PPG has announced that PPG Teslin labelstock used in combination with the OKI Data C844dnw, C911dn, C931dn, C942dn and Pro1050 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.

“The certification with OKI Data’s latest printing systems will enable our mutual customers to meet a number of important label compliance requirements,” says Fabrizio Mandingorra, PPG global segment manager, Teslin labels. “OKI Data’s Pro1050 printing system is the first LED-based technology that we have certified for BS 5609. As LED technology grows in popularity due to its high print quality and cost effectiveness, PPG Teslin labelstock will be an important alternative for durable labels.”

With the BS 5609 certification, PPG will work with Tokyo-based OKI Data to jointly develop and grow the Japanese chemical drum labeling market.

Recognized internationally as verifying label durability, BS 5609 certification is required by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. To achieve Section 3 certification, the legibility and print permanence of the base label material, printer model and ink formula must meet minimum durability benchmarks after withstanding abrasion and saltwater submersion for 90 days.

PPG Teslin labelstock is compatible with print technologies ranging from digital inkjet, laser and thermal transfer to flexographic and offset. Unlike many other durable label materials, 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 labelstock also helps minimize static buildup during digital printing, thereby improving print quality and throughput.