Labels on chemical products face a double challenge: they must survive exposure to the chemicals inside the container (from spills, drips, and handling), and they must remain legible for the life of the product to meet safety and regulatory requirements — including GHS (Globally Harmonized System) labeling.
What Is GHS Labeling?
GHS is an international standard for classifying and communicating chemical hazards through standardized labels. GHS labels must include specific elements: product identifiers, hazard pictograms (the diamond-shaped warning symbols), signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements. Critically, all of this information must remain readable throughout the product’s life — even after exposure to the chemical itself.
Material Requirements
Paper labels are not suitable for chemical products. The standard choice is a synthetic film — typically BOPP, polyester, or vinyl — paired with a chemical-resistant adhesive and a protective laminate. The specific material depends on which chemicals the label will encounter. Solvents, acids, bases, and petroleum products each attack different materials in different ways.
Testing Is Essential
There is no single “chemical-proof” label material. The right choice depends entirely on the specific chemicals involved, the duration and type of exposure, and the storage conditions. Always test your label with the actual product before committing to a production run. Apply sample labels to filled containers and expose them to realistic conditions for a meaningful test period.
Common Applications
Cleaning products, industrial solvents, agricultural chemicals, laboratory reagents, automotive fluids, and any product classified as hazardous under GHS or other regulatory frameworks.
Explore our chemical-resistant labels or consult our team to find the right material for your specific chemical environment.
