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		Accelerated Weathering Tests Pacesetter Print Group have conducted extensive accelerated weathering tests, using different forms of printing media including screenprint, offset, flexographic, laser/inkjet and letterpress on the following substrates:        Self Adhesive Polyethylene        Self Adhesive Polypropylene        Self Adhesive Gloss White Vinyl        Self Adhesive Matt Offset Vinyl        Self Adhesive Dataflex (coated Polypropylene) The program is set as a 25 hour standard test, first 20 hours is intense Ultra Violet Light Exposure (UV)at an irradiance value of 0.55 watts per square metre delivered via 8 specially Doped UVB313 LAMPS,followed by 5 hours of condensation cycle without UV. This test ran for 125 hours, or 5 repeats,consequently. This enabled the labels to be exposed to 100 hours of UV at 65ºC, with humidity of over 50%, and 25     hours of condensation with humidity of over 90%. We also conducted a second test of immersing labels into water for 30 days, to test ink adhesion to the stock. We carried out these tests to check the following: • Test the pigment of colour stability equivalent to 1 month of a typical NZ summer or winter. • Test the ability of the ink to adhere to the substrate • Test the ability of the ink to retain gloss. • Test the ability of the substrate to withstand UV degradation and check yellowing of substrates. • Test heat resistance of ink • Test substrates ability to withstand heat • Test exposure to moisture     The following results were: • Flexographic printed on to pearlescent polypropylene – colour faded in UV light and ink scratches off after being immersed in water. • Laser print on to dataflex – ink is ok in UV light, again scratches off after being immersed in water. • Letterpress or Offset printed onto matt polypropylene – ink has faded and stock has broken down and disintegrated. Ink is ok after water immersion test. • Letterpress printed on to polypropylene and laminated – colours are ok, lamination has cracked - ok after water immersion test. • Offset printed on to matt white vinyl – good colour retention after UV test, however ink scratches off after water immersion test. • Screenprinted on to dataflex polyethylene – inks have retained colours, although stock has yellowed slightly. Ink scratches slightly with water immersion test. • Screenprinted on to white vinyl – excellent colour retention (red has not faded). Superior Ink adhesion after water immersion scratch test. Summary These tests conclude that Pacesetter’s screenprint methodology when compared to other print processes, met the durability requirements of the Hazardous Substances (Identification) Regulations. Substrate choice and performance is related to product shelf life and exposure in the market. These test conclusions are supported with physical samples.