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Client accessThe chemical labels are the main source of information, especially when it comes to communicating their hazards. Labeling includes manufacturer identification, technical information, traceability, and other mandatory content depending on the type of product, sector, and intended user.
In this article, we explain how this element is key in the protection of chemical industry products and highlight the importance of proper management to comply with regulatory information.
Keep reading to discover the essential aspects of correctly managing labeling and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The Importance of Labels
Product labeling is essential in any industry because it enables identification, proper use, and regulatory compliance. It applies to a wide variety of sectors such as food, textiles, cosmetics, and chemicals.
There are different types of labels according to their purpose: informative labels, which detail basic product information; descriptive labels, which add additional information such as instructions or hazards; branding labels, which reinforce commercial identity; and persuasive labels, designed to capture consumer attention.
In addition to meeting legal requirements, labeling helps consumers make informed decisions and promotes safety, trust, and better product tracking. It is an indispensable tool for both the industry and end-users.
GHS - GHS: Chemical Product Labeling
Chemical product labeling is the primary element of product protection as defined by GHS (Globally Harmonized System), and in Europe by CLP (Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on classification, labeling, and packaging of substances and mixtures).
However, producers must also comply with other sector-specific regulations, such as those concerning biocides, detergents, VOCs, and information about the composition in fertilizers, animal feed, or cosmetics.
So far, we have discussed regulatory information for chemical product labels, but other elements can also be included, such as shipping data, tracking information, usage instructions, etc.
What challenges do companies face when creating their labels?
Considering what has been mentioned so far, we are actually talking about different types of information that could well be indicated on separate labels. However, in practice, the industry tries to consolidate all this information into a single label.
The reasons are obvious: applying a single label reduces costs, processing times, and the amount of label material used, thereby minimizing waste generation.
With this in mind, companies face two main challenges when generating their labels, as we will explain below.
1. Limited Label Space
Obviously, this is an important issue; label content must be legible. In certain sectors, the label can contain highly varied elements and, therefore, be very extensive. This occurs when it includes, for example:
Manufacturer or distributor data
GHS or CLP classification
Information about composition
Weight or volume
Usage instructions
ADR indications, if the label applies to packages for transportation purposes, among others.
Additionally, it may be necessary to include data that allows for product tracking, such as batch numbers, manufacturing dates, or expiration dates. Often, this information is displayed in a GS1-128 barcode.
It is also common today to use a QR code that directs the user to a URL with technical product information.
Although each type of information serves a purpose and therefore cannot be omitted, depending on the sector, some data may be more important than others. For example, in the food industry, traceability is essential. In the chemical industry, safety information is evidently highly relevant.
Regulations and Changes to Regulation (EU) 2024/2865
On the other hand, regulations establish minimum sizes for labels (including pictograms) depending on the container’s capacity.
The new Regulation (EU) 2024/2865 introduces some changes in this area, such as minimum font size or line spacing. It also regulates foldable and digital labels, allowing part of the content to be stored in the cloud or on foldable pages.
However, at least for now, the content established in Article 17 of the CLP must always be visible on the physical label, and on the first page in the case of foldable labels.
2. The Source of Label Data
If we want to create a label that gathers such varied information, we will probably have to integrate data from different systems: tracking data from the production system, classification from the regulatory system, and other data from the quality system.
Labeling can be issued from any of the modules or systems that contribute part of the label content, or from a different system altogether. However, it is necessary to integrate data from these systems to centralize the required information. This ensures consistency among the different documents.
In the chemical sector, it is very important that the classification information on the label matches section 2.2 of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Likewise, ADR data, when the package is also the transport package, must match the information found in section 14 of the SDS and the transport documentation.
Solution to optimize chemical labels
To address the challenges related to chemical product labeling management, it is most advisable to use specialized software. eQgest, for example, is a regulatory software capable of easily creating SDSs for products and generating their labels.
The solution can also collect data from other systems, becoming a tool capable of generating a label with all the required content for this sector.
In summary, the software gathers data from your ERP, logistics program, and the information collected by eQgest to ensure that your products comply properly with regulations and are always up to date.
Additionally, the software includes a template system that allows establishing a hierarchical model for labels, automating the process to make it faster and safer.
If you want to know more about the eQgest solution for the labelling of chemical products, contact us and one of our consultants will show you how the labelling module works.
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