Chemical

LABEL TYPES FOR CHEMICALS FROM SUPPLYLINE ID

Chemical labels can be defined as GHS/Hazard labels that are used to identify chemicals and the dangers that they pose. Or more simply labels that have a resistance to chemicals, used as the above on chemical containers on in an environment that means they’re exposed to chemicals.

Chemical labels are required to withstand the toughest of demands within the chemical industry, and are subsequently designed to do so. All of our chemical labels are either Polyester (PET) Polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene (PE) as they do not absorb water or oil, they also have a good resistance to prolonged UV exposure, extreme temperatures (hot and cold), abrasion, environmental factors and virtually all household chemicals.

All our chemical labels are designed to last the lifetime of the packaging it is identifying, with data readability and adhesive strength that does not degrade over time.

Reliable printing of GHS labels

Labels for bottles or drums containing chemicals communicate data and symbols required under GHS regulations (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). Such information warns of the hazards to people and the environment during the transportation and utilisation of the product.

So it is critical for the label to be perfectly legible from the moment it is affixed until the residues are recycled and the container is cleaned.

Printing constraints on chemical product labelling

The printing of barcodes, product composition, product traceability data and GHS symbols must be resistant to external attack.

Products rubbing together, dripping solvent and demanding storage environments can all expose the ink to significant duress. Heat, cold, humidity, solvents, UV exposure: not all inks offer adequate resistance.

A label that complies with the GHS standard requires the printing of standardised red and black information and symbols.

The use of an ink/label combination certified to BS5609 (3 months immersion in sea water) provides guaranteed adhesive performance, print durability and abrasion
resistance.

CLP Labelling

Once the hazardous properties of a substance or mixture have been identified, they need to be classified accordingly.

This is done by labelling the substance or mixture in accordance with CLP before placing it on the market, when:

• The substance or mixture is classified as hazardous.
• The mixture contains one or more substances classified as hazardous above a certain threshold.
• The article has explosive properties.
• CLP defines the content of the label and the organisation of the various label elements. The label should be firmly attached to one or more of the packaging’s surfaces and has to include the following:
• The name, address and telephone number of the supplier
• The nominal quantity of a substance or mixture in packages made available to the general public (unless this quantity is specified elsewhere on the package)
  Product identifiers
• Where applicable, hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements and supplemental information required by other legislation.

CLP sets general requirements for labelling to ensure the safe use and supply of hazardous substances and mixtures. Certain labelling exemptions apply e.g. to substances and mixtures contained in packaging that is small (typically less than 125 ml) or is otherwise difficult to label. Other examples are listed in Section 1.3 of Annex I to the CLP Regulation. The exemptions allow the supplier to omit the hazard and/or precautionary statements or the pictograms from the label elements normally required under CLP.