When shipping high-risk materials, it may be useful to use customized labels for dangerous goods.
These must first comply with all ADR, RID, ADN, IMDG and ICAO-IATA regulations (abbreviations indicating transport by land, rail, inland waterway, maritime and air respectively).
As can be easily inferred, labels have the function of signalling the type of danger that is present inside the package. They perform a fundamental function, firstly because the information they report is the same that allows the goods to be sent correctly, and of course, also from a legal standpoint. Among what must be shown on the label, we find the hazard class and its corresponding symbol. When using personalized labels, we can add more information such as UN number, name of the goods (if necessary), and more.
How has Serpac selected its products for the transport of these types of goods? Let's discover the opportunities and advantages studied to improve the logistics for one of the trickiest of deliveries.
Each "standard" label created by Serpac dutifully complies with the provisions stated in the documentary requirements: this was the starting point and constant guide for the company. Following this, the business started to dedicate itself to the creation of customized labels for both dangerous and non dangerous goods. The aim was, and still is, to guarantee tailor-made shipments, giving the customer the option to include as much detail as possible on the label.
In addition to the hazard label, the package must also report the UN number, and for some shipping modes, also the name of the goods (PSN), and if required, the chemical name of the goods. To avoid applying several labels and the chance of forgetting to enter some of the key data for correct shipping, Serpac designs and produces customized labels for the shipment of dangerous goods based on the products you need to ship, shipping method and finally the type of package on which they are to be applied.
CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) labels with the GHS hazard pictograms must be studied according to the characteristics of the single product. Here too, Serpac takes care of inserting all the information requested by the customer, as well as offering the option to overprint if required.
Small note: from 1 June 2015 hazardous substances and mixtures must have labelling that respects the GHS and CLP (EC Regulation No. 1272/2008). The size of GHS labels and pictograms are studied according to the capacity of the packaging.
As we have seen, Serpac’s main objective has been to increase the quality of the shipping service by focusing on detail, and therefore on the customization of labels. Each estimate made is based on the individual needs of the customer, who is asked to provide various information on the goods. In particular, one is asked to specify:
size of the label, depending on the dimensions of the package;
format;
application surface (boxes, drums, etc.);
support or material on which you want to print;
type of label (standard, multi-page or peel-off);
quantity and packages (packs or rolls).
For roll labels it is also possible to choose the type of set-up and positioning on the reel.
Anti-theft labels for secure and safe transport
Serpac produces anti-theft labels, designed to signal any tampering during transportation. In this case too, personalization is assured. The effectiveness of these labels lies in the fact that they are not repositionable and adhere to all surface types. If someone tries to remove them, the inscription "Void" remains on the product: it being impossible to then miss.
There are cases in which the space available to apply a label does not allow you to enter all the required information. To ensure that the sender can fully customize the information related to the product to be shipped, Serpac also produces multi-page labels, both standard and peel-off (removable), giving the option of printing on the first, second, third and fourth page, both in black & white, and colour.
Serpac has also introduced digital printing in order to guarantee customers with the option to manage all their variable data, among which we find codes and numbers. Labels are printed using electronic processes, allowing the production of different labels, even in limited quantities. The other advantages of digital printing are the high quality of the graphics and low production costs. In fact, the costs normally associated with printing systems are eliminated.