Mactac Performance Adhesives has expanded its pre-approved chemical drum labeling offerings to make it as simple as possible for customers to meet recognized standards for durability and environmental resistance.

Partnering with Primera Technology, Mactac has now achieved British Standard (BS) 5609 Section 3 “Laboratory Performance of Printed Labels” certification for its FDD6919N 2-mil matte white laser-printable polyester label stock printed with Primera Toner, using Primera CX1200 and CX1000 color label printers.

The BS 5609 certification, intended to validate the endurance of chemical container labels that will undergo merchant shipping, takes into account how all parts of the labelstock work together, from the label base material, to the pressure sensitive adhesive, to the color laser printer, to the ink. This certification helps label manufacturers ensure compliance with the newly enforced Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, a system created by the United Nations for standardizing the classification and labeling of chemicals throughout the world.

“We want customers to feel confident that our products will perform admirably in their applications, which is why we work with partners to ensure performance up front,” explains Kim Hensley, marketing manager, films, Mactac. “BS 5609 Section 3 pre-approval is intended to make GHS standardization for chemical labeling compliance as easy as possible.”

The newly certified FDD6919N product is intended for use in content identification, warning and instructional labeling on drums and containers used to transport petroleum, paint, and liquid or powder chemicals under potentially harsh conditions. Tests of the print method were performed by Smithers Pira to determine label performance based on various durability criteria, such as exposing the label to artificial weathering (salt spray and sunlight), tape removal, and interaction with a mixture of sand and artificial sea water to ensure minimum standards for label usage in marine environments are met. The product has an expected shelf life of 2+ years.