Toshiba TEC introduces BS 5609 compliant ribbons for marine environments
Toshiba TEC, Auto-ID solutions provider, has announced that its Near Edge resin ribbons AS1, AS1 Red and AS2 now meet the stringent requirements of BS 5609 approval.
These resin ribbons are constructed using specified base materials that meet the most demanding applications including those required for International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certification.
As a specification for printed pressure sensitive, adhesive coated labels for marine use, BS 5609 certification is similar to UL in that the ribbon, label, substrate and adhesive must be approved as a combination, as the ink alone is not compliant.
Asked to explain why this is so important, Jeremy Spencer, Marketing Director at Toshiba TEC UK Imaging Systems, replied, ‘In the event of an accident at sea that results in a ship losing its cargo, if a drum or container of chemicals is subsequently found it is critical that those recovering it can clearly see, read and understand what’s on the label in order to identify the contents and take proper precautions.’
BS 5609 sets out various durability criteria including adhesive performance, print permanence and abrasion resistance, stipulating minimum standards. Testing includes a three-month period of exposure of labelled test plates in salt water, weathering and UV exposure, temperature cycling and abrasion.
The AS1 full resin, AS1SRE red coloured resin and AS2 super resin ribbons all meet the BS 5609 standard in full, while the latter also offers BS 5609 certification with the Fasson 2Mil WH PET TC, MacTac FCD6914, Flexcon DRUMcal and Raflatac PE Gloss White label combinations, as recommended by the major label material manufacturers.
Toshiba TEC’s Jeremy Spencer concluded, ‘Our new BS 5609 compliant ribbons will ensure the permanence of a printed image on labels, even under the harshest conditions. Users can feel confident that they have access to a product that has been designed to meet the highest standards using the best quality materials.’
Further information is available from Becky Viccars at Toshiba TEC by calling 0843 2244 944, emailing info@toshibatec.co.uk or by vising the website on www.toshibatec.co.uk
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