Thermal shipping labels are an essential part of running a smooth and efficient business, especially in the world of e-commerce. However, to get the most out of your 4×6 thermal shipping labels, it’s important to store them correctly. Improper storage can lead to faded prints, damaged adhesive, and an overall decrease in label quality, which can create costly delays or errors in your shipping process.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for storing your 4×6 thermal shipping labels properly to ensure they stay in top condition, ready for use when you need them.
1. Keep Labels in Their Original Packaging
The best way to store 4×6 thermal shipping labels is to keep them in their original packaging. The manufacturer designs this packaging to protect the labels from environmental factors that can damage them. The packaging is often made to be moisture-resistant and will help to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from coming into contact with the labels.
Why Original Packaging is Important:
- Protection from Light: Exposure to light can cause the thermal material to degrade or fade. Keeping the labels in their packaging ensures they remain shielded from any environmental light.
- Dust and Dirt Prevention: The packaging helps prevent dirt and other contaminants from getting onto the adhesive or thermal layer, which could make the labels difficult to use.
2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Thermal labels are sensitive to heat and humidity, which can significantly affect their performance. To maintain their quality, it’s essential to store them in a cool and dry environment. High temperatures or excessive moisture can cause the thermal material to degrade, leading to fading prints or weakened adhesives.
Ideal Storage Conditions:
- Temperature: Store thermal labels in a room with a temperature range of 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 29°C). Avoid storing them in places that experience extreme heat or cold, such as near windows or in direct sunlight.
- Humidity: Keep labels in an area with low humidity, ideally between 35% to 65%. Excess moisture can cause the adhesive to lose its effectiveness and the print to fade.
- Away from Heat Sources: Don’t store labels near heaters, air conditioners, or other sources of heat, as they can cause the thermal print to break down or the labels to become curled and unusable.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight
UV rays from the sun can be damaging to thermal labels, as they can cause the print to fade over time. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also affect the adhesive, making it less effective.
Best Practices:
- Store Away from Windows: Avoid placing label rolls near windows or in areas that receive direct sunlight.
- Use Storage Containers: For added protection, consider placing your thermal labels in opaque containers that block sunlight, ensuring they remain shielded from UV rays.
4. Keep Labels in a Horizontal Position
Thermal label rolls should always be stored horizontally to prevent them from becoming misshapen or damaged. Storing labels on their side ensures that the material stays evenly distributed, avoiding warping or uneven pressure on the rolls.
Why Horizontal Storage Is Best:
- Prevent Warping: Storing rolls vertically can cause them to become bent or misshapen, making it difficult to load them into your printer.
- Even Pressure Distribution: Keeping the rolls flat allows for consistent pressure during printing, which ensures smoother label feeding and better print quality.
5. Protect from Extreme Temperatures
Extreme cold or heat can damage the adhesive and print on thermal labels. For instance, storing labels in a cold environment may cause the adhesive to become brittle, making them harder to peel off when you’re ready to use them. On the other hand, excessive heat can cause the print to fade or cause the adhesive to weaken.
Tips for Avoiding Temperature Extremes:
- Climate-Controlled Storage: If possible, store labels in a climate-controlled space that maintains consistent temperatures and humidity levels.
- Avoid Hot and Cold Storage Areas: Do not store thermal labels in garages, attics, or other areas that can experience temperature extremes.
6. Avoid Storing Labels Near Chemicals or Solvents
Certain chemicals and solvents can interact with the adhesive or the thermal layer on the labels, causing them to deteriorate or become ineffective. It’s important to store your 4×6 thermal shipping labels away from harsh chemicals or cleaning products.
Safe Storage Environment:
- Separate from Cleaning Supplies: Keep labels away from areas where chemicals like solvents, alcohol, or harsh cleaners are stored.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: If your storage area is near areas where chemicals are used, make sure it’s well-ventilated to prevent fumes from reaching the labels.
7. Keep Labels Off the Floor
Storing your 4×6 thermal shipping labels directly on the floor is a poor practice for several reasons. It can expose them to dirt, dust, moisture, and pests, which can all lead to contamination or damage to the labels.
Recommended Storage Practices:
- Use Shelving Units: Store the labels on shelves or in cabinets to keep them elevated off the floor.
- Keep Labels Organized: Label rolls should be stacked neatly and not overloaded in storage areas to avoid crushing or damaging them.
8. Maintain Inventory and Use FIFO (First In, First Out)
When storing thermal labels in bulk, it’s essential to maintain an organized inventory system. One of the best ways to manage your labels is by following the FIFO (First In, First Out) method, which ensures that you use the oldest rolls first to avoid labels becoming outdated or unusable.
Benefits of FIFO:
- Prevent Label Expiration: Thermal labels have a shelf life, and using the oldest rolls first ensures that your labels are used within their optimal time frame.
- Maintain Quality Control: By rotating your stock, you prevent any label rolls from sitting too long and becoming damaged.
9. Use Label Holders or Racks
For businesses that go through large quantities of thermal labels, investing in proper storage solutions such as label holders or racks can help keep things organized and easily accessible. These holders can prevent the rolls from getting tangled or damaged, which can save time and effort when loading them into your thermal printer.
Recommended Storage Solutions:
- Label Dispensers: Label dispensers can help organize multiple rolls and keep them from becoming damaged.
- Storage Racks: Using a designated storage rack can help you organize your label rolls by size and type, making it easy to grab the correct roll when you need it.
10. Regularly Inspect Label Rolls
Even with proper storage, it’s essential to regularly inspect your thermal label rolls for signs of damage or deterioration. Check for any signs of fading, curling, or adhesive degradation to ensure that the labels are still in good condition for printing.
What to Look For:
- Faded Print: Thermal labels that have been stored improperly may start to fade or lose their quality.
- Curling: Labels that have been exposed to heat or moisture may start to curl or warp, making them difficult to use.
- Loose Adhesive: If the adhesive appears weak or if labels are peeling off the backing, it’s a sign they may have been exposed to improper conditions.
Conclusion
Proper storage of 4×6 thermal shipping labels is essential to maintaining their quality and ensuring your shipping process runs smoothly. By following these best practices, including keeping labels in their original packaging, storing them in a cool, dry place, and avoiding extreme temperatures and sunlight, you can extend the life of your labels and avoid costly mistakes. Proper storage will ensure that your thermal labels are ready to go when you need them, helping your business operate more efficiently and professionally.vist:Direct Thermal Labels Suppliers – BETCKEY Label
