How Long Do Labels Last? Leave a comment

Most things have a shelf life, including your business’s labels and stickers. How long do labels last? That depends on numerous factors including how your labels are stored. Find out more about the factors that impact the shelf life of stickers and labels with the experts at Chicago Color Label. 

6 Factors That Impact the Shelf Life of Stickers

1. Sunlight- When storing your labels, you want to avoid storing them in the sun. That’s because ultraviolet light can bleach ink over time by breaking down the ink’s chemical bonds. You can add UV coatings or label laminates that will slow fading, but avoiding sun storage is still best. 
2. Moisture- You also want to avoid storing labels in areas where they will be exposed to moisture, as moisture can absorb into your labels over time. This can cause them to fall off or distort. Polypropylene (BOPP) label materials should be chosen over paper media if moisture exposure is possible. 
3. Adhesive Capabilities- Some labels are made with adhesive that can handle exposure to water while others aren’t. Meet with one of our associates today to ensure that your labels have the stick they need to handle the job. 
4. Scratches & Scuffs- Scratched labels are eyesores on your products. You can prevent these from occurring by adding laminates or varnishes. These coatings will help reduce the damage that can be caused by friction during mailing or moving boxes. When choosing media where abrasion is a concern, our polypropylene labels are inherently more durable than paper labels.
5. Regulation Changes- Depending on what you sell or produce, it’s possible that your label will need to meet government regulations. If this is the case, the shelf life of your labels could be impacted by regulatory changes that are out of your control. Keep on top of potential regulation changes in order to avoid being stuck with a backstock of outdated labels. 
6. Rebranding- If you’re contemplating a rebrand, you’ll want to clear out your current label stock first. 

Improve the Shelf Life of Your Labels With Chicago Color Label

If you’re looking to improve the shelf life of your stickers and labels, you can with the associates at Chicago Color Label. Our representatives will make sure you get labels that meet your requirements and recommend laminates that can keep them protected. Contact us today for help!