In the summer of 2015, many were caught short by the deadline for GHS-classified labels. Reports of last-minute rushes on label orders and delays on customers receiving product were common from June onwards.
What is CLP?
CLP Regulation, or simply ‘CLP’ as it is now known, is the new EU legislation on classification, labeling, and packaging of substances and mixtures. It was brought in to replace the old DPD classification system. CLP was designed to provide a system to characterize the hazardous properties of substances and mixtures, ensuring such information is communicated consistently through the supply chain.
Who was affected?
The CLP Legislation was directly applicable to suppliers who manufacture, import, use or distribute chemical substances and mixtures. A substance or mixture contained in packaging has to be labeled according to the CLP rules where:
- The substance or mixture is classified as hazardous;
- A mixture, even if not classified as hazardous, is addressed in Part 2 of Annex II to CLP.
Nearly two years on, what have we learned from that time?
First of all, we have seen more legislative changes come in as global harmonization of products becomes compulsory in other industries. Take, for example, food labels and the allergen awareness that now must be on all labels.
Next to come will be the booming Vape industry. We will soon see that multiple languages must appear on all Vape labels.
However, thanks to affordable digital label printing machines such as our Neuralabel 300x pigment-based label printer, you do not have to worry about being caught short by the sudden changes in label information as so many were with the CLP legislation two years ago.
Our highly durable, BS5609 approved, 300x digital label printer eliminates costly plate charges when making changes to existing labels. It’s as simple as dropping in new text or pictograms to existing artwork and clicking print. A much more cost effective and efficient way than having to buy plates every time a legislation change comes about (I’m sure you will agree).
Don’t panic! How can Afinia Label help?
The 300x gives you complete control over any last-minute legislation changes that may be thrust upon you. By adding the 300x to your company you can avoid any label order panic and save a fortune on new origination costs. Not to mention, give yourself a print-to-demand service for the future.
You Can Take Control
As we have seen with CLP these type of changes to a label are not just replacing one set of pictograms with another. There is a lot more to it. One of the key areas is a significant increase in the amount of information that will have to appear on a label. With your own 300x digital label printer, you can organize your labels into different languages for different countries and print what you want, when you want. It’s all so simple.
DLF-220 Digital Finisher – Providing you with the Complete Digital Solution
By adding the DLF-220 Digital Label Finisher, you can cut whatever size or shape of label you need, whenever you need it, all in house. This provides you with a complete digital solution at a very affordable price.
In conclusion, the biggest effect that the CLP legislation changes have had on the print market is that it has given brand owners a reason to take control of their printing needs. Judging by the increase in sales of our in-house label printing equipment, they have certainly chosen to embrace the opportunity to do so.
To find out how you can take control of your labeling needs, contact us.
