Date:

January 30, 2025

Categories:

Company, Hazard Labels, Industry News, Products, Sustainibility, Tips & Tricks,

Why we at BOXLAB Services rely on polypropylene for hazard labelsNot every material is suitable for every application

Choosing the right material for hazard labels and placards is crucial for the safety and success of transporting dangerous goods. There are many factors that influence the choice – and not every material is suitable for every application.
As experts in dangerous goods labeling, we at BOXLAB Services prefer to use polypropylene (PP) for good reason. In this article, we explain why PP is the best choice for us and why we only offer paper labels on request and in certain cases.

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Why polypropylene is the material of choice for hazard labels

Polypropylene (PP) is not only extremely robust, but also resistant to weathering and chemical substances. When transporting hazardous goods, the label must always remain clear and legible, even under difficult conditions. This means that moisture, UV radiation or chemical substances must not impair the visibility of the labels. This is often a problem with paper labels, as they quickly lose their legibility when exposed to moisture or chemicals.

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Kombinierter Gefahrzettel für die Klassen 3, 6.1 und 8 auf einem blauen PE-Fass.

Another major advantage of PP hazard labels: They are suitable for a wide range of packaging. Whether barrels, steel drums or plastic containers – PP holds reliably without you having to worry about the durability of the labels. Paper labels, on the other hand, are generally only suitable for use on cardboard boxes.

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Paper hazard labels - only on request and in large quantities

While we recognize the benefits of paper labels, at BOXLAB Services we only offer them on request and in bulk. They are the better choice for shipping dangerous goods in boxes, but they are less durable and much more prone to errors than PP hazard labels. In the event of moisture or impact, there is a risk of the labels peeling off or the information becoming illegible.

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ADR Sondervorschrift 653

For this reason, we offer PP hazard labels as a standard solution – for all packaging. This not only saves you storage space and unnecessary processes, but also ensures that you can always rely on the legibility and durability of your labels.

Why we prefer to use one material

There are many reasons why it pays to use standardized materials. The biggest advantage is that you do not need a separate warehouse for different label types. If you use PP hazard labels for all packaging, the process steps are reduced and the likelihood of errors is minimized.
There is also no need to carry out various training and familiarization processes for different label types. For you, this means easy handling and greater safety in day-to-day operations.

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Gefahrzettel Klasse 1 (Explosivstoffe) auf einem blauen Metallfass.
Gefahrzettel Klasse 6.1 (Giftige Stoffe) auf einem IBC-Container.
Gefahrzettel Klasse 2.2 (Nicht entzündbare, nicht giftige Gase) auf einem Gefahrgutkarton.
Gefahrzettel für Klasse 4.1 (Entzündbare feste Stoffe) auf PP-Material.
Gefahrzettel Klasse 1, Overpack-Kennzeichnung und Ausrichtungspfeile auf einer Verpackung aus PP-Material.
Gefahrzettel für Klasse 3 (Entzündbare Flüssigkeiten) auf einem Gefahrgutkarton.
Sondervorschrift 188 (SV188) Kennzeichnung mit UN-Nummer 3091 auf einer schwarzen Box.
Kombinierter Gefahrzettel für die Klassen 3, 6.1 und 8 auf einem blauen PE-Fass.
Gefahrzettel Klasse 4.3 (Stoffe, die mit Wasser gefährlich reagieren) auf einem Gefahrgutkarton.
aKombinierter Gefahrzettel mit den Gefahrgutklassen 3, 6.1 und 8 auf einer Verpackung.

BOXLAB Services - Your solution for hazardous goods labeling

Our polypropylene hazard labels are available immediately – even in small quantities. This means that you can place your orders quickly and flexibly without having to rely on large minimum order quantities. If you still need paper labels, we can supply them in bulk on request. This means you can get exactly what you need without compromising on quality and reliability.

At BOXLAB Services, we rely on a flexible and secure solution for all your hazardous goods labeling needs. Polypropylene hazard labels offer you the highest level of safety and durability, with uncomplicated ordering and fast delivery.

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Conclusion: Why polypropylene is always the preferred choice for BOXLAB Services

For BOXLAB Services, the decision is clear: polypropylene hazard labels offer the best security and flexibility for the transportation of hazardous goods. With a robust, weatherproof and chemical-resistant solution, you can be sure that your labels will remain legible in any situation – whether it’s drums, steel barrels or plastic containers.
And if paper labels should ever be necessary, we offer them on request and in large quantities. So you can be sure that with BOXLAB Services you always have the right partner at your side.

Examples of our hazard labels

Dangerous Goods Labels

3in1 Hazard Label
Cl.3 Fl.Liquid
+ Cl.6.1 Toxic
+ EHSM

0,12€

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  • 3in1 combination
  • ADR compliant
  • Format: 200x200mm
  • Material Polyethylen (PE)
  • Certification BS 5609 Sektion III
  • glue strongly adhesive
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Dangerous goods labels

Single Hazard Labels

0,03

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  • All UN-combinations available
  • Validity according to ADR, IATA, IMDG, RID
  • Certification according to BS 5609 Section III
  • Standard format 100x100mm
  • Strong adhesive
  • Alson available in sheets/rolls
  • 2in1 and 3in1 combinations possible
Flyer

Dangerous Goods Labels

2in1 Hazard Label
Cl. 8 Corrosive
+ EHSM

0,08€

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  • 2in1 combination
  • ADR compliant
  • Format: 200x100mm
  • Material Polyethylen (PE)
  • Certification BS 5609 Sektion III
  • glue strongly adhesive
Flyer
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about PP hazard labels

FAQ

What are the advantages of PP hazard labels over paper?

PP hazard labels are weatherproof, tear-resistant and resistant to moisture and chemicals. As a result, the label remains legible even under demanding conditions – unlike paper, which can soften or be damaged.

Is it permitted to use paper danger labels?

Paper is only permitted on certain packaging such as cartons. More resistant materials such as PP must be used on drums, IBCs or metal packaging. Companies that use different packaging therefore usually need both variants, which leads to higher storage costs and susceptibility to errors

Why does BOXLAB Services only recommend PP hazard labels?

PP can be used universally and reduces process complexity. Our customers do not have to deal with different materials and minimize sources of error in the labelling process. In addition, our PP hazard labels are immediately available from stock in small quantities, whereas paper labels are only available on request and in large quantities.

Are PP hazard labels also suitable for cardboard boxes?

Yes, PP hazard labels adhere just as well to cardboard boxes as to other packaging. As they are moisture-resistant, the label remains intact even in the event of rain or leaking hazardous goods, which increases safety.

How do PP hazard labels differ from conventional foil labels?

PP hazard labels are specially developed for hazardous goods packaging and meet the highest requirements for durability and resistance. Unlike some standard films, they are UV-stable, tear-resistant and resistant to chemicals.

Is BOXLAB PP danger labels resistant to seawater?

Yes, our PP hazard labels are seawater-resistant in accordance with BS 5609 Section III and are therefore ideal for international sea transportation. They adhere securely to different surfaces and remain legible even under extreme conditions.

Can PP hazard labels be reused?

No, hazard labels are disposable products, as they must ensure permanent labeling. However, they can be removed without leaving any residue, allowing surfaces to be prepared for new labels.

Are there danger labels with combined classes?

Yes, BOXLAB Services exclusively offers 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 combination labels that combine two or three dangerous goods classes on one label. This saves space on the packaging, reduces sources of error and simplifies the labeling process. This is an efficient solution, especially for shipments with several dangerous goods classes.

Do BOXLAB PP hazard labels comply with the law?

Yes, our danger labels comply with the legal requirements of ADR, IATA and IMDG and are approved for the worldwide transportation of dangerous goods.

Why not print hazard labels on paper?

Hazard labels must comply with standards and be permanently legible. Paper printouts can become unusable due to moisture, abrasion or chemical influences and then no longer meet the legal requirements.

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Contact us today and let us work together to find the best solution for your hazardous goods labeling!

CONTACT US

Mischa Feig

CEO and Founder

+49 174 3199 452

mischa@boxlab-services.com

Why danger labels made of PP are a safe choice

Hazardous goods labels must be legible and durable at all times - even under adverse conditions. PP hazard labels are waterproof, weather-resistant and withstand chemicals much better than paper. PP is prescribed for drums or IBCs in particular. Having different materials in the warehouse also increases the risk of errors. This is why BOXLAB Services consistently uses PP, which is suitable for almost all applications.

Minimize the risk of errors: Standardized hazard labels made of PP

Companies that transport hazardous goods in both cartons and drums often face a problem: paper would be permitted on cartons, but not for drums. This means two different label types in the warehouse - and therefore more complexity, higher training costs and an increased risk of errors. BOXLAB Services therefore recommends PP hazard labels as a universal solution for maximum safety and simple processes.

PP instead of paper: Why we rely on durability for hazard labels

While paper hazard labels are permitted on cardboard boxes, they do not offer sufficient resistance to moisture or chemicals. In practice, they can become illegible - and this can lead to penalties. PP labels, on the other hand, are extremely durable and suitable for almost all means of transportation. BOXLAB Services supplies these from quantities as low as 1 - for maximum flexibility and legally compliant labeling.