Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies requirements and test methods for evaluation of the permanence and durability of self-adhesive labels intended for labelling of archive boxes (paper board) and other storage materials (such as metal or plastic) stored in libraries, archives, and other protected environments for long periods of time. The labels must retain their adhesion capability, and the permanence of images on them must be equivalent to that of images on permanent paper.

It is applicable to:

— labels stored in archival conditions (dry, cool, dark and no contact with water)

— labels made of permanent paper (ISO 9706) or archival paper (ISO 11108) in combination with acrylate-based adhesive

— written or printed images obtained from pens, copying machines and printers that meets the requirements in ISO 11798

— the substrate of intended use (sample substrate used for testing)

It does not apply to:

— labels stored under harmful conditions, such as high humidity that promotes microbiological attack, excessive heat, radiation (e.g. light), high levels of pollutants, or the risk of water damage (or water contact).

— labels with non-permanent paper or other adhesive than acrylate-based

— other substrates than intended use

Purpose

Self-adhesive labels are commonly used on archive boxes and other storage materials, such as metal and plastic, to provide essential information to users. However, archives sometimes encounter issues with these labels, such as their adhesion failing over time, causing them to fall off. To ensure the safeguarding of label information in long-term storage within libraries, archives, and other protected environments, it is necessary to use permanent and durable self-adhesive labels.

It is crucial that such labels experience minimal or no changes in properties that could affect their usability. The labels must retain their adhesion capability over time and ensure that the writing and printing on them stay legible and permanent, as well as not emitting or produce substances that can damage the collections. The permanence of images on labels must be equivalent to that of images on permanent paper. Therefore, testing the permanence and durability of self-adhesive labels, and formulate their requirements, is essential.

In order for these aspects to be maintained, an ISO standard specifying necessary requirements and testing methods for evaluating the permanence and durability of self-adhesive labels is proposed. Labels that meet these requirements are suitable for use on archive boxes and other storage materials intended for long-term storage and frequent use in archives and other protected environments