Label detachment and peeling are the most common issues encountered with self-adhesive labels during winter use. Once these problems occur, they often result in label scrapping and reapplication, incurring significant economic and labor costs. Many customers have observed that the same label performs normally in other seasons but frequently malfunctions in winter. What are the underlying causes of this phenomenon, and how can we address it?

1. Low-temperature "frostbite" of adhesive with reduced fluidity

Non-stick labels are primarily composed of surface material, adhesive layer, and backing paper. The viscosity of the adhesive is closely related to its fluidity: the stronger the fluidity, the better the adhesive typically performs; conversely, lower temperatures result in poorer fluidity of the adhesive.

In northern cold regions, if labels are stored in environments below their specified minimum temperature (commonly requiring no less than 10°C for adhesives), the adhesive may suffer from "frozen damage," leading to a significant decline in initial adhesion and holding performance. This often results in edge lifting or detachment after labeling.

Rx ：

Ensure the storage temperature of labels complies with the material specifications.

If the label has been frozen, it can be moved to an environment above 10°C and left to rest for approximately 24 hours, after which the adhesive properties typically return to normal.

II. Rough surface of the adhesive surface, resulting in inadequate wetting of the adhesive

The adhesive must fully impregnate the surface to achieve maximum adhesion, a process typically requiring approximately 24 hours. The label substrate itself possesses inherent stiffness, exerting a slight rebound force on the adhesive layer.

In winter, the adhesive's fluidity deteriorates under low temperatures. If the surface to be bonded is rough, the adhesive cannot rapidly and fully wet the surface. Meanwhile, the continuous action of the surface material's rebound force may cause edge lifting or even complete detachment.

Rx ：

Optimize the surface of the object to be adhered, ensuring it is as flat and smooth as possible.

In low-temperature winter conditions, labels with thicker adhesive layers can be selected to enhance bonding strength and cushioning performance.

III. The surface temperature of the adhered object is too low

If the temperature of the object being labeled is too low (e.g., metal cans or plastic bottles stored for long periods in unheated warehouses), the adhesive temperature will drop further at the labeling moment, preventing effective activation and flow, resulting in insufficient initial adhesion.

Rx ：

Before labeling, ensure the surface temperature of the object to be labeled is no lower than 10°C (refer to the label's technical specifications for details).

-Implement appropriate preheating or ambient temperature control measures in the labeling area.

IV. Premature exposure to low-temperature environment after labeling

After labeling is completed, the adhesive requires a certain period (approximately 24 hours) to fully cure and achieve final adhesion. If the product is immediately transferred to a low-temperature warehouse after labeling, the adhesive layer may undergo cold shrinkage before complete bonding, which can easily lead to delamination.

Rx ：

After labeling, it is recommended to store in a mild environment above 10°C for 24 hours until the adhesive has fully developed, before transferring to a long-term low-temperature storage environment.

V. Insufficient labeling pressure fails to achieve effective implementation

In automatic labeling, insufficient pressure on the label roller may result in inadequate adhesion between the label and the surface, leaving air gaps. During summer, the adhesive's good fluidity may partially compensate for this issue; however, in winter, the problem is exacerbated, directly leading to poor adhesion.

Rx ：

-During winter, the stamping pressure of automatic labeling machines should be appropriately increased.

-Regularly inspect and ensure that the compaction roller, roller, and other mechanisms operate normally to achieve uniform compaction.

Summary

The stable application of winter adhesive labels hinges on temperature control, surface treatment, and process compatibility. For applications requiring prolonged or periodic low-temperature exposure, we recommend consulting us during material selection. Fengyuan Packaging can provide customized solutions including low-temperature resistant adhesives and high-adaptability materials, along with expert labeling guidance to ensure reliable winter labeling from the outset.