Among other benefits, product labels contribute to the passing of information to the target recipient, building your brand, and attracting potential clients. Not all these labels are the same, though. Your label will need strength depending on its environment. Long-lasting labels on products have very specific needs; consider the factors guiding their choice with this guide:
1. Know about the environment in which the product is intended to stay
Consider also the exposure of the environment of your product before selecting a label. Is it going to be outside, exposed to direct sunlight? Is it going to get wet? Some common environments are:
Moist or Humid Environments
Products that get stored in refrigerators or get wet require waterproof or weatherproof labels. Vinyl or polypropylene materials can be used in these environments.
Extreme Temperatures
Material to be Labelled, in case the product is to be exposed at a high temperature or lower than freezable points, then necessitates special types of adhesive material as well that do not crack off or peel off
Outdoor Exposure
UV resistant and Weather proof kind of label need to be provided, which can undergo sun exposure, rain, dust etc.
2. Suitable label materials
According to environment would require some sort of material, a few general types are as follows:
Paper Labels
These are very cheap but not so apt for products that are kept indoors conditioned. However, they are not moisture or heat-resistant.
Polyester or Vinyl Labels
These are generally applied in extreme conditions because they are tear-resistant, waterproof, and weather-resistant.
Polypropylene Labels
This is one of the multi-purpose labels. It is quite durable as well as it is resistant to water, chemicals, and oil. So, it’s perfect for usage on most items.
3. Adhesive Selection
This is the attachment that keeps the label intact for aggressive environments. There are:
Permanent Adhesives
For extended use where it is designed for the label to stay in position.
Removable Adhesives
For temporary labels that do not leave a residue on the tear.
Adhesive for extreme service conditions
Use on extreme temperature surfaces, moist surfaces, and for unevenness of the products to be labelled.
4. Durability test
After a selection of the adhesive material and an adhesive, testing occurs. The sample must be shown real-life applications in order to verify the effects on:
Peeling and lifting
Labels must stick; there should be no curling out at the ends
Fading
Test whether the text or design of the label fades from sunlight or intense lighting.
Rip
Test whether the label is not easy to rip especially when it has been handled or moved.
5. Printing Options
The permanent labels must print well, such that after some time, the details are readable. Consider the following:
Waterproof Inks
Weathering of the applied labels whether by getting wet, or damp on account of wetting
UV-Resistant Printing
Resistant to exposure to UV by sunlight
Withstand scratches coming from other ways
Scratches are prevented at the back; additional protection compared to the look of the printed paper.
6. Compliance Issues Consider
Depending upon your industry the durable labels would also have certain specifications to work with. Sample ones are below:
Food Labels
Food and beverage labels will have to adhere directly to consumables. Apply food-grade
Ingredients that are used should be food-safe.
Chemical products
Must be resistant to chemicals, plus provide the necessary hazard information.
Medical Products
They are manufactured after maintaining sterility and have a very long time of durability.
7. Brand
If it does need ruggedness, that is the same tag that’s going to also say everything right for your brand. Make it look good and very vibrantly display your logo, colours and all other properties of your product. This strong functional label which gives function along with having an impact with vision can turn out to be the big differentiation at the shelf.
8. Make a Trustworthy Label Partner
A well-experienced label supplier will always ensure professional advice and quality materials in your business.
They may even give you recommendations on the best options which can be suitable for your product needs and even custom solutions according to your business.
A label must be as durable as it shows any environmental condition, without losing its aesthetic or functional performance. To a great extent, the knowledge of the product environment together with the proper material and adhesives gives an excellent credibility to the brand and professional approach plus an attractive product by investing in a durable label since it is the sound business decision that adds life for a customer to put trust. Contact First Choice Labels for more information.
