Self-adhesive labels (RA-FS 2006:4)

Purpose

RISE testing in archival durability primarily focuses on paper and writing used in the production of documents intended for long-term archival storage. In addition to document production, such paper can be used as a substrate to produce self-adhesive labels intended for archive boxes and other storage media.

Self-adhesive labels are attached to the outside of archive boxes and other storage media to inform about the contents before they are placed in the archive. The labels must withstand the use of the storage media over time, meaning they are taken out, used, and then put back in the archive. However, archives have experienced issues with some labels losing their functionality, such as falling off the storage medium or the information on the labels becoming unclear over time. The purpose of the testing is to evaluate the labels’ functionality and durability.

Method

The durability of the labels must be tested to ensure their functionality over time. Currently, however, there is no ISO standard or certification in this area, so testing and evaluation are carried out according to RA-FS 2006:4.

For labels, the critical aspect is the deterioration of adhesion, which can lead to labels falling off and causing information loss. Therefore, the adhesion test is a crucial part of the testing and includes both unaged and aged material (accelerated ageing in a climate chamber). The testing also includes writeability, appearance, changes in optical density during ageing, water resistance, and abrasion resistance. The writeability and appearance of the labels are compared with reference paper (ageing-resistant paper), where the same writing instruments have been used, and the results should be equivalent.

Requirements according to RA-FS 2006:4, Appendix 3;

• Paper: Must meet the requirements of ISO 11108 or ISO 9706.
• Adhesive: Must be acrylic-based.
• Label Writeability: Must be writable with a roller ball or point pen and printer, and the writing must meet the appearance requirements of ISO 11798:1999, section 4.2.
• Results: Must be equivalent between writing on labels and writing on paper that meets the requirements of ISO 9706 or ISO 11108, regarding water resistance and abrasion resistance testing.
• For aged samples;
  • Optical Density: The label’s optical density (according to ISO 5-3 and ISO 5-4) may change by a maximum of 0.10.
  • Adhesive Bleeding: The adhesive must not bleed through the paper or beyond the edge of the label.
  • Label Condition: The label must not lift at the corners, become buckled, or wrinkled.
• Adhesion properties;
  • Two types of storage media are tested, and the requirements must be met for both types.
  • The label may detach a maximum of 10 mm within 10 minutes under a given load.
  • Two out of three samples must meet the above requirement for both types of storage media, and the average of all three samples must not exceed 10 mm/10 min. 

Accreditation

The testing activities for self-adhesive labels maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.

Delivery

Testing report and statement on whether the test results meet the requirements of RA-FS 2006:4.