What are chemical-resistant labels?

Chemical-resistant labels are labels designed to withstand aggressive substances such as solvents, acids, bases and alcohols. They retain their legibility and adhesive strength even after exposure to extreme conditions. These labels are often used in laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry and chemical manufacturing facilities.

Properties of durable labels

A high-quality chemical-resistant label must meet a number of essential properties:

•     Resistance to chemicals: Withstand exposure to acetone, ethanol, isopropanol and other aggressive substances.
•     High temperature resistance: Labels must maintain their adhesion and legibility at both extremely high (e.g., an autoclave), and extremely low temperatures (e.g., cryogenic storage).
•     Abrasion resistance: Text, barcodes or QR codes must remain readable, even with frequent handling or contact with moisture and dirt.
•     Strong adhesion: The label must adhere well to various substrates such as glass, plastic, metal.... regardless of environmental conditions.

Types of durable labels

Depending on the application, different types of chemical-resistant labels are available:

•     Cryogenic labels: Designed for storage in extremely cold conditions, such as in nitrogen (-196°C), without loosening or fading.
•     Autoclave-resistant labels: Resistant to the high temperatures and steam pressure of an autoclave, ideal for sterilization processes.
•     Solvent resistant labels: Special labels with coatings resistant to chemical solvents and aggressive substances.
•     Abrasion and scratch resistant labels: Perfect for situations where labels are frequently handled or exposed to mechanical wear.

Why invest in high-quality chemical-resistant labels?

An error in laboratory identification can have serious consequences: from lost samples to incorrect test results. By investing in high-quality, durable labels, you avoid problems such as dislodging labels, fading bar codes or illegible lettering. This increases reliability and safety within your lab or production process.

Choosing the right label

When choosing chemical-resistant labels, it is important to consider:

•     The specific chemicals with which the labels will come into contact
•     The storage and handling conditions (temperature, humidity, sterilization processes, etc...)
•     The type of surface on which the label is to adhere
•     The printing technology (thermal, inkjet, laser, etc...)

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