The labeling of cleaning products is a fundamental aspect of ensuring consumer safety, regulatory compliance and the correct identification of products throughout their life cycle. In this article, United Barcode Systems, manufacturers of labeling, coding and marking equipment, will discuss the key regulations, essential elements and best practices that should be followed in the labeling of cleaning products for both domestic and industrial use.
Why is labeling important for cleaning products?
Ensuring consumer safety
Labeling of cleaning products allows users to know how to use products safely, especially those containing potentially hazardous chemical ingredients. Hazard pictograms, together with warnings and precautions, help prevent accidents and minimise risks to health and the environment.
Compliance with international standards
Cleaning products must comply with specific regulations, such as the CLP (Classification, Labeling and Packaging) regulation and the REACH regulation, which ensure standardisation in the presentation of safety information. Proper labeling not only ensures the legality of the product on the market, but also protects companies against regulatory sanctions.
Prevention of chemical risks in the home and industry
Cleaning products, especially industrial cleaning products, contain chemicals that can be hazardous if not used correctly. Labeling should include clear and visible information on the risks associated with their use, such as irritation or fire hazards, protecting both consumers and workers in industrial environments
Key regulations for the labeling of cleaning products
Legal requirements in the European Union (CLP, REACH)
In the European Union, the labeling of cleaning products is mainly regulated by two pieces of legislation: the CLP (Classification, Labeling and Packaging) Regulation and the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation. CLP requires all chemicals to include clear hazard pictograms, warning phrases (H and P), and precise details of the manufacturer or distributor. This ensures that users understand the risks associated with the product and handle it safely.
REACH, on the other hand, focuses on the identification and management of chemical substances, seeking to ensure that they are safe for both human health and the environment. REACH also requires companies to document the substances used in their products and to take measures to minimise risks throughout the product life cycle.
Both regulations work together to ensure that the information on labels is understandable, uniform and transparent throughout the European Union, facilitating the correct handling, transport and distribution of cleaning products.
International regulations: LATAM and USA
In Latin America, each country has its own regulations, although many are aligned with the principles of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS), which defines global criteria for the classification and labeling of chemicals.
In the United States, cleaning products must comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations. These agencies require labels and messages to include:
● Pictograms of danger according to GHS.
● Information about the manufacturer and safe handling measures.
● Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accessible to the users.
These regulations also often require labels in English and, in some cases, in Spanish for areas with large Spanish-speaking populations.
Mandatory elements on labels or messages (pictograms, warnings, datasheets)
Labels and messages should include red and black hazard pictograms, warning phrases, instructions for use and a detailed list of ingredients. Pictograms, such as those warning of corrosive or flammable products, must be clearly visible and comply with international standards.
In addition, for more complex products, such as crop protection products, it is mandatory to include a technical data sheet specifying the correct use and the necessary protective measures, allowing for safe and proper handling.
At United Barcode Systems, we offer our customers advanced solutions for both labeling and printing. Solutions such as the APLINK Series printers enable simple, cost-effective and optimal printing on any surface. The APL35s, automatic printing and label application systems, are designed with state-of-the-art technology to meet the demands of product labeling in the cleaning industry.
Our objective and role is to offer specific solutions with maximum guarantees at all stages of the labeling and coding process.
Basic elements of a label for cleaning products
Technical and descriptive product information
The label should provide essential information such as product name, manufacturer, batch and contact details. In addition, it should clearly describe the purpose of the product, whether it is industrial cleaning, disinfection or domestic use, to ensure that users understand its correct application.
Instructions for use and safety precautions
It is crucial to include clear instructions on how to use the product safely, as well as the necessary precautionary measures, such as the use of gloves or adequate ventilation. This not only protects the end user, but also reinforces confidence in the product.
Identification of hazardous ingredients
For products containing hazardous chemical ingredients, such as plant protection products, it is mandatory to clearly identify the active substances and their potential risks. The hazard pictograms must be accompanied by supplementary information detailing how to reduce the impact of these chemicals.
Best practices in label design and messaging for cleaning products
Visual design to ensure clarity and legibility
A clear and well-structured design facilitates the understanding of the label and messages of each product. It is important to use legible typefaces, ensuring that the font size is suitable for quick reading, even in industrial environments. This ensures that critical information, such as hazards or instructions for use, is easily accessible.
Use of colours and symbols to convey safety messages
In chemical labeling, red and black are the most commonly used colours for hazard pictograms, as they ensure high visibility and regulatory compliance. While the use of multiple colours can improve aesthetics, it is not always viable for industrial printing. Solutions such as the APLINK Series printers, which allow two-colour (red and black) printing, are ideal for ensuring clear and economical printing.
Inclusion of QR codes for further technical information
QR codes are an excellent tool for including additional information, such as safety data sheets or usage tutorials. This approach allows users to access more detailed content using mobile devices, reducing the amount of text required on the label and improving the customer experience.
Technology and smart labeling
Use of RFID tags for tracking in the supply chain
RFID tags enable accurate and automatic tracking of products in the supply chain, streamlining warehousing, transportation and distribution processes. Although United Barcode Systems does not offer this technology, it is important to note that, in certain industries, RFID tags can complement traditional tags. However, RFID tags are not a universal solution and require an advanced technological infrastructure to implement.
Sustainable labels: the impact of eco-design
The use of sustainable labels is gaining prominence, especially in the context of growing environmental concerns. Labels made from recyclable materials or solvent-free inks not only comply with environmental regulations, but also reflect companies' commitment to sustainability. This approach reduces environmental impact and improves brand perception among environmentally conscious consumers.
How mobile applications interact with digital tagging
Mobile apps allow users to interact with digital labels, accessing extended information such as data sheets, safety measures or instructions for use. Through the use of QR codes, companies can provide direct access to online resources, eliminating the need to include large volumes of text on physical labels, improving the user experience.
Common mistakes in the labeling of cleaning products
Incomplete or unclear information
One of the most common errors in the labeling of cleaning products is the omission of key information, such as necessary precautionary measures or detailed identification of hazardous ingredients. When this information is not clearly presented, users may use the products inappropriately, increasing the risk of accidents such as burns, poisoning or adverse chemical reactions.
Lack of safety pictograms
The absence of hazard pictograms on the labeling of cleaning products, especially those with potentially harmful chemical components, is a serious error that can put both users and the environment at risk. Pictograms are essential to visually alert to hazards such as flammability, corrosion, toxicity or environmental risks, and their inclusion is mandatory in many countries under international regulations such as the CLP regulation.
Design that makes it difficult to read or interpret
Disorganised label design can be a major barrier to understanding information, especially on cleaning products that contain critical handling and safety details. Typefaces that are too small, cluttered text or the lack of a hierarchical design that highlights the most important elements, such as precautions or hazard pictograms, can make it difficult for users to quickly identify essential information.
At United Barcode Systems, we provide our customers with the best labeling, coding and marking solutions. With our print & apply APL Series, especially the APL 35s for secondary packaging or the APL 60s or APL 80s for pallet labeling, we offer complete solutions for the labeling of cleaning products at all stages. With our machines, it is possible to print as well as to label, but our printing is basically in two-colour format (red and black), and our labeling is black.
Cleaning product labeling not only ensures consumer safety and regulatory compliance, but also enhances brand image and customer confidence. Contact us today to find out how United Barcode Systems can help you optimise the labeling and coding process for your cleaning products, ensuring quality, accuracy and sustainability at every stage of the production process.
