Waterproof labels in use on containers on a container ship.

Seawater resistant film labels for thermal transfer printing

Made of PE, PP or PET film, on rolls or fanfolded and in your desired format

For printing seawater-resistant labels with thermal transfer printers, we offer you a variety of label materials, made of different films and in the highest quality. All thermal transfer materials meet the stringent requirements of the British Standard Section 2.

The film materials marked with * also comply with British Standard Section 3 in conjunction with specified printing systems.

The use of seawater-resistant labels is important and is required by the GHS regulation for identifying containers in the chemical industry.

Seawater-proof labels on rolls for thermal transfer printers can either be applied manually after printing, or dispensed via labellers. Our sophisticated roll technology and the optimised separating force characteristics ensure trouble-free labelling, even at high labelling speeds. Despite the high adhesive application, we succeeded in reliably preventing soiling of the thermal transfer printer and the labeller by using a special die-cutting technique.

We can use these label materials for the production of labels on rolls and labels in fanfolded format.

We’ll be happy to answer your questions and give you a customised offer for labels printed on thermal transfer printers in your desired format. Use the contact form to reach us – it’s fast and easy.

Blank Labels: Roll Labels

Advantages of and differences in film materials – when to use which film?

In terms of “single-variety recycling”, thermal transfer labels made of polyethylene films and polypropylene films are available and can be selected according to the material of the container and packaging. This is particularly important when used on shrink hoods or stretch films for securing pallets.

Water-resistant labels: Graphic film comparison thermal transfer, English

Perfectly adapted to the usage scenario
Depending on the requirements, it may be that even more properties are necessary for the different usage scenarios. Here the films sometimes show significant differences in their resistance to chemicals. The differences in flexibility are particularly important for bonding to round or uneven surfaces.

The Paperprint films with their paper-like surface combine the high-quality print of coated papers with the durability of PE and PP films.

They are mainly used when the highest demands are placed on the print quality and the print image of thermal transfer printing, e.g. small fonts, barcodes, special characters and logos.

They also pass the requirements for hot filling with flying colours, e.g. in the chemical industry.

Seawater-resistant, polyester film (PET) labels on rolls for thermal transfer printing

The polyester labels possess an extremely high resistance to mechanical influences, such as scratches. They are weather and UV-resistant, so they can be used outdoors with no problems. The polyester film is also very strong, durable and tearproof.

These labels are ideal for labelling with industrial printers using thermal transfer printing and information can be subsequently added to them using a ballpoint pen or pencil. The adhesive is extremely strong, even on rough surfaces. The polyester labels are also suitable for use in higher temperatures and for humid environments (e.g. as rating plates). They also pass the requirements for hot filling with flying colours.

  • Silver, matt, extremely strong adhesion
  • White, matt, extremely strong adhesion

Seawater-proof, polypropylene (PP) labels on rolls for thermal transfer printing

Thanks to this PP film, we can produce beautiful, glossy, non-translucent adhesive labels for you. They are preferably used on PP surfaces for recycling reasons.

The mother-of-pearl appearance of the film gives the label its special look. The labels are particularly supple, making them suitable for curved surfaces. They are also ideal in usage scenarios in which a high degree of weather resistance and resistance to chemicals are required. These labels can also be used for labelling cosmetic products, household cleaners, etc.

  • PP film, white, glossy, opaque, with topcoat, highly adhesive *

 

Labels made from HERMA PP Paperprint combine the high print quality of coated papers with the durability of PP films. The labels made from this film are very suitable for labelling with matrix or thermal transfer printers (resin or resin/wax ribbons/transfer films). Labels made of HERMA PP Paperprint are weatherproof and UV-resistant, so they are eminently suitable for outdoor use. They are heat-resistant and can also be used for hot filling. The adhesive is extremely strong, even on rough surfaces.

  • PP Paperprint, white, matt, extremely strong adhesion

 

* BS 5609 Section 3-certified in conjunction with: pre-printed at HERMA in flexo printing process with certified colours yellow and red and ZEBRA model 110 xi4 thermal transfer printers with various thermal transfer ribbons (thermal transfer films or ribbons).

Seawater-certified, polyethylene (PE) film labels on rolls for thermal transfer printing

We produce beautiful, glossy labels made of white PE film. For recycling reasons, these are preferably used on PE surfaces.

The high flexibility of PE film also allows problem-free adhesive application to curved surfaces, such as barrels and re-shapeable packages. HERMA PE labels are extremely weather-resistant and are ideal for outdoor use.

Labels of this material are usually attached to HDPE barrels, PE shrink hoods and PE stretch films. The film labels can be recycled together with the packaging.

  • PE film, white, glossy, opaque, with extremely strong adhesive *

 

Labels made from HERMA PE Paperprint combine the high print quality of coated papers with the durability of PE films. The print result and resolution on this special material is excellent. The film is very suitable for re-marking with matrix or thermal transfer printers (resin or resin/wax ribbons/thermal transfer colour ribbon). The print is smudge-proof and scratch-resistant. Labels made of HERMA PE Paperprint are weatherproof and UV resistant, so they are ideal for outdoor use. They are heat-resistant and can also be used for hot filling. The adhesive is extremely strong, even on rough surfaces.

  • PE Paperprint, white, matt, opaque, extremely strong adhesion

 

* BS 5609 Section 3-certified in conjunction with: pre-printed at HERMA using the flexo printing process with certified yellow and red colours and ZEBRA model 110 xi4 thermal transfer printers with various thermal transfer ribbons/thermal transfer films

Hazardous substance and hazardous goods labels: Hazardous goods label on a green steel drum.
Sea water-resistant labels: Chemical drum washed ashore, with a sea water-resistant label.
Hazardous substance and hazardous goods labels: Hazardous substance labels on blue steel barrels.
Hazardous Material and Dangerous Goods Labels: Example Label for Hazardous Materials

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HERMA offers an extensive range of seawater-resistant labels made of film and special paper for all printing systems.

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Sea water-resistant labels: Chemical drum washed ashore, with a sea water-resistant label.
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Frequently asked questions about seawater-resistant thermal transfer printing labels

  • What are seawater-resistant thermal transfer labels?

    Seawater-resistant thermal transfer labels are high-quality film labels made of PE, PP or PET, which are specially designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions such as seawater, UV radiation or chemicals. They are printed using thermal transfer printers and comply with British Standard (BS 5609) requirements.

  • What materials are available for seawater-resistant thermal transfer labels?

    The labels on rolls are made from different materials: 

    • PET film (polyester) – very robust, scratch-resistant, tear-resistant
    • PP film (polypropylene) – high weather resistance, pearlescent appearance, particularly supple
    • PP Paperprint film – high-quality print results on a coated matt surface, durable and heat-resistant, even with hot filling
    • PE film (polyethylene) – highly flexible, ideal for curved surfaces
    • PE paperprint film – best printing results in high resolution, smudge-proof and scratch-resistant 

    All materials are suitable for thermal transfer printing and are extremely adhesive.

  • For which industries are these seawater-resistant thermal transfer labels suitable?

    They are particularly important in: 

    • Chemical industry (required by GHS regulations)
    • Logistics & hazardous goods transport
    • Outdoor applications 

    These labels ensure reliable labelling under extreme conditions.

  • What does BS 5609 Section 2 and 3 certification mean?

    BS 5609 Section 2: The material withstands seawater, abrasion, UV exposure and mechanical influences.

    BS 5609 Section 3: The complete system consisting of label and print (e.g. certain Zebra thermal transfer printers) is approved for maritime transport.

  • What are the advantages of PE labels for thermal transfer printers?
    • High flexibility and stretchability – perfect for barrels, shrink hoods and stretch films
    • Weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor applications
    • Recyclable with PE packaging
    • Available in glossy white or as PE paper print in matt white (particularly high print quality)
  • What are PP labels for thermal transfer printers particularly suitable for?

    PP thermal transfer labels offer the following impressive features: 

    • Chemical resistance
    • Weather and UV resistance
    • Good adhesion even on rough and curved surfaces
    • Available in glossy white or as PP paper print in matt white (particularly high print quality)

    They are ideal for industrial containers, labelling for chemicals, and are also suitable as product labels for cosmetics, household cleaners and other polypropylene packaging (single-type recycling with PP packaging)

  • When should PET labels for thermal transfer printers be used?

    PET labels are ideal when extreme robustness is required: 

    • Highly scratch-resistant and tear-resistant
    • High temperature resistance and wide temperature range from -40 to +150 °C
    • Also ideal for type plates, industrial applications and humid environments
    • The labels can even be written on with a ballpoint pen

Learn more about

Hazardous substance labels and hazardous goods labels

Placards and hazard labels

Hazardous substance labels

Chemical labels

Track & trace in the chemical industry with chemical container labels

Use case: Seawater-certified GHS labels

Other materials for thermal transfer labels