BS5609 Labelling
At Hibiscus, we understand that the durability and reliability of our labels for the chemical industry are paramount, especially in demanding environments such as marine settings. That’s why we are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality, which includes conducting our own BS5609 testing for labels intended for maritime applications.
What is BS5609 Testing?
The BS5609 standard is widely recognised in the chemical sector for assessing the durability of labels used on packages and containers for shipping dangerous goods by sea. While it’s not a legal requirement for all labels, BS5609 has become the benchmark for quality, ensuring that labels remain legible and adhere properly even after being submerged in seawater for three months.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) requires that any labels on hazardous material containers must be “durably marked,” meaning they should remain identifiable even if subjected to harsh marine conditions. This is where BS5609 plays a crucial role.
The Testing Process At Hibiscus
- Seawater Immersion: We simulate marine conditions by immersing our labels in seawater to verify their adhesion and legibility after extended exposure—specifically, three months. This ensures that our labels will perform reliably in real-world shipping scenarios.
- Abrasion Testing: To assess the durability of our labels, we conduct abrasion tests, using sand and pebbles, to see how well they withstand physical wear and tear. This is essential for ensuring that labels remain intact and readable even after rough handling during transportation, or in such events as chemical drums being washed ashore after being at sea for an extended period.
- Lightfastness: Exposure to sunlight can lead to fading, compromising the colour and readability of labels. Our printing inks are all tested for lightfastness to the Blue Wool Scale 7 and above, ensuring our labels stay legible and informative throughout their lifecycle even when exposed to strong UV light.
Why This Matters
Conducting these tests in-house allows us to have complete control over the quality of our labels. We can quickly identify any potential weaknesses and make necessary adjustments to our materials and designs. By ensuring that our labels meet BS5609 standards, we provide our customers with the confidence that they are receiving products capable of withstanding the rigors of maritime transport.
Commitment to Quality
While many companies may claim to offer BS5609 compliant labels, not all perform comprehensive testing. Our in-house capabilities allow us to verify the durability and effectiveness of our own labelling materials under the actual conditions they may encounter in the field.
Read further on BS5609 Labelling
At Hibiscus, you can trust that our labels are built to last, no matter the conditions they face.
If you’re interested in learning more about BS5609 labelling or our testing processes or our range of products, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Tel: 0113 242 4272 | Enquiries@hibiscus-plc.com
