Changes in legislation planned for 2015 will force label printers to conform to the GHS (Global Harmonised System) of classifying labels and labelling chemicals. In preparation for this change, iSys has developed the Edge 850 digital label printer to be section 3 certified to print GHS-compliant drum and chemical labels according to BS5609 standards.
The United Nations’ GHS has already been adopted across all European Union countries, including the UK, through the EU regulation of classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, known as CLP.
The existing CLP legislation has been agreed at European Union level and, from 2015, will apply to all EU member states, including the UK.
The Edge 850 is roll to roll digital label printer capable of printing full colour GHS BS5609-compliant chemical and drum labels. Die-cut labels printed on the unit offer high stability and resistance. With speeds of 9.14 m/min, the printer removes the need for ordering pre-printed labels, reduces inventory and wait times, and each label can be customised with variable information in full colour in a single pass.
Mark Hopkins, president, said, ‘iSys is very excited to be fully certified and in compliance. The combination of the materials, toner and printing process have proven their durability and is sure to add value to supply chains, large and small, around the world.’
The Edge 850
In order to print fully-compliant drum and chemical labels, the facestock, adhesive and printed graphic all need to meet the requirements of sections 1, 2 and 3 of BS5609 standards and be independently tested and certified by PIRA (the Print Industry Research Association).
British Marine Standard, BS5609, is a requirement for self-adhesive drum labels needing International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certification for shipment. These standards set out various criteria for label durability when dangerous goods are being transported in marine environments.
iSys has partnered with MACtac Printing Products to produce two solutions for BS5609-compliant labelling; polyester (PET) and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) synthetic films. The PET is 2.0 mil matte white polyester with a 3.4 mil lay-flat liner. The second option that can be used is a 2.6 mil white BOPP using the same permanent acrylic adhesive, but on a SCK (Super Calendered Kraft) liner.
With the printer the company will also supply Edge2Print, an easy-to-use software package that was developed exclusively for short to mid run digital label printers. The software allows users to drag and drop label graphics, select the quantity needed and press print. By combining the short run digital label printer with this software, users can print chemical or drum labels on die-cut substrates and have the labels ready for immediate application.
Another option for users is the iVDP variable data software, which provides users the ability to combine static and dynamic content to create varying multi-graphic labels containing variable text, images, barcodes, SKUs, and dates.
