Important Considerations When Selecting Freezer Labels

Posted by : Mercury Labels Ltd on Thursday, August 26, 2021 in Waterproof and Weather Proof Labels.

Sticky labels can be used in some of the harshest environments imaginable when designed with a specific purpose in mind. In industrial facilities, food production environments and elsewhere freezer labels play an important role in a variety of activities.

What is important to remember when placing an order for freezer labels is the extent to which they differ from one product to the next. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all freezer label; they are all designed for specific applications.

With this in mind, here is a brief overview of the most important points to consider when selecting and ordering freezer labels:

The Surface Material

First of all, it is worth considering the surface you intend to attach the labels to. Will the labels be affixed to a rough material, a corrugated surface or a completely smooth surface? This will play a role in determining what kind of adhesive and label substrate is appropriate for the job. Depending on your requirements it may be necessary to order a variety of different types of labels to suit different surface materials.

The Strength of the Bond

Freezer labels may be needed with permanent adhesion in mind; they may be required for strictly temporary purposes prior to being removed. This should be taken into account to ensure the ‘tack’ of labels you buy is appropriate. Always consider if and when the labels you use may need to be removed at a later date.

The Time of Label Application

If you plan on using your labels on products that have already been frozen, you may need an entirely different label than if they were to be applied before freezing. Adhesives and substrates behave differently at warm and cold temperatures, in terms of both bond strength and longevity.

The Label Substrate

This refers to the base material of the label itself, which could be anything from traditional paper to durable polyester. Making the right choice depends entirely on the environment in which the labels are to be used, taking temperatures and exposure to moisture into account. The harsher the conditions, the more important it is to select a material that can withstand them.

The Design of the Label

Remember that the compatibility of freezer label materials with printing devices differs from one product to the next. This is particularly important to factor in if you intend to purchase blank labels to be printed in-house. The type of printing method you choose will have a major impact on the immediate appearance and general lifespan of the label. Where possible, it is advisable to choose pre-printed custom labels which offer the most attractive finish and longest lifespan.

For more information on how to select the right freezer labels or to discuss any aspect of the services we provide in more detail, please contact a member of the team at Mercury Labels today.