Cold Weather Labelling Guide

When a cold package is moved into a warmer, humid environment, moisture can condense on its surface. Labels don’t adhere well to water, ice, or frost because the moisture creates a barrier between the adhesive and the substrate.

The substrate becomes harder.
Materials such as plastics can become more rigid in cold weather. Since the surface doesn’t conform as easily to the adhesive, the bond is weaker.

Application temperature matters.
Many labels have a specified minimum application temperature, often around 5–10°C (41–50°F) for general-purpose acrylic adhesives. Applying a label below this temperature can result in poor initial adhesion—even if the product is later stored at room temperature.

Different adhesives are designed for different conditions.
Manufacturers formulate adhesives for specific temperature ranges:

• General-purpose adhesives: Best for room-temperature application.
• Cold-temperature or freezer-grade adhesives: Can be applied at temperatures as low as -20°C to 0°C (-4°F to 32°F) depending on the formulation.
• Deep-freeze and cryogenic adhesives: Designed for extremely cold environments.