Ways to extend your label life

Storing your labels properly is critical. Along with protecting the front of the label and your product branding, things like the label liner and adhesive performance can be affected if not stored correctly. Things like keeping the backing intact are crucial. On sheet labels, that means keeping them flat and free of creases. For rolls, keep the center roll intact to maintain the integrity of the entire roll.

Proper storage temperature is also key in maintaining your labels’ performance. As a guideline, you should store your labels between 60 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper humidity level for label storage is 50% relative humidity. For best results, your labels need climate-controlled storage if your company operates in a tropical, subtropical, or even desert region.

Sunlight may not directly affect the adhesives in labels, but it does affect the overall shelf life. UV rays break down the chemical bonds in the label ink, which produces a faded look over time. Even UV protective coatings cannot delay the effect forever. The best solution is to store your labels indoors and away from windows.

Contact with liquids can also cause labels to lose their stickiness and curl away from their backing. If your business involves a lot of liquids, you may want to invest in watertight storage solutions to avoid replacing your label supply. Storing your labels in airtight containers can also minimize the effect of climate shifts in your business as well as damage from scuffs and scrapes. Avery recommends keeping your labels in their original packaging until used for optimal protection.