PPG has announced that PPG TESLIN labelstock used in combination with the Toshiba E-STUDIO 3505AC, e-STUDIO 2515AC and e-STUDIO 3515AC printing systems has achieved British Maritime Standard 5609 (BS 5609) Section 3 certification. The certification indicates that PPG Teslin-based labels printed with these systems will remain intact and legible when used on chemical drums and other packaging for hazardous materials shipped by sea.

BS 5609 is a four-part standard recognized internationally as verifying label durability, and it includes two key certifications. For Section 2 certification, which PPG Teslin label stock previously received, a base label must show good adhesive performance and dimensional stability after being immersed for three months in salt water. Testing for Section 3 assesses the legibility and print permanence of a base label printed with a specific print system. Together, the results of the two tests indicate a finished label’s durability after being subjected to weathering, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, temperature cycling and abrasion.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals require BS 5609 certification.

PPG’s tested label-stock construction, sold as PPG Teslin BS 5609-certified label stock, is one of four standard options the company offers.

“Toshiba is an industry leader in multi-function printers, and we are very pleased to have secured certification with these three Toshiba printing systems,” said Fabrizio Mandingorra, PPG segment manager, Teslin substrate products. “The BS 5609 certification gives Toshiba customers confidence that PPG Teslin label stock can provide their labels with reliable water, chemical and abrasion resistance to keep printed images and information secure in even the harshest conditions.”

PPG Teslin label stock is compatible with print technologies such as inkjet, laser, thermal transfer, flexographic and offset. It offers bubble-free application, and it reduces the potential for static discharge when liners are peeled from label stock – a process known to ignite chemical vapors in some manufacturing environments. The static-dissipative nature of PPG Teslin label stock also helps minimize static buildup during digital printing, thereby improving print quality and throughput.