What are PE boards and what are they used for?

PE boards are plastic panels made of polyethylene specifically designed for hazardous goods labeling. They serve as reusable, residue-free label carriers for hazardous materials labels in both internal operations and international transport.

What advantages do PE boards offer compared to metal plates?

PE boards are lighter, quieter in handling, and allow for easy, residue-free removal of labels. This eliminates the need for external cleaning and significantly reduces process costs.

Are PE boards approved for cross-border hazardous goods transport?

Yes, BOXLAB PE boards meet all legal requirements for hazardous goods labeling and have passed international inspections without issues. They are part of a seawater-certified solution.

Process optimization with PE boards as an alternative to metal boardsEfficient and safe labeling of hazardous goods transports

The safe labeling of dangerous goods transports is a complex challenge that goes far beyond a mere legal requirement. In a globalized world where millions of tons of dangerous goods are transported by road, rail and sea every day, marking is an indispensable part of safety measures. Transport containers such as tank containers, sea containers and special railroad wagons must be provided with clearly visible, permanently adhesive hazardous goods labels such as placards, orange warning signs and specific hazard symbols in order to minimize risks to people and the environment.

Current challenges in labeling:

UNIQUE METHODS:

There are currently no standardized methods for attaching hazardous goods labels. Common methods include self-adhesive labels, paper-based labels with glue or fixing with spray adhesive.

REMOVAL AND RETENTION:

Old labels need to be removed after transport closures, which is often problematic. Common methods such as chemical cleaners, razor blades or glass scrapers pose a risk to employees and can permanently damage the container surfaces.

PROBLEMS DURING RE-application:

Damaged or dirty surfaces prevent even label adhesion. Adhesive residue and uneven surfaces lead to bubble formation, which means that the new labels do not adhere permanently and may even be lost.

USE OF METAL PLATES:

Metal plates as label carriers are a common alternative. However, these merely shift the problem to the plate itself. They are heavy, expensive, prone to rust and a frequent target for theft due to their scrap value. They also require regular, time-consuming cleaning.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY ASPECTS:

The use of aggressive cleaning agents, spray adhesives that are hazardous to health and sharp tools
and sharp tools not only causes high environmental pollution, but also increases the risk of
also increases the risk of injury for employees. The lack of reusable options and inadequate
recycling concepts further exacerbate the problem.

Solution approaches

Future-oriented solutions should be based on modern material technologies that can withstand extreme weather conditions, mechanical stress and chemical influences. Only through a combination of new materials, clever design and well thought-out recycling concepts can hazardous goods labeling be made sustainable, safe and economical. This vision should guide developments in the logistics sector.

To the PE boards

Our solution

Innovation through a certified complete solution

Our PE panels in combination with BOXLAB labels offer a globally unique, seawater-certified overall solution in accordance with BS 5609 Section III. While many manufacturers only have their labels certified, our solution offers complete safety for labeling thanks to optimally coordinated components – even under extreme conditions such as at sea, on the railroads or in road traffic. You can also order pre-labeled plates from us. As sheets and labels are made from the same material, both can be recycled together – this simplifies disposal, optimizes processes and promotes sustainability.

Discover now

Material properties of PE panels

Our PE boards are made of robust, recyclable polyethylene and offer numerous advantages over traditional solutions:

RESIDUE-FREE LABEL REMOVAL:

Thanks to special material properties, BOXLAB labels can be removed effortlessly and without adhesive residue

DURABILITY AND WEATHER RESISTANCE:

The sheets are UV-resistant, resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures

LIGHT AND HANDY:

Compared to heavy metal plates, the low weight of the PE board makes handling much easier.

Comparison with traditional solutions

COMPARED TO METAL PLATES:

NO RUST:

The PE panels do not rust and do not require any complex post-treatment.

NO RISK OF THEFT:

Since there is no scrap value, the risk of theft is eliminated.

COST SAVINGS:

Due to lower material & Maintenance costs are more economically attractive.

Test OUR PE boards

COMPARED TO DIRECT LABELING ON SUBSTRATES:

SUBSTRATE PROTECTION:

The panels protect the container from damage, extending its service life.

EFFICIENT RELABELING:

A clean surface and optimal conditions, e.g., through pre-labeling indoors, save time and effort when reapplying labels, making the use of spray adhesive obsolete.

TEST OUR PE-PANELS

PE BOARD
+ LABEL
___________________

100% SECURITY

Buy now

OLD SOLUTIONS
LABEL +
CLEANER +
SPRAY ADHESIVE +
AUXILIARY MATERIALS +
TIME
___________________

UNCERTAINTY

Sustainability and recycling process

Our PE boards are 100% recyclable and can be reused in a closed recycling loop at the end of their service life. This reduces material consumption and protects the environment.

Occupational safety

Our solution eliminates the risks of sharp blades, aggressive cleaning agents and hazardous spray adhesives, as well as the resulting fumes. The splinter-free PE plates enable chemical-free handling and residue-free label removal without dangerous tools. In addition, labels can be conveniently applied indoors in advance, minimizing the need to work under the influence of the weather or at unsafe heights. This protects both the environment and the health of your employees.

Application and flexibility

The PE plates are available in various sizes and thicknesses and are suitable for different transport carriers such as tank containers, sea containers, tank wagons and trucks. They are used for warehouse labeling or on construction sites. Their versatility makes them the ideal solution. Two standard sizes guarantee the use of 90% of the standard holders available on the market.

Our solution in comparison

CRITERION	PE-BOARD (BOXLAB Services)	METAL PLATES	DIRECT LABELING
PRICE	Moderate purchase price, but cost-efficient due to deposit system	High purchase price, no deposit option	Low material cost, but high maintenance effort
SAFETY	No sharp edges, rounded, splinter-free	Sharp edges possible, risk of injury	Risk of adhesive residues, potentially unsafe
THEFT RISK	Low, no scrap value	High, can be sold as metal	No theft risk
SUSTAINABILITY	100% recyclable, reusable, deposit system planned	Limited recyclability, often discarded or stolen	Surfaces often chemically cleaned and sometimes repainted/coated
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE	No chemical cleaning required	Time-consuming cleaning due to adhesive residues	Regular cleaning required
USAGE DURATION	Long-lasting, temperature and weather-resistant	Rusts in moisture, limited durability	High wear due to environmental factors
ASSEMBLY EFFORT	Multiple assembly options (holders, rivets, etc.)	Time-consuming assembly, often requires special holders	Direct, but difficult label removal
PROCESS COSTS	Low due to fast handling	High due to extensive maintenance	High due to repeated relabeling
COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS	BS 5609 certified, seawater resistant	Standards may vary by manufacturer	Difficult to comply with standards consistently
AVAILABILITY	Quickly available in large quantities and various formats	Depends on the supplier	Always available, no stock management required
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT	Positive due to recycling and reduced material consumption	Negative due to high material use
FLEXIBILITY	Customizable for different applications	Not very flexible, specific sizes required	No customization possible, fixed size
NOISE POLLUTION	Quiet, no disturbing noises	Frequent rattling in holders	No noise pollution from direct labeling
REUSABLE OPTION	Reusable with one-time cost for the board	Reusability possible, but maintenance is high	Not reusable after label removal
APPLICATION	Location-independent labeling under optimal conditions	Location-independent labeling under optimal conditions	On-site labeling under all weather conditions

ORDER NOW

Practical reports and market feedback

Our PE panels have been extensively tested in practice and successfully used in real hazardous goods transportation environments.
transportation environments. Two particularly meaningful application reports prove the reliability
and efficiency of our solution:

PRACTICAL TEST AT BASF
(TANK CARS)

BASF equipped several hundred tank cars with our PE sheets and BOXLAB labels. The tests covered various transport conditions, including national and cross-border transport. The decisive factors were the ease of label removal and the residue-free reuse of the sheets. The feedback was consistently positive:

Process reliability: The PE sheets could be relabeled efficiently,
without additional cleaning effort.
Time savings: Employees were able to save considerable time thanks to the quick label removal.
Cost reduction: The reusability of the sheets contributed to a significant reduction in material and disposal costs.

PRACTICAL TEST AT GRUBER FORWARDING COMPANY
(TANK CONTAINER)

Gruber Forwarding Company tested our PE panels in shuttle traffic for the transport of hazardous goods using tank containers. These tests were conducted in both national and international traffic, with regular official inspections being conducted. The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Transport was present during the evaluation of the test results, examined the solution, and rated it as positive.

Legal Compliance: The PE panels were accepted without any problems in all inspection situations, even in different countries with sometimes different legal regulations and interpretations.
Robustness: Even with frequent reloading and adverse weather conditions, the panels remained stable and functional.
Confidence in the Application: The drivers and logistics staff commented positively on the ease of use and robustness of the solution.

„The PE boards from BOXLAB Services have clearly proven themselves in our daily operations.
Anyone can now remove old labels in no time without any adhesive residue and immediately apply new ones – no waiting time, cleaning steps, or intermediate processes needed.
This saves time, reduces process costs, and makes our workflows significantly more efficient. BASF continues to rely on this solution – more than 2,500 boards are already in use, and the number keeps growing.“

Dominic Volz
Head of Technical Office – Railcars, Locomotive and Tank Workshops, BASF

„Labels literally burn into tank containers and metal plates during frequent commuter traffic – sun and weather further intensify this effect. Our employees have to remove these residues manually, which requires considerable effort. On the BOXLAB PE plates, however, labels can be removed residue-free and in seconds. For containers suitable for this solution, we can save significant time and money. The plates have also proven themselves reliable in practical tests in cross-border traffic and during inspections.“

Werner Weber
Managing Director, Gruber GmbH & Co. KG

Werner_Weber_Geschäftsführer_Gruber ©Tobias Ritz

Our PE plates are already successfully established on the market and are increasingly being used by companies in the hazardous goods transportation sector. The positive feedback from the field has confirmed that the combination of PE plates and BOXLAB labels is an innovative, practical and economical solution.

Holistic process:

The extensive tests and the consistently positive feedback from the field prove that our PET panels not only meet the requirements for modern and sustainable hazardous goods labeling in theory, but also in practice. They offer a legally compliant, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional labeling methods and have already proven themselves in various industrial applications.

Application:

The label is applied cleanly and bubble-free to the PE board using a squeegee, ensuring secure and professional adhesion. If necessary, the label can be easily removed without leaving any residue. If necessary, a safety scraper can be used to create an initial attack surface without damaging the surface of the panel.

Conclusion

The innovative combination of PE plates and BOXLAB labels offers a comprehensive solution for the challenges of hazardous goods labeling. Our solution combines legal compliance, sustainability and cost-effectiveness in a tried-and-tested system.

The successful market establishment of our PE plates shows that our solution meets the high requirements of the industry. Our solution stands for sustainable, 100% safe and cost-efficient labeling in the global transport of dangerous goods.

ORDER NOW

At BOXLAB Services, we not only offer certified hazardous goods labels and PE plates, but also the expertise that makes the difference. Our products are specially developed for the toughest applications – from extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals to demanding transportation conditions.

aKombinierter Gefahrzettel mit den Gefahrgutklassen 3, 6.1 und 8 auf einer Verpackung.

ADR 2025 Buch vor dem BOXLAB Services Bürofenster

Further accessories for your success

Our range includes sophisticated solutions that increase your efficiency and simplify work processes.

Our PE sheets offer a robust and residue-free surface for secure labeling. The BOXLAB machine cleaning cloth, in combination with the BOXLAB BIO cleaner, ensures thorough cleaning for optimum label adhesion. For professional applications, we also offer spray adhesive for reliable attachment.

Our training materials support trainers and professionals with practical solutions, including training sets with hazardous goods labels and magnetic placards.

TO ACCESSORIES

PE plates

Our PE plates are high-quality products that serve as an optimal base for labels. Thanks to their robust properties and easy labeling without the need for additional cleaning, they offer an efficient solution for various applications. The PE plates are lightweight, easy to handle and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Their robust construction makes them a reliable support in your labeling process.

Auxiliary materials

Our aids are not just simple tools, but indispensable companions for your labeling processes. From injury-free safety scrapers to environmentally friendly BIO cleaners and the practical BOXLAB squeegee – each of our tools has been developed to make your day-to-day work easier and ensure legally compliant results. Quality and functionality are at the heart of our products.

Training sets

Our training sets offer a practical introduction to the world of dangerous goods labeling and packaging. They contain high-quality samples of hazardous goods labels as well as additional accessories such as safety scrapers and BIO cleaners. These kits are ideal for training and education to provide professionals with a comprehensive overview of legal requirements and best practice.

Spray adhesive

Our spray adhesive is the ideal solution for demanding conditions. Whether in rain, snow or difficult surfaces – it ensures reliable adhesion of your labels. Even labels that have already been removed can be easily reattached without compromising security. Developed for professional use, our spray adhesive provides a strong and durable bond. Discover the optimum support for your labeling – even under the toughest conditions!

Robust, durable and versatile for any cleaning job

BOXLAB machine cleaning cloth

With a high-quality cotton-polyester blend, ideal for machine cleaning, surface care and cleaning containers – in perfect combination with the BOXLAB BIO cleaner for optimum results. The BOXLAB machine cleaning cloth (approx. 400 x 400 mm) made from a hard-wearing cotton-polyester blend offers outstanding durability and absorbency for demanding cleaning tasks. Thanks to its generous ~ 40 x 40 cm surface area, it is perfect for cleaning machines, surfaces and containers. The double warp prevents fraying and guarantees a long service life. In combination with the BOXLAB BIO cleaner, you can achieve thorough and effective cleaning that ensures the adhesion of hazardous goods labels. Ideal for professional use – in garages, logistics and when preparing labels.

TO THE PRODUCT

BOXLAB BIO-Reiniger und Maschinenputztuch im Motorraum – für eine gründliche Reinigung von ölverschmierten Oberflächen und optimalen Haftgrund für Etiketten.

We are always there for you personally.

When it comes to dangerous goods, there is no room for compromise. Rely on quality, practical solutions and expert knowledge – for maximum safety and 100% compliance.