Provides a method for determining light absorption of cellulose acetate using test specimens from two mouldings using different periods of heating to give quantitative measurements compatible with visual judgements of yellowness, lightness and changes in these properties after moulding. Carried out on plasticized form cellulose acetate rather than in solution, since a more reliable guide is obtained to its performance in plastics materials. Minimizes the effects of haze or imperfections. Suitable for cellulose acetate having an acetic acid yield of 54% plus or minus 2.5% and may also be satisfactory for other transparent plastics which are not strongly coloured and can be moulded under the specified conditions. BS AMD 10600 RENUMBERS THIS STANDARD