Dirt can find its way onto your adhesive labels in many different ways: through direct contact with fingers, a dirty storage environment, or by adhering to packaging materials that are coated in dirt.
Regardless of how the dirt comes into contact with adhesive labels, the result is never good. It’s very difficult (if not impossible) to use a label once it’s come into contact with dirt.
Label Solutions explains what to do if this happens to you.
How Does Dirt Affect the Application of Adhesive Labels?
If your label gets dirty during the application process or it is placed on a package that is coated in dirt, the label will have a hard time sticking to the textured surface. Essentially, texture reduces the surface area available for the label to stick to, leaving gaps that may appear bumpy and unprofessional from the customer’s point of view.
In short, dirt will ruin your labels. Once they’re affected, they won’t adhere correctly and they are likely to peel. This will make your product look less attractive over time.
What to Do If Dirt Gets On Your Labels
If dirt gets onto the front side of your labels, you may be able to wipe it off with little difficulty. However, if it touches the adhesive side of your labels, they will be impossible to clean thoroughly. You will need to dispose of the labels and replace them.
How to Prevent Contamination With Dirt
Here’s the bottom line: Once your labels are contaminated with dirt, they won’t stay stuck. You’ll need to replace the dirty labels before shipping the product off to any customers or you’ll risk damaging your brand reputation.
However, there is some good news! There are ways to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Primarily, it comes down to proper storage and maintaining a clean packaging environment.
- Store adhesive labels inside an airtight plastic bag or container.
- Keep labels off the ground by storing them on shelves.
- Regularly clean your packaging/labeling environment to prevent dust and dirt buildup on surfaces.
- Avoid touching the adhesive when applying labels manually.
Need to Order New Adhesive Labels?
If your labels are no longer usable, the experts at Label Solutions are available to help. We can provide high-quality labels and tips on how to store and apply them properly so you won’t ever have to deal with dirty labels again. Contact us today for more details.