The environment is one of five big factors that can have a negative impact on label performance.
Hot, cold and moist conditions can cause labels to peel, fall off, fade and smear. Exposure to everyday liquids or UV exposure may cause reactions with the color and adhesiveness of a label. In other cases, productivity and safety could be affected if product labels become damaged or aren’t clearly visible.
Here are four label applications and the types of environmental factors that can have a significant impact on label life:
Furniture Labels
In the furniture industry, labels are applied to various fabrics. Most furniture labels have very specific legal requirements: they must be made of specific materials, and they cannot come off or wear over time with use.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Labels
Medical and pharmaceutical labels must be created to adhere correctly to withstand today’s fast-paced modern medical environments. High quality medical labels can be designed to be tamper-resistant and/or fluid-resistant, as well as laminated and sealed to withstand a wide variety of medical environments.
Industrial, Shipping and Logistics Labels
Warehouse productivity is increased when logistics teams aren’t worried about malfunctioning labels. Industrial, shipping and logistics labels must be easily scannable and readable for streamlined processes and effective inventory control. Plus, you’ll need labels tough enough to withstand being handled and tossed around.
Other Labels
Chemicals in lotions, hand sanitizers, and other everyday products can cause reactions with the color and adhesiveness of a label. It’s important for your label to be able to stand up to these chemicals, as well as other environmental factors, especially if permanence is required.
If your product will be subject to sun exposure, you may want a UV label coating to seal and protect the print. As an added bonus, it will help the colors pop and draw more attention to the label.
If your label application requires extra security measures, thermochromatic inks and labels are another option. These labels change color when touched to ensure sensitive materials are never tampered with.
Conclusion
Plan your label in advance. Anticipate where it will be attached, and what environmental conditions that carrier is likely to encounter throughout its life cycle. Addressing these details during the design process will ensure a better overall experience with your label provider, and will help prevent production headaches later.
Now that you have a better understanding of the ways in which the environment can affect label life, why not download our new eGuide, How to Create the Perfect Label: The 5 Most Important Questions to Ask, to learn more about the other four factors.