EN 16068:2011

Overview

EN 16068:2011 is a CEN European standard that defines the 38 mm PET screw finish (three thread starts) for rigid plastic containers used for flat waters and non‑carbonated beverages. Prepared by CEN/TC 261 (secretariat AFNOR) and based on CETIE data sheet GME 30.25, this standard specifies finish geometry, tolerances and performance requirements for use with tamper‑evident plastic closures and for filling processes including aseptic filling and nitrogen introduction (up to 0.7 bar).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Finish type: 38 mm screw finish with three (3) thread starts, 120° apart.
• Thread geometry: 180° of full depth thread per lead; lead (travel per turn) = 9 mm.
• Thread lead‑in / run‑out radii:R 7.5 mm.
• Tolerances: general radii tolerance ±0.05 mm.
• Weights (height 16.5 mm, density 1.335):
  • ØZ = 41.0 mm → Weight 4.18 g
  • ØZ = 44.0 mm → Weight 4.57 g
• Sealing and surface requirements:
  • Finish is a top, side and inside seal; surface must be smooth and free of defects that cause leaks.
  • Flash must not exceed 0.13 mm per side and shall not be continuous.
  • Control diameter C must be free of defects up to 4 mm down the internal bore and across the sealing surface.
  • Out‑of‑parallel sealing surface may be up to 0.13 mm with neck support ledge.
  • Thread offset / vertical mismatch at mould seam ≤ 0.10 mm.
  • ØT not measured in depressed area; variations in ØE should uniformly follow ØT.
• Use limitations: For non‑crystallized necks only; designed to accept tamper‑evident plastic closures. On first opening the tamper band separates from the closure shell (stays on one‑way bottles or tears but remains attached in returnables).

Applications and who uses it

EN 16068:2011 is used in the design, manufacture and quality control of PET bottles and closures for:

• Beverage bottlers (flat water, non‑carbonated drinks)
• Closure and cap manufacturers (design and compatibility checks)
• Blow‑moulder and injection mould designers (mould seams, thread form)
• Filling line and aseptic process engineers (closure sealing, N2 filling up to 0.7 bar)
• Quality assurance and regulatory teams ensuring compliance with European packaging standards

Related standards

• Based on CETIE data sheet GME 30.25 (PET finish 38 – 2009).
• Published by CEN - see CEN/TC 261 packaging committee for related container and closure standards.

Keywords: EN 16068:2011, PET finish 38, 38 mm screw finish, packaging standard, tamper evident closure, aseptic filling, rigid plastic containers, PET bottle neck dimensions.