Marine Immersion Label Testing | BS5609
Labels are typically used for identification, warning and instruction applied to drums containing chemicals. BS5609 is used to ensure the performance of labels used in marine environments.
BS5609 Understanding the 2024 revisions
What is BS5609?
BS5609 is a British standard that ensures printed, adhesive labels hold up in tough marine environments. It measures adhesive performance, print permanence and abrasion resistance, indicating whether the unprinted labelstock and the printed facestock will remain legible and intact, even in the harshest conditions.
What do you need to know?
Sections 2 and 3 of BS5609:2024 outline how to assess the performance of both unprinted and printed stock in various marine environments. Section 2 covers testing unprinted labelstock for conditions such as marine immersion, weathering, temperature cycling, and abrasion. Section 3 focuses on assessing the performance of the printed facestock, including print key adhesion, abrasion, and artificial weathering.
At Smithers we work closely with clients to conduct BS5609 testing using specialist, purpose-built facilities at our in-house UK laboratories.
On December 19, 2024, a new version of the BS5609 standard was published, with new requirements coming into effect on December 31, 2024. This updates BS5609:1986, which will still be valid until December 31, 2030, and ensures the standard is in line with modern industry requirements.
What’s changing?
This is a significant revision of the previous standard, which now separates the requirements for adhesive-coated facestock from those for printed label materials. The main changes include:
Separate testing and certification of Section 2 (unprinted label stock) and Section 3 (printed facestock), which was not previously possible.
Previously, Section 3 approvals could only be given by testing printed labels made from Section 2-approved labelstock. Now both can be passed individually.
Labels that have been certified to Section 2 of BS5609:1986 only need to be tested on HDPE.
HDPE is now the primary test surface, reflecting the growing use of plastics in the industry. Previously, aluminium was the standard test material.
Labels already certified under Section 3 of BS5609:1986 will not need retesting.
Section 3 determines the performance of printed facestock for print key adhesion, abrasion and artificial weathering.
How Smithers can help
Smithers is fully equipped to help you navigate the updated BS5609:2024 standards. Our labs and experts can test materials against BS5609:2024 and support clients in understanding the new requirements. Any materials tested from now that meet the updated criteria will be certified as compliant with BS5609:2024.Reach out to BS5609 expert Dave Stone for support with your next project or to ask a question.