Sales03@likexin.com
How to Ensure Readability and Adhesion of Frozen Labels Throughout the Process?
Cynthia Feng
Be your best strong partner.
Have you ever encountered this situation in your business: after a batch of goods leaves cold storage or undergoes long-distance cold chain transportation, the labels on the packaging are either illegible or have curled and peeled off?
Frankly, labels, although seemingly insignificant and not produced using high-tech methods, can cause major problems if they malfunction. For example, if a label fails in extremely cold and humid environments, all subsequent processes become impossible.
The simpler something is, the easier it is to make mistakes. Perfecting even simple labels is Likexin's promise to its customers and a driving force for Likexin's own improvement.
Frankly, labels, although seemingly insignificant and not produced using high-tech methods, can cause major problems if they malfunction. For example, if a label fails in extremely cold and humid environments, all subsequent processes become impossible.
The simpler something is, the easier it is to make mistakes. Perfecting even simple labels is Likexin's promise to its customers and a driving force for Likexin's own improvement.
Key Technologies of Frozen Food Labels
The core mission of frozen food labels is to be resistant to freezing and moisture. This means they must remain firmly adhered and clearly visible even in low-temperature, humid environments.
We previously served a client in the frozen food industry who had two main requirements for our labels: first, that the product be food certified; and second, that the labels remain stable and clear even in low-temperature, humid environments.
These two requirements were not particularly difficult for Likexin at the time.
We previously served a client in the frozen food industry who had two main requirements for our labels: first, that the product be food certified; and second, that the labels remain stable and clear even in low-temperature, humid environments.
These two requirements were not particularly difficult for Likexin at the time.
① The Face Material is the Label Base
We typically use PE, BOPP, PET, and specialty synthetic paper as face materials.
Materials like PE and BOPP inherently possess good flexibility and are not prone to brittleness or cracking even at extremely low temperatures. Furthermore, PE materials are usually specially treated to give them good moisture resistance and printability, making them a common choice for frozen packaging labels.
PET materials offer even greater stability and tear resistance; they are not easily shrunk or deformed and possess excellent durability.
In addition, some specialty synthetic papers, like Tyvek, also possess excellent low-temperature resistance, moisture resistance, and chemical resistance, offering similarly good cost-effectiveness.
Materials like PE and BOPP inherently possess good flexibility and are not prone to brittleness or cracking even at extremely low temperatures. Furthermore, PE materials are usually specially treated to give them good moisture resistance and printability, making them a common choice for frozen packaging labels.
PET materials offer even greater stability and tear resistance; they are not easily shrunk or deformed and possess excellent durability.
In addition, some specialty synthetic papers, like Tyvek, also possess excellent low-temperature resistance, moisture resistance, and chemical resistance, offering similarly good cost-effectiveness.
② Adhesives are the most critical element in cryogenic labeling.
Adhesives are not only the most critical element in cryogenic labeling technology but also the most challenging. They must not only adhere but also adhere firmly and for a long time.
Some customers may wonder, what is the difference between ordinary adhesives and adhesives specifically designed for low temperatures? Which one doesn't matter, right?
Some customers may also wonder, why can't ordinary adhesives work?
Firstly, ordinary adhesives at low temperatures behave like aged rubber, losing elasticity, hardening, becoming brittle, and losing their tackiness. This prevents them from adhering tightly to the packaging surface, causing labels to curl and fall off.
However, adhesive systems specifically designed for low-temperature environments are like specially formulated antifreeze rubber, meaning they maintain strong adhesion even at low temperatures.
From a technical perspective, strong "condensation resistance" is the "crown jewel" of cryogenic adhesive technology and the key difference between ordinary adhesives and specialized cryogenic adhesives.
When a product is transferred from a low-temperature environment to a high-humidity environment, a film of water quickly condenses on the packaging surface.
Ordinary adhesives are hydrophilic and absorb moisture, leading to structural damage and loss of adhesion.
Therefore, we use a special hydrophobic adhesive. When condensation forms, this adhesive, with its strong cohesive force and wetting ability, quickly repels the thin layer of water, allowing the adhesive itself to penetrate the water film and bond firmly to the packaging material.
This type of adhesive possesses strong cohesive force, ensuring it doesn't break down even if a small amount of moisture is absorbed.
As we all know, on high-speed automated labeling production lines, labels don't have time to cure slowly. Therefore, we must ensure the adhesive has high initial tack to provide a solid foundation for the subsequent rapid freezing process.
Furthermore, for dry and cold environments, a high-performance low-temperature acrylic adhesive can be selected, as it performs well in dry, low-temperature environments and is more cost-effective.
Here's another good way to test for condensation resistance: Freeze the labeled sample at -18℃ for 24 hours, then immediately place it at room temperature and observe the label's appearance when it's covered in water droplets.
Some customers may wonder, what is the difference between ordinary adhesives and adhesives specifically designed for low temperatures? Which one doesn't matter, right?
Some customers may also wonder, why can't ordinary adhesives work?
Firstly, ordinary adhesives at low temperatures behave like aged rubber, losing elasticity, hardening, becoming brittle, and losing their tackiness. This prevents them from adhering tightly to the packaging surface, causing labels to curl and fall off.
However, adhesive systems specifically designed for low-temperature environments are like specially formulated antifreeze rubber, meaning they maintain strong adhesion even at low temperatures.
From a technical perspective, strong "condensation resistance" is the "crown jewel" of cryogenic adhesive technology and the key difference between ordinary adhesives and specialized cryogenic adhesives.
When a product is transferred from a low-temperature environment to a high-humidity environment, a film of water quickly condenses on the packaging surface.
Ordinary adhesives are hydrophilic and absorb moisture, leading to structural damage and loss of adhesion.
Therefore, we use a special hydrophobic adhesive. When condensation forms, this adhesive, with its strong cohesive force and wetting ability, quickly repels the thin layer of water, allowing the adhesive itself to penetrate the water film and bond firmly to the packaging material.
This type of adhesive possesses strong cohesive force, ensuring it doesn't break down even if a small amount of moisture is absorbed.
As we all know, on high-speed automated labeling production lines, labels don't have time to cure slowly. Therefore, we must ensure the adhesive has high initial tack to provide a solid foundation for the subsequent rapid freezing process.
Furthermore, for dry and cold environments, a high-performance low-temperature acrylic adhesive can be selected, as it performs well in dry, low-temperature environments and is more cost-effective.
Here's another good way to test for condensation resistance: Freeze the labeled sample at -18℃ for 24 hours, then immediately place it at room temperature and observe the label's appearance when it's covered in water droplets.
③ Printing and Lamination Processes
Similar to high-temperature resistant labels, graphics printed with specialized resin-based carbon ribbons have excellent low-temperature resistance and are less prone to cracking or blurring due to freezing, ensuring that barcodes and text remain legible.
Using waterproof and freeze-resistant inks during printing, along with appropriate curing processes, also ensures the durability of information in the frozen environment of a supermarket.
Lamination is another excellent method. Covering the printed label with a transparent protective film, such as BOPP film, effectively prevents the graphics from being worn or soaked.
Using waterproof and freeze-resistant inks during printing, along with appropriate curing processes, also ensures the durability of information in the frozen environment of a supermarket.
Lamination is another excellent method. Covering the printed label with a transparent protective film, such as BOPP film, effectively prevents the graphics from being worn or soaked.
Choosing the Right Labels to Avoid Pitfalls
After all this, you might ask, "I understand the principles, but how do I choose the right one?" Here are three very practical suggestions:
Consider the Environment: Determine your entire temperature range (what's the lowest? Is there rapid freezing?), and what material the packaging surface is made of (plastic, glass, or metal?).
Sample Testing: This is the most crucial step! You can take our sample labels home and affix them to your actual products, running them through a real freezing, warehousing, and transportation process. The results will be immediately apparent.
Certification Selection: For packaging that comes into direct contact with food, be sure to choose materials with food safety certifications (such as FDA) for peace of mind.
In short, seeing is believing. We are happy to provide you with free samples and testing support to help you find the most suitable solution.
Consider the Environment: Determine your entire temperature range (what's the lowest? Is there rapid freezing?), and what material the packaging surface is made of (plastic, glass, or metal?).
Sample Testing: This is the most crucial step! You can take our sample labels home and affix them to your actual products, running them through a real freezing, warehousing, and transportation process. The results will be immediately apparent.
Certification Selection: For packaging that comes into direct contact with food, be sure to choose materials with food safety certifications (such as FDA) for peace of mind.
In short, seeing is believing. We are happy to provide you with free samples and testing support to help you find the most suitable solution.
Conclusion: Our Commitment
To sum up, what we've discussed today is this: a reliable frozen food label reflects your commitment to meticulous supply chain management and is a silent endorsement of your product quality.
We offer more than just a small sticker; we provide complete peace of mind for your products.
We offer more than just a small sticker; we provide complete peace of mind for your products.
