KENYA STANDARD            DKS 1142: 2024 
                                ICS 59.080  
SECOND EDITION   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specification for polyolefin agricultural 
twines   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No copying of this standard without KEBS permission except as permitted by 
copyright law    
 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
 
Teita Estate Ltd.  
Red Plum Limited  
Agriculture and food Authority (AFA)  
Moi University  
Technical University of Kenya  
Kensalt Limited  
Rivatex East Africa Limited  
Ministry of State Defence -R&D Department  
National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)  
Solpia Kenya Limited  
Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI)  
Tiger Packaging Industries Limited  
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)  
Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly 
reviewed. Suggestions for improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing 
Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, are welcome.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2024  
 
Copyright.  Users are   reminded that by virtue of section 6 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 130 of 
the Laws of Kenya, copyright subsists in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under 
section 7 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standards may be 
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without 
prior permission in writing from the Managing Director.  
 
Permission may be conditional on an appropriate royalty payment.  
 ©KEBS                                   DKS 1142: 2024  
3 Care should be taken to ensure that material used is from the current edition of the standard 
and that it is updated whenever the standard is amended or revised.  The number and  date  
of  the standard should therefore be clearly identified.  
 
The use of material in print or in electronic form to be used commercially with or without 
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ISBN 9966 -07-059-1 
 KENYA STANDARD                 DKS -1142: 2024 
                                     ICS 59.080   
SECOND EDITION  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specification for polyolefin agricultural twines  
 
     
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head  Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254  020) 605490, 602350, Fax: (+254 020)  
604031  
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://www.kebs.org   
 
Coast Region     Lake Region          Rift Valley Region  
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210555  
Fax: (+254  041) 229448    Fax: (+254 057) 21814   
 ©KEBS                                   DKS 1142: 2024  
5 P R E F A C E  
 
This draft Kenya Standard has been prepared by the  Hard Fibre s and Related Products  Technical 
Committee under the guidance of the Standards Projects Committee, and it is in accordance with 
the procedures of the Kenya  Bureau of Standards.  
 
Polyolefin agricultural twines are widely used in agriculture for binding bundles of automatic pick -up 
balers, or the sheaves on reaping and binding machines.  To perform satisfactorily and be useful in 
this respect, the twines must meet the minimum requirements expected of them.  This Kenya 
Standard specifies these minimum requirements.  
 
In the development of this standard, reference was made to the following document:  
 
    ISO 4167 -1979 (E): Polyolefin agricultural twines.   
 
Acknowledgement is hereby made for the assistance received from these sources.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA STANDARD  
 
SPECIFICATION FOR POLYOLEFIN AGRICULTURAL TWINES  
 
 
 
1. SCOPE  
 
This Kenya Standard specifies the requirements , test methods and sampling  for polyolefin agricultural twines.  
 
NOTE:   The term ‘Polyolefin’ implies principally polypropylene and high -density polyethylene.   
  
 2. NORMATIVE REFERENCES  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 2, Textiles — Designation of the direction of twist in yarns and related products  
ISO 139, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing  
ISO 2307  Fibre ropes — Determination of certain physical and mechanical properties   
 
3. DEFINITIONS  
3.1 yarn  
an assembly of fibres spun into a continuous length.  
 
3.2 strand  
A product obtained by joining and twisting together several yarns or group of yarns together.  
 
3.3 Twine  
A product consisting of one or more yarns twisted together or wound to form a structure of continuous length.  
 
3.4 Agricultural baler twine  
A chemically treated twine intended to be used primarily in agriculture for binding the bundles on automatic pick -up 
balers or the sheaves on reaping and binding machines.  
 
3.5 Package  
the unit of packaging in which twines are supplied and which may be in the form of spool, coil, or ball.  
 
3.6 Pack  
A parcel of two or more spools  
3.7 batch  
definite  quantity  of twine  produced  under  conditions  which  are presumed  uniform.  
 
3.8 laboratory  sample  
total selection  of samples  from a batch  intended  for testing  in the laboratory.  
 ©KEBS                                   DKS 1142: 2024  
7 n 3.9 polyolefin  
principally  polypropylene  (PP) and high-density  polyethylene  (PE) 
 
3.10 specimen  
quantity  of twine  on which  a test conforming  to the requirements  of this International  Standard  is carried  out. 
 
4. DESIGNATION  
 
A twine shall be designated by  
 
⎯ the words “agricultural twine”,  
 
⎯ the number of this Standard, i.e. KS 1142,  
 
⎯ the material from which the agricultural twine is made, and  
 
⎯ the nominal runnage in metres (m) per kilogram (kg) of the agricultural twine.  
 
EXAMPLE  Designation example:  
 
A polypropylene (PP) agricultural twine having a nominal runnage of 350 m/kg is designated as follows: agricultural 
twine KS 1142 - PP - 350 
 
5. REQUIREMENTS  
 
5.1 General requirements  
5.1.1  Raw Material — The raw material used for the manufacture of twine shall consist of high-quality  stabilized 
polyolefin granules.  
 
5.1.2 Make -up — Each spool of twine shall be capable of working with continuity throughout its length. The twine shall 
have a Z twist in accordance with ISO 2. Twine should always be removed from the centre of a spool in an anti -
clockwise direction.  
 
5.1.3 Freedom from defects - The twine when visually examined shall be free from defects, which affect the appearance 
and utility including but not limited to knot weaknesses, yarn slippage, uneven diameter, thinning or thickening.  
 
5.2 Specific requirements  
 
5.2.1  Nominal Diameter — The nominal diameter shall be as declared, subject to a tolerance of ± 5 per cent. This 
shall be determined in accordance with ISO 2307.  
 
5.2.2 Technical properties  
 
The twines shall comply with the technical requirements given in Table 1 when tested in accordance with the methods 
specified therein.  
 
For the minimum  twine  breaking  force  requirement,  the following  formula  shall be used:  
 
Ftwine  = 31 450 + 8 
where  
Ftwine   is the minimum  twine  breaking  force,  in decanewtons  rounded  to the nearest  integer;  
n is the specified  nominal  runnage  of the twine,  in metres  per kilogram  
 
For the minimum  average  knot breaking  force  requirement,  the following formula  shall be used:  
 
Fknot = 0.55 Ftwine  
where  Fknot is the minimum  where  Fknot is the minimum  average  knot breaking  force,  in decanewtons  rounded 
to the nearest  integer.   
 For the nominal  runnage  tolerance  requirement,  a tolerance  of  8 % rounded  to the nearest  integer  shall be  
allowed.  
 
Table  1 — Technical  properties  of polyolefin  agricultural  twines  
 
 
Parameter  Values of properties  Example: 
Agricultural twine   PP - 350 Test 
method  
Linear  density, tex   2 857 +249 
–211 Annex A  
Runnage , m/kg   350  28 Annex A  
Minimum  twine  breaking  force , daN   98 Annex B  
Minimum  average  knot breaking  force , 
daN  54 Annex C  
 
 Note: The SI unit of force is the newton. A force of 1 decanewton (daN) corresponds to that exerted by a mass of 
1,02 kg.  ©KEBS                                   DKS 1142: 2024  
9 Table 2: Indicative characteristics of some twines  
 
 
 
Designation/ end 
use Linear density, l  
Runnage of the twine  Minimum twine  
breaking  force  
 
Ftwine  
daN Minimum average  
knot breaking  
force  
Fknot 
daN nominal  
tex tolerance  
tex nominal, n 
m/kg  tolerance  
m/kg  
Round bales  1 176  + 103 
−   87 850  68 45 25 
 
Round bales   
1 724  + 149 
− 127  
580  
 46  
62  
34 
 
Conventional bales   
2 326  + 199 
− 171  
430  
 34  
81  
44 
 
Conventional bales   
2 857  + 249 
− 211  
350  
 28  
98  
54 
 
Conventional bales   
3 448  + 297 
− 253  
290  
 23  
116  
64 
 
Big bales   
6 667  + 579 
− 494  
150  
 12  
218  
120 
 
Big bales   
7 692  + 641 
− 549  
130  
 10  
250  
137 
 
 
 
6 Labelling  
 
6.1 Unit labelling   
Each coil shall be supplied with the following information:   
 
a. Manufacturer’s name and/or registered trademark  
b. the declaration ‘ Polyolefin baler twine ’ 
c. nominal linear density in  tex 
d. nominal diameter in millimetre s 
e. coil length in metres.  
f. coil mass in kilograms.  
g. country of manufacture  
h. Designation of the twine  
 
7 Packaging  
 
7.1 Unit packaging  
Each coil shall be packed in a suitable material to protect it from soiling and other forms of contamination.   
 
7.2 Bulk packaging  
 
Coils of the same type  shall be packed in  suitable containers so as to protect  them from damage or contamination during 
transportation, handling and storage .  
 
Each carton box shall have a clearly legible label with the following information:   
 
a. Manufacturer’s name and/or registered trademark.  
b. Designation of the twine  
c. Number of spools in each container.  
d. Gross mass of each container, in kg.  
e. Country of origin  
  
  
 
8 Sampling  
 
8.1 Lot  
Coils of the same design and quality shall constitute a lot ( see Table 3, Column 1).   
 
8.2 Box sampling   
From the lot, sample boxes shall be selected at random as per Table 3, Column 2.    
 
8.3 Selected samples   
At least two rolls of baler twines shall  be selected from each sample box. This shall be done by opening the box in a 
manner so as to enable easy and quick sampling and selecting one sample from the first half near the top and the 
second sample from the second half of the box.  These shall constitute selected samples as given in Table 3, Column 3.   
 
8.4 Test samples   
All the selected samples shall be examined for the defects. If found free from defects, half of the samples in Table 3, 
Column 3 shall be selected at random as test samples.  These shall constitute laboratory samples as given in Table 3, 
Column 4.   
 
8.5 Reference samples   
Half of the samples in Table 3, Column 3 shall be preserved as reference samples for use in case of a dispute or for 
retesting, as the case may be. These shall constitute reference samples given in Table 3, Column 5.    
 
Table 3 — Sampling plan  
Lot in boxes   Sample boxes   Selected 
samples   Laboratory 
samples   Reference 
samples   
(1)  (2)  (3)  (4)  (5)  
1 to 3   1  2  1  1  
4 to 9   2  4  2  2  
10 to 27   3  6  3  3  
28 to 81   4  8  4  4  
82 to 243   7  14  7  7  
244 to 729   10  20  10  10  
730 to 2 187   15  30  15  15  
Above 2 188   20  40  20  20  
 
 ©KEBS                                   DKS 1142: 2024  
11 30 Annex A  
(Normative)  
Determination of linear density and runnage  
 
A1. Principle  
 
Specimens of specified length are weighed under specific conditions and then the linear density and the runnage (or  
length in metres per kilogram) are calculated.  
 
A2. Apparatus  
A.2.1 Balance , accurate to 0,5 g.  
 
A.2.2 Wrap -reel of known perimeter.  
 
A3. Specimens  
 
A.3.1 Selection  
 
Select 30 m of twine from each spool, in the following manner.  
 
⎯ Directly from the centre of each spool, in an anti -clockwise direction, draw the first 10 m of twine and 
discard it.  
 
⎯ Draw 30 m of twine and wind it as adjacent turns (without overlapping) on the wrap -reel, exercising just 
sufficient tension on the twine to maintain straightness.  
 
Each specimen of 30 m constitutes a test piece.  
 
A.3.2 Conditioning  
 
The tests shall be carried out in an ambient atmosphere, provided that the twine has been kept in conditions which do 
not damage its original properties.  
 
In the case of dispute, leave the specimens for 24 h in the standard temperature atmosphere for testing as specified in 
ISO 139 [temperature ( 20  2) °C, relative humidity (65   2) %], before continuing with the tests.  
 
A.4 Procedure  
 
Weigh each specimen to the nearest 0,5 g. Let m1 be the mass obtained, in grams.  
 
A.5 Expression of results  
 
A.6 Calculation of linear density  
 
For each specimen, calculate the linear density, l, in tex rounded to the nearest integer, using the following formula:  
 
l =         1000 m 1 
 
Where: 
 
m1 is the mass of the specimen in grams.   
 l  
 
 
A.7 Calculation of runnage  
 
Calculate the runnage, L, in metres per kilogram rounded to the nearest integer of twine, using the following formula:  
 
L =      
 
 
where l is the linear density in tex rounded to the nearest integer.  
 
A.8 Check test  
 
If a specimen is outside the tolerance (see  Table 2), a check test shall be carried out on another spool.  
 
If the result of the check test is found to be within limits of the permitted tolerances, the result of the check test shall be 
adopted for the value of the linear density.  
 
 
Annex B  
(Normative)  
Determination of twine breaking force  
 
B.1 Principle  
 
The force (expressed in decanewtons) required to break a specimen of specified length is measured under known 
conditions.  
 
B.2 Apparatus  
 
Tensile testing machine having a constant rate of traverse with a mobile grip. This testing machine shall comprise:  
 
⎯ two devices for gripping the ends of the test piece.  
 
⎯ a device for maintaining the rate of traverse constant.  
 
⎯ a device for indicating or recording continuously the force applied.  
 
B.3 Specimens  
 
After determining the runnage, draw directly from the centre of each spool in an anti -clockwise direction, and without 
cutting the twine, 10 specimens spaced 5 m from each other and of sufficient length so that once they are 
mounted in the testing machine, the free length of the specimen between the gripping devices (see 9.2.2) is a 
minimum of 250 mm.  
 
Each specimen shall be identified by reference to the spool from which it has been drawn.  
 
B.4 Procedure  
 
B.4.1 Check that the speed of movement of the moving grip of the machine is constant and equal, in millimetres per 
minute, within   10 %, to the length, in millimetres, of the specimen between the grips.  
 
B.4.2 Before mounting the specimen between the grips, ensure that the axes of the latter are a minimum of 250 mm 
apart.  
 
B.4.3 Mount the specimen in the machine so that it coincides  with the axis of pull, taking care to avoid loss of twist other 
than that inevitably lost in drawing off the twine from the spool.  ©KEBS                                   DKS 1142: 2024  
13 B.4.4 Start the machine and apply the force continuously until the specimen breaks. If a specimen breaks in the grips, or 
as a result of damage caused by them, remove it and start the test again with a new specimen.  
 
B.5 Expression of results  
 
For the breaking force test, take into consideration only the results obtained when the break occurs between the grips of 
the testing machine.  
 
Calculate the breaking force by obtaining the arithmetical mean of the 10 results retained and  express this breaking 
force in decanewtons.  
 
If any one of the 10 specimens from a sample spool fails to reach the minimum breaking force specified in Table 2 for 
the twine being tested, the result shall be rejected,  and another spool of twine sample used in its place.  
 
This retest procedure shall be applied to all sample spools representing a batch.  
 
Should any test result from the retest sample spool or spools fail to reach the minimum breaking force requirement, the 
batch represented by the sample spools shall be deemed not to comply with this International Standard.  
 
 
Annex C 
(Normative)  
Determination of knot breaking force  
 
C1. Principle  
 
The force (expressed in decanewtons) required to break a specimen containing a thumb knot tied as shown in Figure 1 
and not its mirror image is measured under prescribed conditions.  
 
C2. Apparatus  
 
See B.2. 
 
C.3 Specimens  
 
After determining the twine breaking force, draw directly from the centre of each spool, in an anti -clockwise direction, 10 
specimens spaced 5 m from each other and of sufficient length so that once they contain a thumb knot and are 
mounted in the testing machine, the free length of the specimen between the gripping devices shall be a 
minimum of 250 mm.  
 
Each specimen shall be identified by reference to the spool from which it has been drawn.   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a) Knot loosely tied       b) Knot drawn tight  
 
 
The ends diverge at 180° to the grips, as shown.  
         The twine is loaded to rupture in this manner.  
 
Key 
1 to the grip  
 
Figure 1 — Tying of thumb knot  
 
C.4 Procedure  
 
C.4.1 Before mounting the specimen between the grips, check that the axes of the latter are a minimum of 250 mm 
apart.  
 
C.4.2 Check that the speed of movement of the moving grip of the machine is constant and numerically equal, in 
millimetres per minute, within  ±10 % to the length, in millimetres, of the specimen between the grips.  
 
C.4.3 Mount the specimen containing the knot between the grips in such a way that the knot is approximately equidistant 
from the grips. Draw the knot tight before loading is commenced, taking care to preserve the twist during this operation.  
 
C.4.4 Start the machine and apply the force continuously until the specimen breaks. If a specimen breaks in the grips, or 
as a result of damage caused by them, remove it and start the test again with a new specimen. If, due to knot slippage, 
breaking does not occur, the test is not valid and shall be repeated with a new specimen; this fact shall be reported in 
the test report.  
 
C.5 Expression of results  
 
For the knot breaking force test, take into consideration only the results obtained when the break occurs clear of the 
grips of the testing machine.  
 
Calculate the breaking force by obtaining the arithmetical mean of the 10 results retained and  express this breaking 
force in decanewtons.  
 
If a sample spool fails to reach the minimum average knot breaking force specified in Table 1, reject the result and 
sample another spool of twine in its place.  
 
  
 
 
This retest procedure shall be applied to all sample spools representing a batch.  
 
Should the calculated arithmetical mean of 10 results from the retest sample spool or spools fail to reach the 
minimum average knot breaking force requirement, the batch represented by the sample spools 
shall be deemed not to comply with this International Standard.  
 
C.6 Test report  
 
The test report shall include the following particulars:  
 
a) reference to this Standard, i.e. KS 1142 ; 
 
b) designation of the twine.  
 
c) the results obtained.  
 
d) any operating details not stated in this International Standard and any possible incidents likely 
to have had an effect upon the results.