Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 16th April 2026 Issue no. 1206
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ASTM International advances harmonised recycled content standard for vacuum cleaners
ASTM International is developing a proposed standard, (WK95744), aimed at harmonising European and American test methods for recycled content in vacuum cleaners. WK95744 is being developed by the Durability-Reliability Subcommittee (F11.30), part of ASTM's vacuum cleaners committee (F11).
According to ASTM member and F11.30 sub-chairman, Mike Schutte, the proposed standard will align test methods between ASTM International and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), based in Geneva, Switzerland. This harmonisation effort will establish a unified global standard applicable across the Americas, Europe and Africa.
"As the vacuum cleaning industry operates within a global marketplace, international harmonisation of test methods is essential to ensure consistency, transparency and comparability across regions," explains Mike, who adds that the standard will support decision-making across the supply chain - from manufacturers to consumers - by enabling more accurate assessment of recycled content while maintaining product performance.
"The proposed WK95744 standard on recycled material is one component of a broader initiative," says he explains. "The mission is to encompass all categories of cleaning appliances, including wet-dry, robotic and above-floor appliances. We are also working to align with the IEC to incorporate additional criteria, such as repairability scoring."
ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at:
14th August 2025