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Durable labels

Manufacturing and research processes are tough on labels. CleanMark’s durable labels take whatever you throw at them, remaining legible and adhered. 

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Tests being conducted on CleanMark durable labels

CleanMark’s advanced materials ensure durability

Every part of a label has to be designed with its environment in mind. Our 40 years of experience means we’ve seen every material in action. We know what fails and when, and we know how to choose materials that will stand up to your unique environment.

  • Advanced adhesives withstand high and low temperatures
  • Thermal print technology keeps text sharp
  • Resistant finishes protect inner label layers
  • Durable facestock withstand physical and chemical challenges
  • Tailored label shapes ensure maximum adhesion

Explore our full range of durable solutions

From chemical resistance to cold-storage durability, we have the ideal labeling solution for you.

Chemical resistant labels

Resistant to degradation caused by harsh chemicals

Heat resistant labels

Maintain integrity and legibility at high  temperatures

Freezer labels

Designed for temperatures between 0°C and -40°C

Cryogenic labels

Ideal for liquid nitrogen environments of -196°C

Refrigerator labels

Cold chain labels designed for use between 2°C to 8°C

Dry ice labels

Optimized for ultra-low temp lab freezers between -40 °C and -80 °C

Waterproof labels

Maintain integrity and legibility in high-moisture environments

CleanMark technician processing durable labels for use in clean environments

What if I need a durable label that’s clean or sterile?

Durability is just one of a number of label features that need to be optimized for a label to perform well in your processes. We consider them all.

Let us design the perfect durable label for you

What sets CleanMark apart from other label producers is our expertise and level of service. Our label experts work with you to understand the exact parameters of your operational needs and then design a label that meets every one of them — even if we have to invent something new to make it happen.

 Looking for more information about durable labeling technology and applications?

Explore case studies, articles, guides and more in our extensive library of labeling resources. 

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Have more questions? We have answers!

Read on for answers to our customers’ most common questions.

How durable are CleanMark labels in extreme temperatures?
Can your durable labels resist chemicals and solvents?
Are your durable labels suitable for outdoor use?
How do your durable labels perform on rough or uneven surfaces?
Can your durable labels be customized for specific applications?
What printing methods are compatible with your durable labels?

Gloss

Provides a shiny, gloss finish — not recommended for QR and bar codes

Matte

Matte finish — great for detailed images and text that require high print clarity

Laminated

Versatile technique to provide added protection to printing, change label stiffness, or modify label gloss

EtO

Contains EtO‑sensitive ink that visibly and permanently shifts color once proper ethylene oxide gas exposure conditions have been met

Gamma

An indicator chemical compound irreversibly changes color when exposed to a validated dose of gamma radiation, offering fast visual confirmation of sterilization

Autoclave

Heat‑sensitive ink permanently changes color once the required steam temperature and dwell time have been achieved in an autoclave cycle

QR code

Only select if CleanMark will print the QR code during production

Bar code

Only select if CleanMark will print the bar code during production

Serial number

Only select if CleanMark will print the serial number during production

100% pre-printed

CleanMark prints the entire label, including any variable data like bar codes or serial numbers

Partially pre-printed

CleanMark prints static info but leaves space for handwritten or on-site printing of variable or time-dependent data

Blank

Label is completely blank upon delivery

Direct thermal

Uses heat-sensitive film and a heated print head to create images without ink or ribbons

Thermal transfer

Transfers ink from a ribbon onto the label using heat for long-lasting, durable prints

Ink jet

Sprays tiny droplets of ink directly onto the label surface for full-color, high-resolution prints

Laser

Uses a laser beam and toner to produce crisp, smudge-resistant labels with sharp detail

Handwritten

Labels are manually marked using a pen or marker, offering maximum flexibility but limited consistency

Yes

Not appropriate for machine application

Paper

Affordable, efficient option that accepts ink well. Great for cardboard label application. Not appropriate for cleanrooms.

Polyamide (nylon)

Good option for garments and screen printing

Polyimide

Cleanroom compatible option perfect for electronics and other high heat applications

Polyester

Versatile facestock perfect for high-heat and chemical exposure contexts.

Polycarbonate

Stiffer facestock that can be printed or extruded in a variety of colors. Great for nameplates.

BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene)

Versatile, affordable option with high flexibility and direct thermal options.

Polyethelene

Absorbs color ink well and has high flexibility for adhering to tightly curved surfaces like vials and syringes

Permanent

Remains firmly adhered throughout the intended lifecycle, then can be removed after use residue free

Removable

Designed for easy, residue-free removal after a short to medium lifecycle

Repositionable

Designed to be repositioned during lifecycle — perfect for tracking labels that must move from a component or product to a documentation sheet

Synthetic (clear)

Best for gap sensing printers

Synthetic (colors)

Best for printers that require opaque liners or where clear liner would be a safety issue, such as warehouses, labs, and shipping facilities

Paper

Available in a variety of thicknesses — not suitable for cleanrooms

Paper

Not suitable for cleanrooms

Plastic

Color options available

Glass

Glass

Metal

Metal

Plastic

Plastic

Cardboard

Cardboard

Flat

Includes flat surfaces of all sizes

Curved

Includes vials, beakers, syringes, and any other non-flat surface

Chemical resistant

Remain adhered and legible through exposure to cleaning and other chemicals

Heat resistant

Resist yellowing and discoloration, remaining adhered and legible through heat-intensive processes (100C - 250C)

Freezer

Designed to remain legible and adhered at both freezer (-80C - 0C) and ambient temperatures

Cryogenic

Firm, cold-specific adhesive ensures reliable performance at ultra-low temps (-196C to -86C) and around tight curves, like vials and syringes.

Dry ice

Use flexible materials and adhesive that remain secure and legible when moved in and out of dry ice conditions (-86C to -70C)

Refrigerator

Designed to remain legible and adhered at both refrigerator (0C - 20C) and ambient temperatures with a high degree of moisture resistance

Autoclave durable

Ultra-durable labels that withstands the moisture, temperature (121C or higher), and pressure of the autclave process and can be designed for residue-free removal

Abrasion resistant

Withstand the rigors of shipping and other high-abrasion environments without smearing, degrading, or peeling

UV resistant

Reliable adhesion and legibility through prolonged outdoor exposure

Moisture resistant

Moisture-resistant adhesives and synthetic label materials ensure reliable adhesion and legibility in humid or wet conditions.

Cleanroom labels

CleanMark can produce clean labels up to ISO 5 cleanroom standards. We process labels in our own cleanroom and are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Cleanroom labels are double bagged.

Sterile labels

CleanMark's sterile labels are gamma irradiated after packing. Optional sterility validation testing is available.

Hand applied

Designed for fast, easy hand application

Machine applied

Labels can be customized for your specific label applicator machine

Roll

Labels are wound on a roll

Fanfold

Flat sheets of labels

Labels

3 in.

1.5 in.

1 in.

3/4 in.

Square / rectangle

Circle

Irregular

Width (in.)

Height (in.)

Diameter (in.)

1

2

3

4

5

6