HERMAs Multi-layer Technology Brings Seawater Resistance to Dispersion Adhesives

Among the most stringent requirements to be satisfied by labels is the ability to remain attached to a drum, container or similar - without losing legibility - after exposure to aggressive seawater for up to three months. These are the criteria applied by British Standard (BS) 5609 Sections 2 and 3, for example, to all hazardous goods labels intended for marine use. Thanks to innovative HERMA multi-layer technology, proven dispersion adhesives can now be used in this environment too. An increasing number of affordable alternatives to UV acrylates are being developed as a consequence. Among the benefits being presented to label manufacturers are the lower procurement cost of dispersion-based self-adhesive materials and the significantly reduced risk of the adhesive bleeding during processing.

Four new combinations

HERMA has extended its portfolio of seawater-resistant self-adhesive materials to include four new products at once. The grade 880 white glossy PP label film is especially well suited to applications in which hostile weather conditions and exposure to chemicals have to be endured. Adhesives 62Xpc and 65Tpc can now endow labels made from this film with seawater-resistant properties as well. These adhesives offer high or extremely high INSERT INTO [lzx].[dbo].[tb_new]([id],[type],[title],[source],[personal],[image],[contents],[time],[number]) VALUES (65Tpc) initial tack and final adhesion, and very high shear strength. They also share good or exceptional resistance to light, heat and ageing. The white matt label film PO Laser (grade 801) likewise offers seawater resistance now, in combination with either dispersion adhesive 64Z or UV acrylate adhesive 64B. Developed specifically for laser printers, the highly flexible and lightweight PO film offers compelling benefits when used for labelling drums or pallets in particular.

Perfect harmony

A perfect match between the label material and adhesive is instrumental in ensuring reliable adhesion and seawater resistance with a variety of shipping containers. Following the launch of these four new products, HERMA now offers no fewer than 19 different self-adhesive materials that comply with the maritime standard for adhesion. "No matter what type of container is being labelled, we can now supply users in this segment with a self-adhesive material for practically every conceivable application," insists HERMA managing director Dr. Thomas Baumgartner. "We offer not only the appropriate adhesive, but also the matching label materials. Our range makes it easy for label producers to comply with the relevant part of BS 5609, namely the section that requires the printed information as well to survive three months exposure to seawater.