Laboratory labels aren’t just for healthcare
Written by Oliver Stockton, Managing Director, CILS
We receive many enquiries from laboratories outside the field of healthcare and biotechnology, who need durable labels to survive their tests, processes and handling.
We don’t manufacture packaging labels for finished products, but our durable computer imprintable labels are used behind the scenes in the laboratories responsible for the formulation and quality control of products used in:
- Colour cosmetics
- Skincare
- Hair-care
- Bath & Body
- Fragrance
- Deodorant
- Health
- Home
- Industrial
- Auto-care
If laboratory glassware is marked with a pen or low-cost stationery labels, the data is often removed when the label comes into contact with polar and non-polar liquids. Oily raw materials such as sunflower oil, Laureth-4 and DC19 silicone oil seem to cause particular problems.
The ideal solution for these types of laboratories is to either use their existing laboratory laser printer, or to purchase a thermal transfer printer. Entry-level thermal transfer printers are a few hundred pounds.
Computer imprintable labels are available with varying levels of durability from basic oil resistance to acetone resistance and everything between. Laser printable durable labels are extremely durable and may be all that you need, however, their performance is limited by the harsher solvents.
Durable labels that resist acetone, etc. may be perfect for your requirements but can be expensive, so it is best not to have an over-engineered label. The best way to determine the ideal label is to tell us what you are looking to label and the life-cycle required. We will then send you a few different alternatives to evaluate with the fluids that you are concerned with.
If you need or would like a label printer and software, we can advise and supply you with the most appropriate thermal transfer printer for your needs.
Call, email, use live chat or fill out a form and we will be happy to help.