UPM Raflatacs SynLite Self-adhesive Label Receives Marine Immersion Approval

UPM Raflatacs SynLite self-adhesive label in Australia receives marine immersion approval. Tested by Smithers Pira, SynLite RP 77 manufactured at the Melbourne factory, conforms to Section 2 of the Standard BS 5609:1986 - Printed Pressure-Sensitive, Adhesive Coated Labels for Marine Use.

"Achieving this certification will provide our customers even more confidence that our SynLite self-adhesive labelstock is durable, printable and reliable," says Matthew Van Eck, Technical and Product Development Manager, UPM Raflatac Oceania. "It also provides peace of mind for label converters printing self-adhesive drum labels, which are required to comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certification."

Marine labels are typically used for identification, warning and instruction applied to drums containing chemicals. The BS 5609 sets out various durability criteria including adhesive performance, print permanence and abrasion resistance, stipulating minimum standards for labels to be used in marine environments.

"UPM Raflatacs SynLite TTR RP 77 self-adhesive combination underwent a series of tests," says Nicholas Rodgers, ISO Coordinator and R&D Chemist, UPM Raflatac Oceania. "The most rigorous being the marine exposure carried out at Smithers Piras test site located off the south coast of England, where the self-adhesive label was left exposed to elements for at least three months on a marine immersion test rig."

BS 5609 is an internationally recognized standard covering the suitability for the labelling of goods for marine shipment. However, in a more general way, it is widely referred to when specifying an extremely durable label. Under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulation 1990 Statutory Instrument 1990 No. 2605, it is obligatory for shippers to durably mark dangerous goods packages for carriage by sea. Labels manufactured to BS 5609 are regarded by the Department of Transport as complying with the regulations. It is also a requirement for the certification of self-adhesive drum labels to Merchant Shipping Regulations or International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG). These regulations endeavour to limit the environmental damage resulting from a lost or damaged chemical container at sea.

About UPM Raflatac

UPM Raflatacs labelstock products are designed to meet the needs of demanding applications in a vast array of end-uses. These include everything from personal and home care to applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Each product is designed to offer excellent printability, convertibility and durability in the latest labelling machinery.