You've picked up a packet of cheese from the deli section at the supermarket. You get to the checkout, and the cashier tries to scan the barcode, but it won't read. This is because the label has turned gray, the barcode lines have blurred together, or the label has gotten wet and pulpy.
This scenario is a result of incorrect label selection (Eco Thermal) for cold chain products. Cold air is one of the biggest enemies of labels.
If your product is going into a +4°C refrigerator or a -18°C freezer, standard labels won't work. The solution: the armored member of the thermal roll label family, Laminated Thermal.
Problem: Why does Eco Thermal deteriorate in the cold?
Most users assume the problem is "cold." However, the real enemy is "humidity and condensation."
- When a product is taken out of a cold refrigerator and brought to room temperature, water droplets form on it (it "sweats").
- Eco Thermal labels do not have a protective layer. The paper absorbs this water.
- The thermal solution reacts with the water, and the label turns gray/black. Your barcode is erased.
Solution: Laminated (Top Coated) Thermal Labels
Laminated Thermal is an Eco Thermal label that has a transparent, protective layer (lamination) factory-applied to it.
- Moisture-Resistant: Thanks to its protective layer, water, oil, or moisture cannot penetrate the paper.
- Does Not Darken: It is unaffected by in-refrigerator humidity or sweating. It retains its original whiteness.
- Ribbon-Free: Just like Eco Thermal, it doesn't require ink/ribbon; it is printed directly with heat.
For meat, milk, fish, chicken, and deli products, the only correct choice is the cold-resistant thermal label, Laminated Thermal.
Critical Detail: Deep Freezer (-18°C) Adhesive
As important as the label's paper is the adhesive (glue) on its back. Standard adhesives (Hotmelt) crystallize (freeze) below 0 degrees and lose their stickiness. The label simply falls off as if it was never applied.
If your product is going into a Deep Freezer, you must specifically request "Laminated Thermal with Deep Freeze Adhesive" when ordering. This special adhesive retains its flexibility down to -40 degrees and will not fall off.
Comparison: Which Label for Which Refrigerator?
You can use this table as a guide to avoid risks:
| Environment | Temperature | Recommended Label |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Storage | Room Temperature | Eco Thermal (Sufficient) |
| Market Refrigerator | +4°C / +6°C | Laminated Thermal |
| Deep Freezer | -18°C / -40°C | Laminated Thermal with Deep Freeze Adhesive |
Conclusion: Don't Risk Your Food
The readability of your label is as much a part of your quality as the freshness of your product. Don't use Eco Thermal to save a few pennies and cause thousands of pounds worth of product to be returned.
To choose the right label for the temperature of your cold storage, contact us. We'll send you samples to test in your own refrigerator.
