Industrial Chemical Labelling

Labelling in the industrial chemical industry covers many different applications including bulk chemicals, drummed chemicals, oils, paints and building and agricultural products.

Standard paper or filmic label grades are currently in use in most applications, particularly for products stocked or used indoors. In outdoor applications the trend mainly driven by end-user requirements is leaning towards standard films or films with special coatings (Polyprint 100, Syntransfer). Matt grades dominate, though the use of gloss filmic materials is rising. Face materials and adhesives for outdoor industrial chemical labelling must have good water resistance, chemical resistance for more demanding applications and good outdoor durability.

The main printing methods used in the industrial chemical segment are flexo and UV letterpress. For variable information, thermal transfer and laser systems are utilized most. Laser printing on filmic labels requires special grades such as UPM Raflatac’s Polylaser or PE laser.

The label also plays an important role in product safety since it identifies products and any possible hazardous components. Recent EU legislation requires manufacturers to classify and label substances and preparations. BS 5609 sets legal standards for label durability in marine use.