The peel test according to DIN EN 868-5 (Annex D) is a standardized test method for determining the opening behavior (peelability) of sealable pouches and reels for the sterilization of medical devices.

The goal is to ensure that the seal strength is sufficient to keep the product hermetically sealed during transport and sterilization, while also allowing it to be peeled open cleanly without residue (without fiber shedding or tearing of the film).

The separation process is evaluated visually:

• Fiber-free opening: No loose fibers must form when separating paper or nonwoven layers, as these could fall onto the sterile product and cause contamination.
• No delamination/tearing: The film must not tear or split into multiple layers.
• Uniformity: The seal must open continuously without jerky force spikes (stick-slip effect).