To help chemical manufacturers and transporters comply with Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labeling standards, Epson America, Inc. has introduced its ColorWorks C831 Wide Label Printer. Designed to ensure consistent labeling of chemical products globally, GHS focuses on conveying health, physical and environmental hazard information using universally understood symbols or pictograms, specific signal words and hazard statements. These standards require that many label elements be printed in vibrant colors to focus attention on potential hazards. In addition, companies can no longer pre-print labels with a variety of pictograms and then cross-out symbols that do not apply to the chemical being shipped.

Epson’s ColorWorks C831 with Just in Time Color labeling overcomes these challenges by eliminating the need for color pre-prints and allowing chemical companies to produce GHS compliant labels at a fraction of the cost of four-color thermal transfer or color laser labels. Ideal for high volume printing of large format drum and chemical labels, the durable system produces industrial labels up to 8.5″ wide at speeds up to 16.5 pages per minute. In addition, Epson’s DURABrite Ultra Pigment inks firmly bind to media fibers for outstanding resistance to chemicals, water, fading and smudges. The ColorWorks C831 is certified to produce labels meeting the stringent BS 5609 standards for durability.

“While countries are implementing GHS standards at different rates, chemical manufacturers in the United States need to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to compliance,” says Andy Scherz, senior product manager at Epson. “Producing color labels on demand with the ColorWorks C831 can make the move towards compliance much easier and efficient. Chemical companies can reduce inventory management costs, errors and waste and increase productivity by moving the labeling process closer to manufacturing and shipping.”