The TM-WG is refining Afera 5001, preparing a new method for film surface treatment, and strengthening the Association’s contribution to European and international standardisation.
Afera’s Next-Level Test Methods Working Group (TM-WG), chaired by Afera Standardisation Consultant Karsten Seitz, is progressing work on established Afera methods, new testing procedures and external standardisation. Its current programme is designed to keep methods precise, reproducible and relevant as materials, equipment and laboratory practice evolve, with immediate priorities covering peel adhesion testing, film surface treatment, packaging recyclability and probe tack.
Afera 5001 enters its next phase
The TM-WG’s largest active project is the further improvement of Afera 5001 for peel adhesion testing. Revised wording for clauses 16.1 and 16.2 has been prepared for incorporation into the next version, while a round-robin programme is examining procedural factors that can influence results when testing foam tapes. The aim is to clarify areas in which laboratory practice can affect measurement consistency rather than to change the principle of the method.
The first investigations have helped narrow the focus. Differences in steel-panel surface quality did not significantly affect the results for the tape and laboratory studied. Roll-down pressure, roller characteristics, tape width, application speed and the specified one-minute dwell time, however, were shown to require close control. Data from a separate trial also confirmed that stretching foam tape during application can increase the measured peel value, reinforcing the importance of consistent sample handling.
A repeat round robin will use a comparable Coroplast foam tape and involve seven laboratories: certoplast, Coroplast, 3M, Evonik, tesa, Henkel and Fraunhofer IFAM. Preparation of the sample shipment is under way. Once distribution has started, laboratory visits will compare how the procedure is carried out in practice, including tape application, roll-down conditions and equipment settings, to identify where more detailed instructions could further support reproducibility.
Supporting Afera’s work within CEN
A task force has been established to support Afera’s participation in CEN work on the recyclability of paper and cardboard packaging. Technical Specifications under development address packaging tapes in design-for-recycling (DfR) tables and test procedures and are expected to provide a technical basis for secondary legislation under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The task force will build the knowledge base needed to follow future revisions, transfer relevant information to Members and develop common industry positions.
Its initial work will cover definitions and test methods for water-dispersible or soluble and non-water-dispersible or soluble adhesives, the treatment of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and tapes in Macro Stickies Analysis and the testing of tapes as components of packaging. It will also exchange information with other industry bodies, stakeholder groups and testing institutes. Co-chaired by Afera Regulatory Affairs & Sustainability Manager Pablo Englebienne and Mr. Seitz, the task force held its first meeting on 14 July.
New method for film surface treatment
Work on the new test method by polifibra has reached draft 9 on a new Afera method for evaluating the homogeneity of surface treatments on films. The draft has been reviewed by TM-WG experts and SKZ Würzburg and has already been applied in scientific work on the treatment of silicone coatings. SKZ will undertake a further review supported by experimental work. Afera is now considering the release and communication approach, while work is ongoing on possible extensions. These developments could broaden the method’s use as a practical quality-control tool for treated film surfaces.
Monitoring probe tack development
The TM-WG is also following the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council’s development of a probe tack standard. PSTC has structured the work as a family of three approaches: a flat probe with unconstrained tape, a rounded probe with constrained tape, and a legacy inverted-probe bridge based on the withdrawn ASTM D2979-01 method. Following the TM-WG’s June meeting, PSTC indicated that publication was planned for August 2026. Afera’s role is to monitor the work and keep Members informed of relevant developments rather than develop a separate method.
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