Kiaro! D Printer Achieves Key Global Standard for Labeling of
Chemical Products and Other Hazardous Goods for Marine Transport
WEST WARWICK, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2015--
Astro-Med, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALOT), a leader in data visualization
technology, today announced that its Kiaro! D color inkjet label printer
has attained International Maritime Dangerous Goods BS 5609
certification, a key global standard for labeling of chemical products
and other hazardous goods for marine transport.
“Achieving this important certification further demonstrates the quality
of our Kiaro! D, and opens new vertical market opportunities for our
high-durability products,” said Gregory A. Woods, the Company’s Chief
Executive Officer. “We developed the Kiaro! D line in response to
customer need for rugged, high-quality color labels capable of
withstanding harsh conditions. We look forward to expanding our customer
base to include customers in markets such as chemicals, cleaning
products and perfumes where this certification is critical for
distribution.”
BS 5609 certification is part of the Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). By June 1, 2015, all
U.S. manufacturers of chemical products must be in compliance with the
BS 5609 standard when their labels are used on hazardous chemical
containers transported by sea.
The GHS labeling standard requires visual, color-coded hazard warnings
as part of its aim to make chemical hazard warnings universally
understood. The use of the same standard symbols (pictograms) and color
codes on chemical labels around the world ensures that workers who
handle chemicals during production, transport, or at the point of use
will share the same recognition and understanding of the GHS hazard
warning system.
To determine whether they would remain adhered and readable, the Kiaro!
D labels and pigment-based inks underwent a series of independent tests
including immersion in an estuary off of the British coast for three
months, sand abrasion, exposure to artificial salt spray and sunlight,
and prolonged exposure at temperatures of 32° and 140 °F. Smithers Pira,
which performed the certification testing, concluded that both the black
and the red inks of the Kiaro! D remained colorfast throughout the test.
About Astro-Med, Inc.
Astro-Med, Inc. is a global leader in data visualization technology that
delivers accuracy, efficiency, speed and performance across a range of
end markets. The Company’s products include color label printers and
consumables sold under the QuickLabel Systems brand, ruggedized printers
and networking products for aerospace and defense applications as well
as test & measurement products sold under the Astro-Med
brand. Astro-Med, Inc. is a member of the Russell Microcap® Index.
Additional information is available by visiting www.Astro-MedInc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Information included in this news release may contain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of
historical fact, but rather reflect Astro-Med's current expectations
concerning future events and results. These statements may include the
use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,”
“anticipates,” “likely,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” and similar
expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking
statements, including those concerning new vertical market opportunities
and expanding the Company's customer base, involve risks, uncertainties
and other factors, some of which are beyond its control, which may cause
its actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. These risks, uncertainties, and factors include, but are not
limited to, those factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 and subsequent
filings Astro-Med makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely
on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information
presented in this news release.
Source: Astro-Med, Inc.
Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.
Scott Solomon, 617-542-5300
ALOT@investorrelations.com