Heat is one of the most destructive forces a label can encounter. Elevated temperatures soften adhesives (causing labels to slide or fall off), warp and distort facestock materials, and accelerate ink fading. If your product is manufactured, stored, or used in hot environments, standard labels may not survive.
How Heat Affects Labels
Adhesive failure: Most standard adhesives soften above 150-180°F. Once the adhesive reaches its softening point, the label can shift, wrinkle, or release entirely. Material warping: Paper and some films can distort, shrink, or curl at high temperatures. Ink degradation: Prolonged heat exposure accelerates ink fading and can cause discoloration.
Materials for High-Heat Environments
For moderate heat (up to about 250°F), BOPP film with a high-temperature adhesive is often sufficient. For more extreme environments — industrial equipment, engine components, electronics, or products that go through autoclave sterilization — polyester or polyimide films with specialized high-temp adhesives are required. These materials can withstand temperatures ranging from 300°F to over 500°F depending on the specific construction.
Common Applications
Candles (the label is near a heat source), automotive parts, electronics, industrial equipment, hot-fill food products, products that undergo heat sterilization, and anything manufactured or stored in non-climate-controlled environments during summer months.
Learn more about our heat-resistant labels or tell us about your project so we can recommend the right material for your temperature range.
