Label Specialties Inc., a trade-only label converter in Louisville, Kentucky, has received approval to produce drum labels on flexographic presses that fully meet the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requirements for overseas shipments.

GHS is a system created by the United Nations for standardizing the classification and labeling of chemicals worldwide. Under the GHS format, labels must include signal words, pictograms, and hazard and precautionary statements. Drums and containers used to transport petroleum, paint, liquid and powder chemicals must include labels designed to meet extreme conditions, identify the content of the drum, and give proper warning and safety instructions that remain legible for many years.

The approval Label Specialties Inc. received, BS5609 section 3, is specific to black, 185 red, reflex blue and yellow ink with a protective varnish on a number of Mactac materials. These same Mactac stocks have BS5609 section 3 approval for thermal transfer printing with specific printers and ribbons. 

“Chemical manufacturers must comply with the new standards. That’s a fact,” says Mike Wolf, vice president of operations at Label Specialties. “Our clients have been asking for an approved, pre-printed label for two years now. Finally, thanks to our partnership with Mactac, we can help companies comply with the regulations while saving time, money, and manpower. It’s complicated… but it’s a really big deal for folks who sell labels.”

The approval means mass produced, flexographically printed GHS labels are available for the first time, company officials say.

Label Specialties Inc.

(502) 261-9000; www.labelsp.com