Labels play a crucial role in a wide variety of industrial, production and laboratory settings, serving as vital communication tools that convey essential information. From saving lives and protecting data to cutting costs and eliminating inefficiencies, labels serve as informative identifiers, guides and instructors. But what goes into a label is just as important as what it goes onto – from the adhesive to the material to the finish and more. This label guide serves as an indispensable resource for making informed decisions in understanding, choosing and applying labels.

Label materials – what labels are made of

From cost-effective paper labels for indoor use to durable polyester labels for outdoor settings, label material sets the stage for performance, durability, ideal use and more.

• Paper label

  Paper labels are versatile and commonly used for general purpose identification and barcode labeling. Made from paper materials, these labels are cost-effective and suitable for indoor applications.

• Polyester label

  Polyester labels are made from a synthetic material and offer a durable and versatile solution for applications requiring resistance to moisture and chemicals. Commonly used in product labeling and outdoor settings, polyester labels are known for their excellent printability and clarity.

• Polyethylene label

  Polyethylene labels are made from a durable plastic material and are ideal for applications requiring resistance to water and outdoor exposure. These labels find use in various industries, such as logistics and outdoor equipment labeling. With strong adhesive properties, polyethylene labels adhere well to different surfaces.

• Polyimide label

  Polyimide labels, known for their high-temperature resistance and durability, are commonly used in industries such as electronics and aerospace. These labels withstand harsh environments and extreme temperatures, making them suitable for applications that demand reliability and longevity. Polyimide labels often find use in product identification and circuit board labeling.

• Polypropylene label

  Polypropylene labels offer a balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. Widely used in product labeling and packaging, polypropylene labels resist water and chemicals. They are available in various forms, such as clear or white, making them versatile for different applications. These labels are compatible with various printing methods.

• Metallized polyester label

  Metallized polyester labels combine the durability of polyester with a metallic finish, providing an aesthetically appealing option for applications like identification labels or rating and serial plates that utilize barcodes, alphanumerics, graphic symbols and logos and require nameplate-like quality. These labels offer resistance to outdoor elements and chemicals.

• Vinyl label

  Vinyl labels, made from a durable plastic material, are known for their flexibility and resistance to moisture. Commonly used for outdoor signage, safety labels and branding, vinyl labels adhere well to curved surfaces.

• Polyolefin label

  Polyolefin labels are versatile, cost-effective labels suitable for wire marking in indoor applications. With good printability, extreme temperature resistance and durability against fading and abrasions, these labels find use in wire identification and insulation purposes.

• Nylon label

  Nylon labels offer high adhesion and high pliability to meet a broad array of identification requirements from control panels to liquid nitrogen environments. They conform tightly to curved, rough or irregular surfaces such as wires and cables, stainless steel, textured ABS, polypropylene and many other material types.

• Nomex label

  Nomex labels are designed for high-temperature environments, such as those found in aerospace and industrial settings. Made from a heat-resistant material, these labels provide durability and reliability in extreme conditions. Nomex labels are commonly used for product identification and safety labeling.

• Polycarbonate label

  Polycarbonate labels offer a durable solution with excellent impact resistance. Commonly used in industries requiring robust labels, such as automotive and equipment manufacturing, polycarbonate labels withstand harsh conditions. They are known for their clarity, making them suitable for applications where visibility of information is crucial.

• Polyurethane label

  Polyurethane labels are known for their flexibility and resistance to chemicals, making them suitable for applications in harsh environments. Used in industrial settings for equipment labeling and product identification, polyurethane labels maintain their quality and readability over time. They are often chosen for their durability and resistance to abrasion.

• Polyvinyl fluoride label

  Polyvinyl fluoride labels, known for their resistance to chemicals and harsh weather conditions, are commonly used in outdoor applications. These labels offer durability and printability, making them suitable for product identification and signage where long-term performance is required.

• Polyvinylidene fluoride label

  Polyvinylidene fluoride labels provide excellent chemical resistance and durability in extreme environments. Widely used in industries such as chemical processing and electronics, these labels withstand harsh conditions and maintain their integrity. Polyvinylidene fluoride labels are often chosen for their reliability and resistance to UV radiation.

Label material properties – how labels adapt to conditions and environments

Labels offer a range of specialized properties to meet diverse needs. From temperature-related features to chemical resistance, these properties contribute to the adaptability, functionality and visual appeal of labels in various applications.

Temperature

Labels with temperature-related properties are designed to withstand specific temperature conditions, catering to diverse environments and applications.

• Heat-resistant labels are crafted to endure elevated temperatures, making them suitable for industrial processes, electronics or automotive applications where exposure to heat is common.
• Cryogenic/freezer labels are engineered to withstand extremely low temperatures, often used in medical or laboratory settings.
• High-temp labels are designed for applications involving intense heat, such as manufacturing processes or industrial equipment, ensuring readability and durability in these demanding environments.
• Low-temp labels are tailored to endure colder conditions, frequently utilized in cold storage facilities, the food and beverage industry or outdoor applications.
• Temperature-indicating labels provide visual cues or irreversible changes in appearance to signal exposure to specific temperature thresholds, aiding in quality control and monitoring in various industries.

Environmental

Labels with environmental considerations are tailored to perform optimally in different settings, addressing the challenges posed by varying conditions.

• Harsh environment labels are built to withstand extreme conditions, including exposure to chemicals, abrasion, and harsh weather, making them suitable for industrial, automotive or outdoor applications where durability is paramount.
• Outdoor labels are specifically designed to endure exposure to sunlight, moisture and fluctuating temperatures, ensuring longevity in outdoor settings. These labels are commonly used for product branding, signage and equipment labeling.
• Indoor labels are crafted for environments where they’re shielded from direct weather exposure. They are often utilized in retail, office or warehouse settings for product identification, asset tracking and general labeling needs.

Chemical resistance

Labels with chemical-resistant properties are crucial in environments where exposure to various chemicals is a concern, ensuring that the label remains intact and legible despite contact with different substances.

• Alcohol-resistant labels find use in healthcare, laboratory and industrial settings.
• Fuel-resistant labels provide a durable solution for applications in the automotive, aerospace and energy industries.
• Oil-resistant labels are formulated for machinery and equipment labeling in manufacturing and automotive environments.
• Solvent-resistant labels withstand exposure to various solvents, which may be encountered in industrial processes or laboratory settings.

Tamper evident

Tamper-evident labels are designed to reveal evidence of tampering, ensuring the integrity of sealed products or packages. These labels fracture or leave a visible mark when tampered with, serving as a visual indicator of potential interference.

Water soluble

Water-soluble or dissolvable labels are crafted to break down upon contact with water, making them ideal for applications where temporary labeling or easy removal is required, such as in laboratories and temporary asset tracking in manufacturing environments.

Water indicating

Water-indicating labels provide visual cues or irreversible changes when exposed to water, aiding in monitoring environmental conditions or detecting water damage.

Metallic

Metallic labels offer a lustrous and eye-catching appearance, enhancing product branding and luxury packaging. These labels often use materials like foil or metalized finishes to create a visually striking and premium effect.

Adhesive properties – how label adhesion is customized

Label adhesives are composed of a carefully engineered set of traits to adapt to various conditions, applications and needs. These include adhesive strength, resistance to elements and temperature handling. Depending on the combination, label adhesives can be grouped by property. Here are some of the most common label adhesive properties.

Permanent adhesives

Permanent adhesives are the preferred choice for labeling solutions that require durability in challenging conditions. Known for their resilience, these adhesives create a strong and enduring bond with surfaces. Notably resistant to various elements, including chemicals, water and solvents, permanent adhesives maintain their integrity even with repeated exposure. Their versatility extends to weathering extreme temperatures, encompassing both high and low ranges, as well as cryogenic settings. Particularly well-suited for harsh outdoor environments and industrial settings like the food and beverage industry, permanent adhesive labels excel in scenarios involving moisture, UV rays, wind and washdown procedures.

Removable adhesives

Removable adhesive labels strike a balance between secure adhesion and easy removal, catering to areas requiring temporary labeling and frequent changes. Engineered for a secure bond with surfaces, these labels allow for clean and residue-free removal. While not as resistant as permanent adhesive labels to harsh environmental factors, removable adhesive offers moderate resistance to chemicals and water. Primarily designed for standard temperature environments, it may not perform optimally in extreme conditions. Removable adhesive is well-suited for less harsh, stable indoor environments, particularly in scenarios where labeling changes are frequent or a short label lifespan is needed. It finds application in alphanumeric and barcode tasks in electronic component marking, as well as in retail pricing, shelving and Lean/5S labeling.

Repositionable adhesives

Repositionable adhesive strikes a balance between convenience and durability, allowing for multiple reapplications without compromising bonding capabilities. The adhesive formulation of repositionable adhesive labels enables them to be reapplied several times with minimal loss to adhesion strength. Suitable for indoor environments or semi-protected outdoor settings with occasional exposure to mild chemicals or moisture, repositionable adhesive provides versatility. Designed for standard temperature ranges, it may not be the optimal choice for applications subjected to extreme temperatures or cryogenic settings. Ideally suited for indoor environments requiring flexibility in label placement, repositionable adhesive is commonly used in bin labeling, shelving, and Lean/5S applications.

Temperature-specific adhesives

Temperature-specific adhesives are essential tools in industries where temperature extremes are a daily occurrence. Engineered to perform optimally within designated temperature ranges, high-temperature labels endure extreme heat without losing adhesion or legibility, while low-temperature labels remain effective in deep freezes. Cryogenic labels are crucial for ultra-low-temperature storage environments, maintaining integrity and adhesion in extreme cold. These labels are indispensable in applications where temperature extremes are constant, such as industrial processes with extreme heat, high-altitude flight in aerospace and aviation, and laboratories relying on cryogenic adhesive labels for ultra-low-temperature freezers.

Regulations that impact labeling

Regulations may require specific information, certifications or marks to be displayed on products. They may also dictate compliance with safety, environmental or performance standards. Here are a few of the most common regulations.

CSA (Canadian Standards Association)

CSA is a Canadian organization that develops and publishes standards for a variety of industries to ensure the safety and performance of products. Products that comply with CSA standards often require labeling to indicate certification. Labels may include CSA marks to demonstrate adherence to safety and performance criteria, providing assurance to consumers and regulatory authorities in Canada.

cUL (Underwriters Laboratories Canada)

cUL certification is a safety standard for electrical and electronic products in Canada. Issued by Underwriters Laboratories Canada, this certification ensures that products comply with specific safety requirements. Labels bearing the cUL mark signify that the product has undergone testing and meets the necessary safety standards. The label serves as a visual indicator of compliance, promoting consumer confidence and regulatory adherence.

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

RoHS is a European Union directive that restricts the use of specific hazardous substances in electronic and electrical equipment. Products complying with RoHS standards are labeled to indicate that they are free from substances like lead, mercury, cadmium and others. RoHS labels help consumers identify environmentally friendly products and demonstrate compliance with European regulations.

UL (Underwriters Laboratories)

UL is a global safety certification organization that establishes standards for various product categories, focusing on safety and performance. Products that meet UL standards receive certification, and labels with the UL mark indicate compliance. UL labels are crucial for products entering markets like the United States, as they assure consumers and regulatory authorities of adherence to safety and performance requirements.

What could happen with the wrong label

Having the wrong label could lead to disasters in your identification task including wasted time doing re-work, errors in your processes and unhappy customers. The following examples explain what could go wrong if you use the wrong type of label for your application:

• Text

  You need your labels to keep a crisp and legible legend for effective identification. Using the wrong label could lead to smearing, fading and unreadable text. With the right label, you benefit from durable ink formulas, protective coating options that stand up to your application needs, and legible messages with high-resolution printing and a variety of font sizes.

  

• Topcoat

  When your label doesn’t have the correct topcoat for your identification task, the topcoat could peel off the film, leaving the text and label surface unprotected from the elements. The right label topcoat withstands the temperatures, chemicals and other environmental elements in your application.

  

• Film

  Using a label with a film that cannot stand up to the high heat you may have in your applications could lead to shrinking or discoloration. Find a durable material that aligns with the environmental challenges your application demands to ensure your label stays intact.

  

• Adhesive

  Adhesive is an essential element when it comes to effective identification. The adhesive means your label could lift, fall off, move around or leave residue. Whether acrylic or rubber adhesive, permanent or removable, be sure to find the right adhesive that adheres to the surfaces you require for the duration of your identification project.

  

Material properties and applications