Low temperatures can affect both label application and the performance of the finished bond. Adhesive, substrate, moisture and the temperature history should be considered together when selecting and testing a construction.
Two temperatures, not one
| Parameter | What it means |
|---|---|
| Minimum application temperature | The coldest surface the adhesive can still bond to at the moment of application |
| Service temperature | The coldest condition the finished bond can survive once formed |
A label may require a warmer application surface than its eventual service temperature. Confirm both limits, exposure duration and suitability for the complete label construction with the material specification and application tests.
Method
| Item | Condition |
|---|---|
| Substrates | HDPE, PP, corrugated board, glass, or the customer’s own packaging |
| Application | Application temperature and substrate condition agreed for the project |
| Storage | Storage temperature, duration and any cycles agreed for the intended use |
| Wet-cold variant | Condensation or moisture exposure included when relevant and agreed |
| Assessed | Edge lift, corner curl, peel and print or barcode legibility as agreed in the test plan |
Typical cold-chain cases
- Chilled +4 °C — dairy, fresh meat and suitable cold-chain packaging; consider condensation
- Frozen −18 °C — retail frozen food, ice cream, corrugated outer cases
- Deep freeze −40 °C and below — laboratory samples, specialist logistics
- Freeze–thaw cycling — consider repeated temperature and moisture changes
Corrugated board is porous and its surface can vary. When required, evaluate the selected label on the actual board and under the relevant application and storage conditions.
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