How long can thermal labels be preserved?

Thermal labels are widely used in life because they do not require ink and are easy to print. However, their shelf life is greatly affected by the material, environment and usage scenario. Understanding the key factors can effectively extend their service life.

The material is the core of determining the shelf life. The coating stability of ordinary thermal paper is weak. It can be preserved for 6 to 12 months in a dry environment at room temperature. The text and pattern on it will gradually fade over time. Enhanced thermal paper can extend the shelf life to 2 to 3 years by improving the coating formula. It is suitable for scenarios that require medium- and long-term archiving, such as logistics waybills and product traceability labels.

Environmental factors directly accelerate aging. High temperature will destroy the structure of the thermal coating. In an environment above 30 degrees Celsius, the shelf life may be shortened by half. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid placing items with thermal labels in direct sunlight or near heaters. High humidity environments can easily cause paper to become damp and the edges of labels to appear blurred. The ideal storage humidity should be controlled between 40% and 60%.

The usage scenario affects the actual retention effect. Contact with grease, solvents or frequent friction will quickly wear out the surface of the label. For example, the thermal label on food packaging may become blurred in 3 to 6 months due to the penetration of grease. However, the shelf life of labels used in dry and clean environments such as electronic accessories and office supplies can be close to the theoretical upper limit of the material.

Prolonged storage requires protective measures. For important thermal labels, a transparent protective film can be covered to isolate air and moisture; when storing in batches, the label paper should be sealed in a moisture-proof bag and placed in a cool and dry place. In addition, avoid folding the printed area of the label to reduce the damage to the coating and delay the fading of the handwriting.

On the whole, the shelf life of thermal label paper ranges from several months to several years. Choosing the appropriate material according to the use requirements and doing a good job of environmental control can maximize its convenience and practicality.