KTW certification
What is KTW certification?
Drinking water is one of the most controlled food products. The product materials in contact with drinking water can generate microbial growth and impurities/contaminants. This, in turn, creates a serious health risk and also a threat to the environment.
KTW (Plastics in Drinking Water)
KTW (plastics in drinking water, Kunststoff-Trinkwasser) is a publication of the German Federal Environment Office that defined hygienic requirements for plastics and silicone’s used in contact with drinking water (Kontakt mit Trinkwasser). As a result, KTW – W270 certification’s purpose is to certify that product elements in contact with drinking water have been tested and sanctioned by German laboratories (TZW and DVGW) in accordance with the guidance of the UBA (Umwelt Bundesamt). Manufactures in Germany recognise KTW and W270 as the two main certifications in regards to potable water.
KTW is a hygienic assessment guideline for the following plastics:
- polypropylene
- polyethylene
- cross-linked polyethylene
- polyester
- polyurethane (AU/EU)
- polybutene
- polyvinylchloride
- post-chlorinated polyvinyl chloride
- polyamide
- silicones (view our article on Food Safe Silicone)
Additionally, it includes demands for the assessment of the testing in compliance with EN16421 to certify the hygienic safety in relation to microbial growth. Other thermoplastic elastomers and organic compounds have additional recommendations and guidelines.
All materials in contact with drinking water must ensure their hygienic safety for:
- plastic materials (example: elastomers, thermoplastics)
- mineral materials (example: ceramics and glasses)
- metallic materials
- lubricants and adhesives
In conclusion, hygiene and water quality with no residue must be guaranteed in all cases. All equipment and line elements including seals, fittings and flexible tubes must consequently meet the requirements and be approved to carry drinking water.
European & Global Legislation
Undoubtedly, non-uniformed legislation at the European and worldwide level leads to normative and technical limitations for the advancement of drinking water circuits. In Europe, the approval and certification procedures for these applications are predominantly regulated at the national level. Approvals are granted by institutes that are responsible for performing tests and issuing certifications. Therefore, it is the obligation of every government to have adequate regulation and quality control to ensure the drinking water quality. The demands for materials that come in contact with drinking water vary in each country. Consequently, the companies have to deal with numerous certification schemes and approvals for every country they are selling their products. Certificates must be validated for general use of product, whilst taking into account the threats such as peaks in pressure, temperature or chemical hostility correlated to the application.
M Barnwell Services stock a specialist range of Aseptic Food Grade Gaskets and a range of WRc / WRAS O Rings.
To view other Standards and Approvals for elastomer use , click here.
If you require further information regarding our range of products and/or services, please contact a member of the team.
E & OE.