D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 21, r. 21-801
Paper bags shall be fabricated from new and unused wet-strength kraft paper, wholly extensible or wholly non-extensible or equivalent.
All wet-strength paper shall be distinctly marked on the outer surface for identification by longitudinal stripes spaced not less than two inches (2 in.) nor more than ten inches (10 in.) apart across the paper width, and each stripe shall be not less than one eighth inch (1/8 in.) in width. No other grade of paper used in the bags shall be striped in this manner.
For multi-ply bags, the identification marking shall appear on the external surface of the bag.
The non-extensible paper used to construct single-ply or multi-ply bags shall be a nominal basis weight of one hundred pounds (100 lbs.) per five hundred (500) sheets, and a minimum basis weight of ninety-five pounds (95 lbs.) per five hundred (500) sheets. The size of each sheet is twenty-four inches by thirty-six inches (24 in. x 36 in.).
The extensible or equivalent paper used to construct single-ply or multi-ply bags shall have a nominal basis weight of ninety pounds (90 lbs.) per five hundred (500) sheets, and a minimum basis of eighty-five and one-half pounds (85.5 lbs.) per five hundred (500) sheets. The size of each sheet is twenty-four inches by thirty-six inches (24 in. x 36 in.).
Minimum tensile energy absorptions for dry and wet extensible or equivalent paper used in single and multi-ply bags are set forth in Table I:
Table I - Minimum Tensile Energy Absorption - Extensible | ||
Single-ply or Multiply Bags Cross direction or paper Cross direction plus machine direction of paper | Dry 9.3 ft. lb./ft.2 30.8 ft. lb./ft.2 | Wet 2.7 ft. lb./ft.2 Not Specified |
Minimum tensile breaking strengths for dry and wet non-extensible paper used in single and multi-ply bags are set forth in Table II.
Table II - Minimum Tensile Breaking Strength - Non-Extensible | ||
Single-ply or Multiply Bags Cross direction or paper Cross direction plus machine direction of paper | Dry 34.0 lbs./in. width 95 0 lbs./in. width | Wet 9.0 lbs./in. width Not Specified |
The method of testing for nominal and minimum basis weight shall be the TAPPI Standard Method T-410 which shall be conducted in accordance with § 4 of Federal Specification UU-S-48e.
Tensile breaking strength and tensile energy absorption tests shall be performed according to TAPPI STANDARD METHODS T-404, T-456, and T-494.
Wet tensile breaking strength and tensile energy absorption are to be determined by using one inch width specimens that have been immersed in water for two (2) hours at seventy-three degrees (730 F.), +- 3.50 F.
Any adhesive used for seams and closures shall meet the water resistant requirements for Federal Specification UU-S-48e.
The strength of any stitching on the ends of sewn bags shall be not less than that of 12/5 cotton needle thread and 12/4 cotton looper thread or equivalent.
The usable capacity of bags shall not exceed four cubic feet (4 ft.3).
Measurement of capacity shall be determined by application of the following formula, applying the prescribed measurements of the unfilled bag.
Cubic Foot Capacity equals [T=0.4 (F+G)]...X[F+G2] |
Where: T equals Inside tube length of bags (in inches) F equals Inside face width of bag (in inches) G equals Inside gusset width of bag (in inches) |
No restrictions are made on bag dimensions provided that they do not deviate from the prescribed dimensions by more than the following tolerances:
Width: ± 3/16 inches;
Bottom: ± 3/16 inches; and
Length: ±1/4 inches.
All bag packaging shall be labelled with the Universal Product Code (UPC) or the stock number or the item number imprinted on the bag.
The display of UPC, stock, or item numbers on bag packaging shall be considered the manufacturer's certification that the bags and all bags contained in the packages conform to the specifications and testing procedures prescribed in this chapter.
All bag packaging shall have marked on each bag the name and address of the principal place of business of the manufacturer or distributor of the packaging and a code identifying the date and location of the manufacture of the bag.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 21, r. 21-801