Identification label

barcodeprintablethermal transfer

Description
Adhesive labels engineered for the food industry to maintain adhesion and legibility in cold storage and during industrial washing processes. Typical service temperature range is -30 °C (cold application) to +120 °C; selected materials extend to -40 °C / +150 °C. Substrates, inks and adhesives are available in formulations compliant with EU Regulation 10/2011 for indirect food contact. These labels are designed to ensure batch and expiry traceability and resistance to humidity, condensation, high-pressure washing and thermal processes such as pasteurization and sterilization.

Key data (summary)

• Suggested operating temperature range: -30 °C to +120 °C (depends on material).
• Regulation: compliance with EU Regulation 10/2011 (plastics, inks and adhesives suitable for food environments).
• Usage conditions: cold storage, humidity, industrial washing and thermal processes (pasteurization/sterilization).
• Main functions: batch and expiry traceability, printing of codes (EAN, GS1-128, DataMatrix), identification on wet production lines.

Main applications

• Labeling of containers in cold rooms and industrial freezers.
• Identification of trays and boxes on wet packaging lines.
• Batch and expiry date traceability across the cold chain.
• Labels resistant to industrial washing with hot high-pressure water.
• Labeling of containers subjected to pasteurization or sterilization.

Common materials and typical uses

• Polypropylene: reference material for cold and humidity. Flexible, resistant to condensation and compatible with direct thermal and thermal transfer printing. Cryostable adhesives ensure adhesion from -30 °C (available in white matte, gloss or transparent).
• Direct thermal: option for fast in-line printing (batch, dates and codes) without ribbon; ideal for high volumes and frequent changes in cold environments.
• Polyester: for demanding conditions (industrial washing, steam, aggressive detergents). Maintains integrity and legibility with resin ribbons; typical temperature range -40 °C to +150 °C.

Usual conditions of use

• High humidity and condensation in cold rooms and freezing tunnels: cryostable adhesives formulated to apply onto cold or frosted surfaces.
• Industrial washing cycles with hot high-pressure water and alkaline detergents: need for substrates and print methods that retain integrity after washing.
• Thermal processes (pasteurization, cooking, sterilization): exposure to steam and rapid temperature changes requires resistant face materials and adhesives.
• Adhesion on typical substrates: HDPE, PP, glass, aluminum foil; the substrate surface energy determines adhesive choice.

Technical requirements and traceability

• Compliance with EU Regulation 10/2011 for materials in indirect food contact (certified inks and adhesives).
• Mandatory traceability (EU Regulation 178/2002): barcode or QR readable from production to point of sale; compatible with GS1 and warehouse scanning systems.
• HACCP plans: materials may require technical documentation and validation for use in food zones.

Printing and encoding

• Compatible with thermal transfer printing (use resin ribbons for polyester) and direct thermal for fast in-line applications.
• Supported codes: EAN, GS1-128, DataMatrix, variable QR codes for traceability.
• Printed information must remain legible during cold storage, transport and at point of sale.

Characteristics / technical specifications

• Example temperature range: -30 °C to +120 °C; polyester: -40 °C to +150 °C.
• Applicable regulations: EU Regulation 10/2011 (certified plastics, inks and adhesives).
• Supported conditions: extreme cold, humidity/condensation, high-pressure hot-water washing, alkaline detergents, steam and thermal processes.
• Compatible substrates: HDPE, PP, glass, aluminum foil (adhesive selection depends on substrate surface energy).
• Adhesives: cryostable versions for low temperatures; high-temperature/wash-resistant adhesives for industrial cleaning.
• Typical materials: polypropylene (cold/humidity), direct thermal (fast in-line printing), polyester (wash/steam, high durability).
• Printing: direct thermal (no ribbon) for cold-line batches; thermal transfer with resin ribbon for wash environments and long-term durability.
• Traceability: legible support for batch and expiry date; GS1 and industrial scanner compatibility.
• Recommendation: validate material and adhesive for the specific process and application surface.