  
c) Beaker, 250 -mL, 
d) Fine Thread or Wire, non -absorbent,  
e) Thermometer, 0 to 100°C, graduated in 1°C divisions,  
f) Die or Template, for cutting test specimens, 10 by 10 cm, with dimensional tolerance of ±0.01 
cm/side, and  
g) Sharp knife or razor.  
B.1.2  Test specimens  
Test five 10 by 10 cm specimens taken uniformly across the width of the sheet.  
B.1.3  Procedure  
By mea ns of the die or template and the sharp knife or razor, cut five specimens from the sample of material. 
Weigh each specimen to the nearest 0.5 mg on the analytical balance. Record the weight as W. Determine 
the density of each specimen in accordance with m ethod A of test Methods ISO 1183 -1 or test method ISO 
1183 -2, and record as D. Use of a wetting agent is recommended.  
B.1.4  Calculation  
Calculate the average thickness of each test specimen, using the following formula, and average the five 
values:  
DW
DWT94.3
100394
 
where:  
T average thickness of test specimen, mils,   
8 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 W weight of test specimen, g,  
D density of test specimen, g/cm3,  
394 conversion factor, cm to mils, and  
100 area of specimen, cm2. 
B.2 Average thickness based on yield per roll  
Calculate t he average thickness based on yield per roll as follows:  
width length densityweightnet 2307mils thickness, average
 DUS 1890: 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  9 
 Bibliography  
ASTM D2103 -15, Specification for Polyethylene Film and Sheeting  
 DUS 1890: 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  11 
 Certification marking  
Products that conform to Uganda standards may be marked with Uganda Nation al Bureau of Standards 
(UNBS) Certification Mark shown in the figure below.  
The use of the UNBS Certification Mark is governed by the Standards Act, and the Regulations made 
thereunder. This mark can be used only by those licensed under the certification mark scheme operated by 
the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and in conjunction with the relevant Uganda Standard. The 
presence of this mark on a product or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods comply with the 
requirements of that sta ndard under a system of supervision, control and testing in accordance with the 
certification mark scheme of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. UNBS marked products are 
continually checked by UNBS for conformity to that standard.  
Further particulars  of the terms and conditions of licensing may be obtained from the Director, Uganda 
National Bureau of Standards.  
 
 DUS 1890: 2019    
 
ICS 83.080  
Price based on nn pages  
© UNBS 2019 – All rights reserved