Storing labels and linerless products
With over 30 years of expertise, BMLE ensures the highest quality for all our (linerless) labels. However, the way you store your labels directly impacts their quality and durability. Factors such as temperature and humidity play a crucial role. That’s why we are happy to provide our professional storage guidelines to help you keep your labels in optimal condition.
If you have questions about specific label types or storage conditions, our team is happy to assist you.
General storage guidelines
Following best practices for label storage ensures consistent quality, minimizes waste, increases efficiency, and helps you get the most out of your stock.
- Store labels at a constant temperature between 18 and 25°C and avoid temperature fluctuations. Do not store labels near heat sources.
- Maintain a relative humidity of 45-55%. Excess moisture can cause labels to curl, while dry air can reduce adhesive strength. You may use a hygrometer to monitor and maintain ideal storage conditions.
- Keep labels in their original protective packaging, stacking boxes horizontally without exceeding a height of 1.5 meters.
- Store different label types separately.
- Ensure a dust-free environment and avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
- Follow the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle to use older stock first. Standard labels have a shelf life of 12 months under proper storage conditions. Order the appropriate quantities (or ask us for advice) and consider keeping an inventory log to track stock rotation.
- Allow labels to acclimate for 24 hours before use and, if necessary, test a small quantity for new applications.
Specific storage guidelines
Each label type has unique properties. Here are additional storage considerations for specific labels:
Clean-C labels are 100% plastic-free and contain biological components, requiring use within 6 to 8 months. Store them in sealed packaging and avoid contact with water.
Direct thermal labels require extra care due to their special top coating, which may fade or discolor, resulting in poor print quality or unreadable labels. These labels are highly sensitive to heat, so temperature control is essential.
Linerless labels require careful stacking due to the absence of backing paper. Avoid excessive pressure on the rolls and consider using roll holders for large formats. Linerless rolls have a limited shelf life, so always follow the FIFO principle to prevent adhesive migration to the silicone and thermal layers. This ensures smooth unrolling, high-quality thermal printing, and prevents residue buildup on thermal printheads, which could lead to faster wear.