Critical Considerations For Labels In Harsh Environments

While product labels are often the least expensive design components and the last items considered when introducing a new product, product labels have a significant impact on a product's market appeal and merchandising. Also, the product label can cause major headaches and unnecessary costs for the OEM manufacturer - if the label design and construction are not properly matched to the customer's application requirements.

Consider the following examples: An elevator manufacturer changed from enamel paint to a powder coated paint after the product has been on the market for several months. Subsequently, their end customers experienced an adhesion failure of its labels not knowing that epoxy powder coating coated paints can be a bonding challenge. The company had to shut down their process and implement expensive field rework. Unfortunately, the label manufacturer was not consulted when the company switched to its powder coating process. In the end, a new label construction with a more aggressive adhesive solved the problem.

A shipping company utilizes labels adhered to their trailers for critical tracking of inventory in transit. The labels were applied at a freezing temperature, which never gave the pressure sensitive adhesive label a chance to "wet-out" and properly bond on the substrate. Consequently, labels fell off in-transit, creating delays and additional shipping costs.

For many product manufacturers, their labels may not be recognized as a critical component. However, most companies expect their labels to last for the life of their product to ensure that the critical information on the label is available to their customers

Durable Labels

Durable Performance Labels or Harsh Environment Labels from 3M withstand a wide range of environmental conditions over the product life. According to Peter Garin, manager at 3M Graphic Market Center, if a missing or damaged product label can cause "potential harm to the consumer, the environment or the manufacturer," then Durable Labels using 3M face stock and adhesives should be considered for that product.