Mark Andy Digital One receives BS 5609 certification

Mark Andy Digital One, a CMYK dry toner press with in-line decorating and converting, has received BS 5609 certification using material from Avery Dennison.

BS 5609 is a certification that guarantees label durability in harsh marine and weather conditions

BS 5609 is a certification that guarantees label durability in harsh marine and weather conditions. Labels printed with technology on material awarded the BS 5609 certification will hold integrity, staying intact after up to three months of saltwater exposure. This is a common mandatory prerequisite for transporting oil and chemical drums overseas, increasing the longevity of key identifiers if a barrel were to accidentally fall into the ocean.

Mark Andy Digital One went through multiple testing phases in partnership with Avery Dennison, securing both Section 2 and Section 3 certifications on the substrate supplier’s material. Section 2 compliance formally assures material adhesion after a three-month period of ocean water exposure. In this test, blank label material was exposed to salt spray, intense sunlight and other artificial weathering conditions common with cross-continental travel. Section 3 compliance is an evaluation of printed label durability. In this examination, labels are tested for permanence of print. The process includes exposing the label to lab-generated weathering and tape removal. Additionally, abrasion resistance is examined to ensure there will be no degradation in print quality or appearance.

Mark Andy said that for converters, certification promotes time and cost savings, bringing a ‘newfound advantage’ when looking to enter the durable and industry print space. Rather than individually conducting the tests, label providers can reference the BS-approved list when choosing a combination that best meets their client’s application needs.

‘Our press owners no longer have a barrier to entry in the drum label industry,’ commented Tim Brasher, director of business development at Mark Andy.

‘No matter what their business opportunity is, the Digital One has the potential to serve it. We’re seeing current users diversify their book of business with this accolade.’

Digital One certification follows UL 969 durability certification for the Mark Andy Digital Series.

‘These certifications prove the staying-power of toner-based label technology when paired with quality substrate,’ concluded Brasher.