Ensuring Label Durability in Harsh Environmental Conditions
Harsh environments can cause even the most durable labels to wear and fade over
time. Factors such as long-term heat exposure, cold and frost, moisture, extreme temperatures, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental elements can contribute to the accelerated aging and breakdown of the materials.
When you have to consider label durability in harsh conditions, you need strong and resistant
labels. Durable labels are most often used for:
- Medical devices
- Calibration labels
- Oxygen, gas, or propane tanks
- Instruction labels
- Identification labels
- Equipment Inventory
- Maintenance and service call labels such as HVAC, water heaters, appliances, etc.
Choosing the Right Material for Durability
Use of the Label
One of the first things to consider when choosing the right label is what product or item it will be used on. The composition, texture, shape, temperature, and product cleanliness will affect how label materials will react. For example, if your label will experience dirt, oil, or other chemicals, you will want to consider
solvent-resistant materials.
Environmental Location of the Label
The environment where your label will be will affect its performance. Potential friction, sunlight,
moisture, and weatherproof labeling solutions may need to be considered.
Vinyl, polyester films, and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) are moisture, abrasives, oil,
and chemical-resistant label materials. Polyester labels are particularly effective for outdoor applications where extreme conditions and exposure to direct sunlight can otherwise degrade materials. Additionally, paper labels, which can save on costs, can be used if your
label will live in mild conditions.
Life-Expectancy of the Label
You might need your labels to last just a couple of months due to a short product lifespan or for
many years. Durability requirements for labels in extreme temperatures suggest using robust materials like vinyl or polyester. If it will be in direct sunlight then silk screen printing will help
maintain the label’s quality. If your label will have a short life, you have more options when it
comes to materials, such as metalized silver paper or polypropylene film.
Cost Considerations
Higher quality materials may offer superior durability but come at a higher cost. You will need
to evaluate the trade-offs between durability, performance, and cost to find the most suitable
materials for your product and budget.
At Royal Label, we recognize how important it is to thoroughly assess every factor that might
influence your label’s performance. We can accommodate your specific and unique needs with
our experience and commitment to advanced printing capabilities.
Adhesive Technologies Designed for Harsh Conditions
Some adhesives are specifically designed to withstand harsh conditions, such as:
- Acrylic adhesives
- These are known for their resistance to temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, and chemicals, which makes them great for outdoor uses.
- Rubber-based adhesives
- These have a strong initial tack and adhesion, which is perfect for rough surfaces and colder temperatures.
- Silicone adhesives
- This adhesive type is known for superior performance with high-temperature-resistant labels and resistance to moisture and chemicals.
- Epoxy adhesives
- These have exceptional strength and resistance to harsh chemicals and environmental conditions. They are often used in heavy-duty and structural applications.
- Polyurethane adhesives
- This type of adhesive is flexible, durable, and has good resistance to moisture, chemicals, and varying temperatures.
- Hot melt adhesives
- This type offers quick bonding and strong adhesion and is commonly used in packaging and product assembly.
Federal Standards and Regulations to Consider
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) sets guidelines for what material can be used on food
and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care labels. They require the use of
food-safe, moisture, and chemical-resistant, highly legible, and waterproof labels.
Other organizations, such as SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers), the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health
Administration), regulate label standards for other products such as chemicals and hazardous
substances, electronics and electrical requirements, and automotive materials.
Best Practices and Recommendations
Choosing the correct label and adhesive ensures product integrity, customer satisfaction, and
longevity throughout the lifespan of the product. To make the best choice, we advise that you
evaluate the impact of environmental conditions, consider application methods, and prioritize
safety and industry compliance.
Furthermore, if you are in need of abrasion-resistant labels, the use of clear protective overlays
or varnishes can provide that additional layer of defense. Applying an edge sealant can prevent
label edges from lifting in wet and humid environments.
Besides material considerations, thorough testing of the label’s performance under real-world
conditions helps ensure your label will meet your requirements. Conducting peel, shear, and
tensile tests can help evaluate bonding strength and durability.
Choose Royal Label for Expert Label Printing
If your business needs high-quality labels that can withstand varying temperatures, moisture,
chemicals, and other harsh conditions, choosing the right label printing company is an important first step. At Royal Label, we will utilize our expertise to select the correct labels to meet your needs. Contact us today to discover how our custom label printing services can deliver exceptional results that will exceed your expectations.
