09 March, 2026 | Category: News, PREMDURE™, PREMJET™, PREMLASER™, TESLIN
We’re pleased to announce that our chemical drum products have been accredited to BS 5609: 2024 standard
What is BS 5609: 2024 standard?
The difference between the 1986 and 2024 iterations, is that BS 56709: 2024 includes testing on HDPE drums as well as traditional metal chemical drums. As stated on the “SMITHERS” website, “HDPE is now included as a mandatory test surface”. Meaning that any label constructions tested to this level, will be usable on both metal and plastic (HDPE) drums. The latter being notoriously difficult to obtain the accreditation for. This is due to the difficulty of bonding label products to HDPE materials. PCC have a solution for any type of drum.
Premier Coating & Converters have produced durable, chemical drum labels for over four decades. Many of these years to BS 5609: 1986 standard.
The Materials
Combined with our adhesive and liner, we have successfully achieved another accreditation for two products. The PPG® Teslin substrate, combined with our high tack adhesive and liner. This substrate is predominantly for laser printing.
Furthermore, an inkjet material was also successful. This substrate, combined with our specially formulated unique hydrophobic adhesive with excellent tack and adhesion properties and liner. This material is for water-based inkjet printing. Meaning that as a business, we can continue to offer both laser and inkjet materials at the required BS 5609: 2024 specification to both metal and HDPE drums.
Why change now?
To ensure you have the confidence that your product is suitable and raring to go, you’ll need to start transitioning your GHS compliant chemical drum label stock over to the newly accredited materials. BS 5609: 1986 is to be withdrawn on December 31, 2030. We always want to ensure that we are ahead of the curve when it comes to business and technological developments.
The Process
It is typical of applications that consist of high-risk transport and the need for durable, high-moisture pressure-sensitive labels. The process or accreditation includes rigorous testing. Inclusive of exposure to marine exposure, temperature variations and immersion in salt water at mid-tide for three months.
Printed self-adhesive labels must stay in place. The durability and abrasion resistance of the label are tested within a marine environment.
What does the accreditation mean for our customers and what value does it bring?
When does legislation kick in?
Short term, the 1986 accreditation is sufficient. Medium term, customers will be required to start to mandate the BS 5609: 2024 certification. Long term (2030) when legislation kicks in, and previous accreditations become invalid.
Section 3 accredited? No need to retest
Premier will continue to deliver market leading materials. Customers who already use our material that is section 3 accredited; do not need to retest. This means that we are futureproofing requirements for both our customers and ourselves for GHS compliant drum labels.
Your trusted chemical drum label provider
We will continue to provide materials that are durable, accredited to the BS 5609: 2024 standard. We keep on top of our requirements and ensure that our quality standards meet the industry needs and requirements. See some of our testing results of our chemical drum label materials.
Want to see the proof? Check our Accreditations & Certifications page.
Want to know more about our products? Speak to one of our advisors today:
Contact Form
Visit: www.pcc-ltd.com
Email: sales@pcc-ltd.com
Call: (+44) 01264 358633
BS 5609 Section 3 Approved Printers:
- Afinia L501/L502
- Epson C-831
- Epson C-3500
- Epson C-7500G
- Kiaro! D
- Primera LX2000E
- HP PageWide