ASTM D996 is a standard terminology that describes the vocabulary used in the packaging and distribution industries. It was established by ASTM International, an organization known for developing international standards in a wide range of products, materials, systems, and services. This terminology is essential as it ensures consistent understanding and interpretation of terms by professionals in these industries, thereby facilitating better communication, accurate documentation, and efficient execution of work processes.
This standard aims to provide a unified understanding of the terms used in packaging and distribution environments. It is designed to eliminate ambiguity that may arise from industry jargon, regional vernaculars, or evolving language standards. Additionally, it ensures that the terms used in these industries are precise, concise, and clear for all parties involved in packaging and distribution tasks, thereby reducing the risk of miscommunication and misunderstandings.
The ASTM D996 document consists of a series of definitions for technical terms related to packaging and distribution, presented in simple sentences, with additional necessary information incorporated in subsequent discussions. It does not include common terms that can be easily understood or found in other easily accessible sources.
These definitions are grouped into related concepts, each under a main theme. Each group starts with a general descriptor term, followed by more specific and related terms in alphabetical order. This allows users to navigate the terminology more easily and understand the relationships and hierarchies between terms.
For example, you might have a group related to "packaging materials," under which there would be more specific terms such as "cardboard," "plastic," "glass," and so on. Such organization not only makes the document more user-friendly but also facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of each domain.
In cases where the conceptual group is not obvious, cross-references are provided as a guide. When the definitions correspond to those published by another standardization organization or an ASTM committee, this is clearly identified in the terminology.
The document also references other specific terminologies when appropriate. For example, terminology related to flexible barrier packaging is referenced in terminology F17. By doing so, it ensures comprehensive coverage of all areas related to packaging and distribution while avoiding unnecessary redundancies.