Flexstr8 has announced that it is offering a smart label GHS label printing/encoding solution with the help of Epson and Neenah. The Epson ColorWorks TM-C3500 printer with Neenah inkjet Kimdura label media for harsh environments have already achieved International Maritime Dangerous Goods BS 5609 certification, a key standard for the Global Harmonizing System (GHS) adoption around the world.

Flexstr8 has extended the intelligence and data transfer capabilities by incorporating Near Field Communication (NFC) chips directly in the labels. NFC is a type of RFID that can be written and read with many smart phones, negating the need for bulky expensive RFID readers.

The system consists of Epson ColorWorks C3500 color label printer, a FlexStr8 snap on encoder and FlexStr8 NFC label software. Encoding and printing the FlexStr8 smart label integrates with Seagull Scientific’s BarTender barcode software.

FlexStr8 NFC GHS labels support a wide range of NDEF (URL, vCard, Phone number and SMS) and Non-NDEF record types. Users can install applications and access product data updates, chemical safety information and hazardous response information from the cloud by tapping their NFC enabled phones on the smart labels.

“The most important benefit of GHS is enhanced health and environmental protection through greater clarity and consistency in information provided to people who may be exposed to chemicals,” says Ralph Roessler, president at FlexStr8. “By enabling and allowing immediate access to virtually unlimited amounts of the most current SDS data, FlexStr8 smart labels provide the vital information to ensure the safety of chemical handlers and users, emergency first responders and the public.”

“Additional functionality can be added to the safety management of chemicals by incorporating FlexStr8 Android applications,” adds John Chigwenembe, chief technology officer at FlexStr8. “By simply tapping the smart labels with your phone, lot numbers, security verifications, time and location stamps can seamlessly update into your internal database, allowing worldwide management of your products.”

One possible application is to encode the MSDS in multiple languages in the smart label, bringing critical information to the fingertips of all members in an international supply chain by simply tapping their phone.