Weatherproof and waterproof labels are the stock-in-trade for any business dealing with products sold in demanding outdoor environments. In the packaging industry, it’s essential to ensure these labels effectively perform against water ingress, humidity, abrasion, and other environmental risks.
Quality control measures must be taken into account before labeling a product to make sure that consumers experience no degradation of message or instructions when exposed to various conditions – otherwise, you risk liability due to false recommendations on a product label. To help navigate this daunting task, here are seven quality checks you can use as guidelines when determining if your waterproof and weatherproof labels meet your standards.
1. Material Durability
The type of material used in creating a weatherproof or waterproof label is crucial for its overall effectiveness. Look for labels that are made from durable materials such as vinyl, polyester, or polypropylene. These materials are known for their resistance to water and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Additionally, consider the adhesive used to attach the label. It should be strong enough to withstand water exposure without peeling or lifting off, yet not too aggressive that it damages the product’s surface when removed.
2. Water and Moisture Resistance
The primary purpose of custom waterproof sticker labels is to repel water and moisture. Therefore, this quality is crucial in determining their effectiveness. A top-performing label should be able to withstand prolonged exposure to water without smudging or fading. It’s also essential that the label remains legible even in high humidity conditions.
To test this, you can conduct a simple water immersion test by placing the label in a cup of water for 24 hours and then inspecting it for any signs of damage or discoloration.
3. UV and Temperature Resilience
Outdoor labels are exposed to extreme temperatures, as well as harmful UV rays from the sun. It’s important to ensure that the label maintains its integrity and readability under such conditions. Labels that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cold to scorching heat, are ideal for outdoor use.
To test this, you can expose the label to varying temperatures and UV radiation using specialized equipment, or conduct a real-world test by placing the label outdoors for an extended period of time.
4. Chemical Resistance
Outdoor labels may also come in contact with various chemicals such as cleaning agents, oils, and solvents. It’s vital that the material used for these labels can withstand exposure to these substances without losing its adhesive properties or becoming damaged.
To test this, you can conduct a chemical exposure test by placing the label in contact with various chemicals commonly used in your industry and checking for any signs of damage after a specified amount of time.
5. Abrasion Resistance
Outdoor labels are subject to wear and tear due to constant exposure to elements such as wind, rain, and dust. It’s important to ensure that the label can withstand these conditions and maintain its legibility, as well as its adhesive strength.
To test this, you can conduct an abrasion test using specialized equipment or simulate real-world conditions by subjecting the label to various types of abrasive materials.
6. Print Quality
The print quality of a waterproof or weatherproof label is crucial in ensuring its effectiveness. The label should be able to maintain its print quality even after being exposed to harsh environmental conditions. This includes maintaining sharp and clear text, as well as vibrant colors.
To test this, you can expose the label to various environmental factors and inspect it for any changes in print quality.
7. Compliance with Industry Standards
Lastly, it’s essential to ensure that your weatherproof and waterproof labels comply with industry standards for durability, legibility, and adhesive strength. These standards are set by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and ISO to ensure consumer safety and product efficacy.
To ensure compliance, you can have your labels tested by a third-party lab or check if the manufacturer has certifications from these regulatory bodies.
Summing Up
In conclusion, waterproof and weatherproof labels play a crucial role in ensuring product information and instructions remain intact even in harsh outdoor conditions. By following these quality measures, you can ensure that your labels meet the necessary standards for effectiveness and reliability, ultimately increasing consumer satisfaction and reducing potential liability risks.
Keep these guidelines in mind when choosing labels for your products and make sure to regularly test their performance to maintain quality control. So, always prioritize quality when it comes to your labels and ensure that they can withstand the elements for a successful outdoor product experience.
