Freezer-Safe Labels
Whether it be ice cream, meat or plasma stored in a cryogenic freezer, there are many products that must be stored in cold temperatures. In order to sort these products properly, they must be labeled. However, standard label adhesive loses tack in low temperatures, which affects their wet out time. Wet out time is how long it takes for the adhesive to fuse to the fibers or surface of the substrate and form a permanent bond. A high wet out time can cause labels to curl, peel and fall off after application. In these cases, we turn to freezer-safe adhesive.
Types of Freezer-Safe Adhesive
As the name implies, freezer-safe adhesives are adhesives capable of maintaining their tack in freezing temperatures. Note that there is a functional different between cold and freezing temperatures: all subzero temperatures and temperatures under 32 degrees Fahrenheit are freezing temperatures. There are three main types of freezer-safe adhesive:
Hot melt freezer adhesive: Hot melt freezer adhesive has the fastest wet out time of the freezer-safe adhesives. It’s a rubber-based adhesive with a high initial tack, which can be applied to frozen and nonfrozen substrates. It can also be placed into a freezer immediately after application, owing to the fast wet out time.
Emulsion acrylic adhesive: Emulsion acrylic adhesive is referred to as a general purpose adhesive, due to the good initial tack and the wide range of temperatures it can be applied in. It works well for labeling cardboard boxes, but it can’t be applied inside freezers, regardless of whether or not the substrate is frozen.
Solvent adhesive: Solvent adhesive is designed for use on plastic and glass. It generally requires a synthetic label stock, but is capable of withstanding extremely cold temperatures, such as those in cryogenic freezers. It can be applied inside freezers, although the substrate cannot be frozen when it’s applied.
Freezer-Adhesive Labels at Barcode Factory
If you’re looking for quality freezer-safe labels, try Barcode Factory. We offer freezer-safe adhesive for both direct thermal and thermal transfer labels, treated with a condensation-resistant top coat to protect your label from moisture. Browse our selection of freezer labels here, or contact us today to speak to one of our experts about a custom label for your business.