Tough Labels: Durability is in the Design

Labels are a common marketing and informational tool these days, but not every one of them is effective. For example, if the wrong production process is used for a label then it may not be durable enough to excel in certain conditions such as chemical exposure. The same applies if the adhesive or materials are not compatible with the application surface. Tough or industrial labels have several purposes including the following application needs:

Tough labels are exposed to rigorous conditions and are often used to warn operators or users of potential dangers. This means they must be able to maintain readability, be highly durable, and have the right protection qualities. Simply choosing a design without considering all the application factors could not only be expensive, but dangerous.

Knowing the qualities of what you are labeling is beneficial during the development of a label construction. Before choosing your materials, consider the following:

While the application surface and characteristics are important, a few other decisions will play a role in the durability and effectiveness of any tough label. One consideration is the length of use after application: days, months, years, or permanently. Do they need to be removable or should they be permanent? In some circumstances, the labels have to be removed as information changes. Permanent labels will require a different material combination than removable. Here are a couple more factors to evaluate before making a decision:

It is always best to use an experience supplier who has tested the materials and inks to ensure the label will withstand these conditions. The team at Flexo-Graphics is backed by 30+ years of experience and can help you determine what labeling materials, substrates, finishes, and adhesives are best for meeting these application needs. Give us a call today to learn more!