What does “seawater-proof” mean when label material is being selected?
Many dangerous goods require the use of seawater-proof identification labels approved to British Standard BS5609. Only packaging and containers with certified seawater-proof labels may be transported by sea and air.
“Seawater-proof”, “seawater-resistant” or “seawater-certified” may be used to describe labels that meet the stringent requirements of British Standard 5609. This standard requires that the attached labels can be stored in seawater for three months without becoming detached from the substrate (British Standard Section 2). The British Standard Section 3 also defines the requirements for the legibility and abrasion resistance of the printed image under the influence of seawater. In addition, the label printing system, the printer and the toner, ink and thermal transfer ribbon used must also meet the requirements for seawater suitability.
Even if chemical containers are lost overboard or damaged at sea, the BS5609-certified, seawater-resistant label will remain intact and provide information about the container’s contents and hazardous substances by means of icons and printed text.
Adhesive with a wide range of usage scenarios: adheres securely to a wide variety of surfaces
Seawater-proof labels must adhere securely to a wide variety of containers such as drums and barrels, canisters, containers, IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers), FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers, e.g. big bags), bottles and pallets. The surfaces are partly rough, uneven or curved. This creates different requirements for the adhesive properties of labels – and the adhesive must cover a very wide range of usage scenarios. This is ensured by a high adhesive application on the hazardous goods labels among other factors. Added to this are requirements such as resistance against chemicals, dirt, grease and oil as well as durability. The properties of labels and adhesives are also severely challenged during the filling process, and particularly in hot filling procedures. HERMA’s seawater-proof film labels with their wide temperature range can also safely withstand heat, moisture, cold and UV exposure.
Individual printing of seawater-resistant labels
Different printing systems can be used for the individual printing of seawater-resistant labels, such as laser, inkjet (water-based) and thermal transfer printers. This way, even very small runs or quickly required seawater-proof labels can be produced at short notice. Digital printing systems such as the colour laser printer or inkjet printing with aqueous pigmented inks offer the possibility to also print coloured seawater-certified labels “just-in-time” in the required quantity and high quality at low cost.
We produce seawater-resistant labels in your desired format, either on rolls, sheets or as fanfold labels, unprinted or already pre-printed with your logo or hazardous substance symbols. Common standard formats for laser printers can be ordered in our online shop.
Discover our seawater-resistant labels:
Seawater-proof laser print labels, for laser and colour laser printers
Seawater-proof labels printed using thermal transfer printing
