Durable Labels

Suppliers have optimized label materials to withstand the harshest and most challenging of environments.

Durable labels involve some of the most challenging applications.   Whether it be power tools or chemical drum labeling – or countless other segments – a durable label is required to withstands the harshest of environments.

Adhering to an object in the presence of extreme moisture, temperatures, UV light, chemicals, and more are hallmarks of durable labels.   Plus, these labels must exhibit high peel, tack, and shear to high and low surface energy substrates.

“Durable labels should possess temperature and weather resistance, functioning effectively in both hot and cold conditions,” notes Melissa Harton, marketing manager, North America, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives.   “They must endure challenging environments, exhibiting chemical and UV resistance.   Additionally, force resistance, such as resistance to abrasion or tearing, is crucial.   Waterproofing is also essential, benefiting both the label’s performance and print quality.”

There is a significant safety component to durable labels, too.   “The label must remain legible and adhere to the surface for the life of the product, thus protecting users from injury by providing information on safe operation, as well as protecting manufacturers from liability,” states Jason Berthiaume, product manager, Flexcon.   “Many durable labels are subjected to stringent UL 969 standards.”

How critical is a durable label’s effectiveness?   “A missing label – and consequential lack of information – can result in injury to the user, subjecting the manufacturer to liability,” adds Berthiaume.   “Label failure can also impact the brand in terms of aesthetics, reliability, and reputation.”

“If a label indicating hazardous materials were to fall off, it could result in serious injuries or even fatalities, particularly when dealing with substances like flammable materials that may not be readily identifiable,” adds Harton.   “An ineffective electrical warning label can also pose serious risks.   Beyond the immediate safety implications, such failures may lead to regulatory fines or legal actions due to non-compliance.”

The label transcends the substrate, as well.   The ink must play its part in these applications.   “If, for example, the ink fails on a safety label in a car or on an industrial machine, certain safety hazards may not get communicated to the operator,” explains Mark Hill, senior VP and director of R&D, INX International Ink Co. “Safety, in general, plays a significant role for durable labels.   In some cases, those labels need to be replaced before the equipment can be used.   In other cases, if the label fails, it simply could mean the product conveys it is less ‘premium’ and the company could lose market share because a brand’s label is not visible anymore.”

Plus, don’t forget to match the appropriate adhesive with the right substrate.   “One challenge involves selecting the right adhesive for durable labels and matching it with a suitable substrate,” explains Harton.   “Durable label substrates include synthetic materials like polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, and vinyl.   The adhesive must be sufficiently aggressive to adhere to diverse substrates without experiencing flagging or detachment.”

According to Laurel Loy, associate product manager, Mactac and Spinnaker, durable labeling is often talked about with GHS.   GHS translates to a Globally Harmonized System and refers to a worldwide United Nations-driven system of classifying and labeling chemicals.

“This system uses standard, predetermined classes, statements, and symbols called pictograms to communicate information about safety, human health, and storage – and UL approval, if required,” says Loy.   “GHS information can be challenging due to balancing product identification and information and including the proper GHS information.   Often, customers don’t want the label to be too busy in most situations.   For inventory label purposes, consumers do not want to have to read an abundance of information, but often it might be required.   The most popular market seems to be the chemical and oil drum market,” adds Loy.   “Chemical labeling typically requires the label to be BS5609 approved along with a three-month sea and saltwater submersion test.”

British Maritime Standard BS5609 is a drum and barrel test designed to certify that a label will stay affixed to a drum for at least three months in seawater so that the contents are identifiable in the case of a shipwreck.   Loy notes that BS5609 only tests and certifies drum labels, not other chemical containers or products.

“Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is another vital entity for durable label testing, aligning with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI),” remarks Harton.   “This is particularly relevant for electrical, electronic, and related technologies, where labels must include hazards, warnings, instruc