Digital Printing
Overcoming the Challenges of On-Demand Chemical Labelling
Gavin Thurston, business development manager for business systems at Epson UK
I
t is widely acknowledged that GHS (Globally Harmonized System) has reduced confusion in the way chemical hazard information is provided, improving safety worldwide. However, countries are permitted to adopt the system with their own local variations which has led to regional inconsistencies in compliance obligations, not the universal harmonisation that was intended.
To make matters more complex, it is not a static standard either. It has been updated several times to keep up with scientific knowledge concerning existing and emerging hazards. Companies must stay alert to changes at a global and country level, then, as necessary, invest in new equipment or instruct suppliers to comply with amendments, while keeping in mind that compliance is not just about GHS. In the UK, labels must also comply with BSI standard, BS5609 for marine transportation, ensuring chemical drum labels can withstand immersion in salt water for at least 3 months and remain attached, complete and easily decipherable. Additionally, the EU sets out requirements established by the European Chemical Agency which must be followed in the UK as directed by the HSE.
DRAWBACKS OF OVERPRINTING These differing requirements are driving innovation in the label printing industry, making it not only easier to meet regulations, but also improve efficiency and reduce waste. In the past, chemical companies typically relied on third party suppliers for printing requirements, routinely waiting as long as seven to ten days for deliveries. Delays could extend further whenever labels required amendments to reflect changes in ingredients, or if legislation changed domestically or internationally. For many, managing label stocks efficiently was a fine
balance. Print too few and delay production and shipping of revenue-generating orders. Store too many and end up throwing them away and losing money when important details needed changing.
Over the years as printing technology evolved, a half-way house was possible with suppliers partially pre-printing labels with colour logos and standard information. This helped to cut waste, giving customers more flexibility over stock management and in-house printing. Labels were overprinted as required, but usually limited to black ink as in-house colour printers and inks were not robust enough to deal with large runs. Wear and tear could be excessive, with printhead replacements every year adding to costs. Although an improvement on fully preprinted labels, there were still substantial costs relating to storage and destruction of unused labels. Plus, it was often impossible to accommodate special requirements on in-house printers, such as for BS5609 relating to sea water immersion.
Since then, printing technology has moved up another gear, enabling chemical companies to dispense completely with third party suppliers. Now, manufacturers can take charge of their own requirements, printing
labels to meet both compliance and cost reduction demands.
COST-SAVING COMPLIANT LABELS ON DEMAND
This has been made possible by today’s advanced colour printers that produce high-quality colour labels in-house and on demand in different sizes and amounts. With print speeds of up to 300mm/sec, companies can benefit consistently from low-cost labels whatever the length of print run. The most sophisticated printers can also handle requirements for GHS and BS5609, using pigment-based inks, which are more durable than commonly used
dye-based ones. These heavy-duty colour inks consistently produce sharp, solid images and text including transport diamonds and hazard symbols. By using the right type of inks and labels, manufacturers can ensure chemical drum labels survive harsh environments during transportation, including marine immersion.
Another advantage of modern print technology is its reliability. The latest equipment warms up quickly and is ready to go, reducing downtime. Newer machines are also easy to set up, use and maintain, like the Epson ColorWorks C-8000. This high resolution, industrial-oriented printer for pigment-based inks, comes in a compact design and is easy to operate.
Front loading of inks, labels, paper, film or synthetic, makes for simple refilling. It takes large, economical ink pouches, starts promptly, then can be left running with minimal supervision. A permanent printhead offers cost savings over replaceable ones and none of the printer’s major components need replacing for at least 500km worth of printing. Improved print cartridge design is more sustainable, using 17 percent of materials.
28
November 2024
www.convertermag.com
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