Adhesive labels must achieve two missions. They must convey the right messaging, and they must remain durable on the substrate for as long as possible without degrading. In today’s blog from Label Solutions, we explain how humidity and moisture affect adhesive label performance.
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Affixing Labels
Some adhesive labels are hard to affix to surfaces in high heat and humidity. If possible, you should attach labels in a carefully controlled environment before the items leave your facility. Improperly affixed labels can fall off. On certain products, retailers can’t sell them without a label. You lose money because the retailer has to either return the product or throw it away.
Adhesive Label Storage
It is important to always store adhesive labels in a climate-controlled environment. Maintain relative humidity as close to 50% as possible. Room temperature should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius). Although you might need to affix labels to products or containers that are cold, storing labels in the proper conditions lets them last longer.
Problems Due to Humidity
Adhesive labels face several issues due to high humidity. Edges may lift or curl. Lifting and curling could make the label fall off eventually. Added moisture can cause labels to fade quickly, rendering them useless. Soft pressure adhesives may fail altogether, while ink may smudge or smear in high humidity.
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Problems Due to Heat
Humidity and heat go hand in hand. Because adhesive labels absorb moisture more readily than the substrate, high and low temperatures affect the labels first before the substrate. Quick changes in temperature could lead to curling and peeling. Low temperatures could turn moisture into ice crystals, which then quickly cover the label in moisture when the temperature rises quickly. Sudden temperature changes degrade the labels faster than gradual changes.
Solutions
A viable solution to mitigate humidity and temperature problems is to go with adhesive labels that aren’t made of paper. Polypropylene and vinyl are two common materials that resist moisture and temperature swings. Another way to combat degradation via environmental conditions comes from acclimating the labels to their surroundings. Before affixing labels, store them at the same temperature as the substrate for several hours.
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Label Solutions and Adhesive Labels
Label Solutions can help you mitigate or eliminate problems of moisture and temperature for your adhesive labels. Our team can design labels with sharp graphics, outstanding adhesives, and high-tech products that stick to many types of substrates. Contact Label Solutions today or call toll-free 1-800-299-9200 for more details.