From large safety warnings to tiny certification marks, industrial labels cover a range of sizes, but they all have one thing in common: They need to be tough.
The industrial environment can be punishing on a label. Heat, cold, grit, oil, chemicals, rough handling — an industrial label has to endure it all, so it can reliably impart critical safety and regulatory information.
Because industrial labels serve a specific purpose, special considerations are needed when choosing the right type. Working with an experienced label printer helps procurement teams ask the right questions early and choose industrial labels that perform in the real-world conditions they’re meant to endure.
At a Glance: Know the Context to Make the Right Industrial Label Choices
Key Takeaways:
- Regulatory requirements determine what information must appear on your labels and how it's displayed
- Surface compatibility drives adhesive selection — different materials and environmental conditions require different solutions
- Application method (hand vs. machine) affects label format, sizing, and production specifications
The Label Printers has deep expertise in industrial labeling, producing billions of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) labels annually. Here are some of the questions we ask our customers when they order industrial labels.
What Are Your Label Regulatory Requirements?
Industrial labels are frequently an important component of meeting regulatory standards set by agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and others, informing end users about the safe and proper use of the equipment and materials they work with, the risks of misuse, and how to respond to an accident.
Other regulatory requirements, such as those calling for safety certification UL marks, are driven by building and electrical codes meant to prevent deadly accidents and destructive fires.
These regulations for safety and warning labels can be exacting and complex. For example, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), which was adopted by OSHA in 2015, requires six elements to appear on labels:
- Pictograms
- Signal words, such as “Caution” or “Danger”
- Hazard and precautionary statements
- The product identifier
- Supplier identification
- Supplementary information, such as identifying toxic ingredients or instructions
That’s a lot of information to fit on a label while remaining legible. Your label printer should work with you to choose the right font and label sizes to meet GHS requirements.
What Surface Does Your Label Need to Stick to?
When it comes to industrial labels, adhesion is everything. To keep your workplace safe and compliant and to avoid the hassle and expense of constantly ordering new labels, your labels should stay in place as long as possible.
Determining the longest-lasting adhesive for your labels depends largely on the surface you plan to apply them to. Adhesives don’t come in one-type-sticks-to-all. For example, two different types of plastic bottles might each require a different adhesive to get the job done right. Environmental factors, such as heat and moisture, can further complicate the equation.
In other words, first you need the label to stick — and then you need the label to stay stuck. That’s why an expert label printer will always ask their customers about the environment their labels will encounter to guide their purchasing decisions. To make labels more durable, the printer may use colorfast materials and ink and apply vigorous lamination to protect against abrasion and exposure.
How Will You Apply Your Labels?
Labels will be produced differently depending on whether they will be applied by hand or by machine, so a good label printer should ask you about this.
For example, if your labels will be manually applied and are especially large, it may be more convenient to have them finished as single labels in small stacks, which might be easier for the workers applying them than if the labels were supplied in rolls. But if your process calls for machine-applied labels, your printer will need to know some things about the equipment used for application to ensure compatibility.
It’s also important to properly prepare the surface before applying industrial labels to prevent grit and grime from interfering with the adhesives. Isopropyl alcohol or another solvent appropriate to the surface and type of contamination present will usually get the job done. Ask your label printer for guidance, and be sure to pass that information on to whoever will be applying the labels in your work area.
Learn How to Get the Right Label for the Job
Labels perform a vital job in your industrial workplace. These key questions help ensure your label meets your goals to inform, protect, warn, and help keep your employees safe — and lower your company’s risk of liability. To ensure your labels are up to the task, put as much consideration into their purchase as you would any other piece of equipment or material.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes industrial labels different from standard labels?
Industrial labels must withstand extreme conditions like heat, cold, chemicals, oils, and abrasion while maintaining legibility for safety and compliance. They use specialized adhesives, colorfast materials, and protective lamination that standard labels may not require.
How long should durable industrial labels last?
Industrial labels are designed for demanding environments, but their lifespan can range from a few years to several — depending on how and where they’re used. Longevity is influenced first by the construction of the label itself: the face material, adhesive system, and print method. Just as important, though, are real-world conditions; the surface the label is applied to, exposure to temperature extremes, chemicals, abrasion, moisture, or UV light will all have a great impact on performance and durability. In short, a label’s lifespan isn’t fixed — it’s engineered. The right combination of materials and adhesives, matched to the specific environment, determines how long it will truly last.
Are industrial labels suitable for outdoor use?
Outdoor use is possible for industrial labels, provided you consider heat, moisture, sunlight, and friction upfront. Label material and adhesive choices can help ensure your label will work in whatever conditions you need to cater to — like varying temperatures that can cause applied surfaces to shrink or expand, potentially impacting the label's integrity. No matter the context, you should be able to find a label solution that suits your needs, such as using synthetic materials, vinyl, UV-blocking protective laminates, and fade-resistant inks.
By: Tom Erickson, Vice President, Manufacturing
Tom Erickson oversees manufacturing operations, including production, finishing, shipping, maintenance, and plant management. He has been with The Label Printers for over 25 years and in the industry for more than 40 years. He leads technology, process, and standards implementation across production lines and manages a skilled operations team focused on complex label manufacturing requirements.