The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is entering the final phase of implementing major updates to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation — and for UK companies supplying into the EU, the impact on chemical labels is substantial. New hazard classes, expanded warning requirements and evolving multi-market rules mean packaging will need far more space for legally required information than most single-panel labels can provide. As a result, multi-layer and booklet formats are becoming essential across adhesives, solvents, coatings, cleaning agents and industrial chemicals.
The most significant change comes from the addition of new hazard classes introduced in 2024–2025. These include endocrine disruptors (ED), persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substances, and their vPvM counterparts. Each of these classifications requires new signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements and environmental warnings to appear directly on-pack. For substances containing multiple hazard categories, the amount of required text often exceeds the available surface area of common containers.
At the same time, UK and EU regulatory frameworks continue to diverge. While the EU is pressing ahead with expanded CLP rules, the UK has not yet adopted all the newer hazard classes. Manufacturers exporting to both regions therefore face a dual-compliance challenge. A label formatted for the EU may overshoot UK requirements, while a UK-compliant label may be insufficient for EU market entry. Extended-content chemical labels offer a practical solution, allowing brands to house both sets of information without redesigning separate SKUs.
This divergence is especially relevant for companies producing high-turnover chemical products such as industrial cleaners, paints, solvents and coatings. These often come in cylindrical or irregularly shaped containers with limited surface area, making it nearly impossible to fit expanded CLP content onto a single layer. Multi-layer chemical labels — particularly durable booklet constructions — create enough space for the necessary warnings, multilingual content and safety instructions without sacrificing legibility.
Durability is another major factor. Chemical packaging frequently encounters solvents, oils, heat, abrasion and moisture, all of which can degrade standard labels. Multi-layer and booklet formats are typically manufactured with solvent-resistant varnishes, reinforced hinges, specialised adhesives and laminates designed to withstand harsh industrial environments. This ensures that critical safety information remains intact throughout the product’s lifecycle, from warehouse handling to end-user application.
For products shipped worldwide, multi-language requirements are also intensifying. Many chemical products now require safety information in up to eight or ten languages, depending on export destinations. Booklet labels provide a compact way to include these translations without overwhelming the outer surface of the container, allowing consistent branding while meeting global regulatory expectations.
Looking ahead to 2026, the chemical industry can expect further regulatory movement. ECHA continues to evaluate additional hazard classes, and both the EU and UK are exploring digital access to safety data sheets. As regulations expand, companies will need labelling strategies that provide scalability and rapid adaptability. Multi-layer chemical labels deliver exactly that flexibility — enabling businesses to stay compliant across every market they serve, regardless of size or container type.
In a sector where accuracy, durability and compliance are non-negotiable, extended-content labels are quickly shifting from a specialised option to an operational necessity. As regulatory deadlines approach, chemical suppliers that adopt robust, flexible labelling systems now will be better prepared for the changing landscape ahead.