Cold-Chain Solutions
Refrigerated Product Labels
Cold-Applied, Moisture-Resistant Labels Engineered for Continuous Refrigeration
In cold-chain distribution, standard labels fail. Condensation causes delamination, low temperatures prevent adhesive activation, and moisture exposure destroys print quality. ASAS Label engineers refrigerated product labels specifically for the demanding thermal and humidity challenges of chilled and frozen food distribution—from blast freezer to retail refrigeration.

Cold-Temperature Adhesive Technology

Standard label adhesives require 15°C minimum surface temperature for proper wet-out and bond formation. Refrigerated products demand specialized chemistry.
Freezer-Grade Adhesives
Ultra-low temperature performance
Cold-applied capability: Bonds to surfaces as low as -10°C
Ultra-low temperature: Maintains adhesion down to -40°C storage
Flash-freeze performance: Withstands rapid temperature drops without delamination
Blast freezer tested: Proven in -35°C shock freezing environments
Refrigerated-Grade Adhesives
Chilled application performance
Chilled application: 0°C to 5°C surface temperatures
Condensation resistance: Adhesion through moisture cycling
Cold-room performance: Reliable application in refrigerated packaging areas
Temperature fluctuation: Stable through distribution temperature variations
Learn more about Adhesive
Technical Specifications
Performance Metrics:
Peel adhesion: Minimum 12 N/25mm at -18°C (tested per FINAT FTM 1)
Tack development: Immediate bond formation despite cold surfaces
Aging performance: No adhesive degradation through 24-month refrigerated shelf life
Migration resistance: FDA-compliant for direct food contact
Trust Signals:
Tested through 50+ condensation cycles
Peel adhesion >12 N/25mm at -18°C
FDA-compliant materials
MVTR <5 g/m²/24hr moisture barrier

Moisture & Condensation Resistance

Products moving from cold storage to ambient conditions encounter condensation as water vapor condenses on cold surfaces. Labels must survive continuous condensation cycles.
Continuous Condensation Cycles
Cold to ambient transitions - Multiple daily temperature changes in retail display
Surface moisture accumulation - Water droplets forming on label surface
High humidity environments - 85-95% RH in refrigerated cases
Defrost cycles - Automated refrigeration defrosting creating water exposure
Material Engineering
Polypropylene (PP) films: Inherent moisture resistance, dimensional stability
Polyethylene (PE) films: Conformable, moisture-proof, squeezable container compatible
Synthetic papers: Paper appearance with film durability
Clear films: "No label" look for premium presentation

Temperature Range Performance

Specialized solutions for every cold-chain temperature requirement
Frozen Products
-40°C to -18°C
Deep freeze distribution for blast freezers, frozen warehouses, and home freezers.
Cold-crack resistant films remain flexible
Adhesive activation on frozen surfaces
Defrost survival through thaw cycles
Ice crystal resistance
Applications:
Frozen vegetables, ice cream, seafood, frozen meals
Chilled Products
0°C to 5°C
Primary refrigeration temperature for fresh dairy, produce, and prepared foods.
Condensation adhesion maintenance
Cold room application capability
Distribution stability
Retail display performance
Applications:
Dairy, fresh produce, deli meats, fresh juice
Cold-to-Ambient
Transition Products
Products experiencing both refrigerated display and room temperature handling.
Temperature cycling resistance
Condensation formation survival
Adhesive stress management
Flexible substrate accommodation
Applications:
Beverages, cheese, pre-made sandwiches

Applications Across Refrigerated Categories

Dairy Products
Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Butter
Bottle Labels
Wrap-around labels for cylindrical containers, clear-on-clear for premium aesthetic, 250ml to 5L size range
Cup Labels
Heat-seal compatible, conformable films for tapered cups, moisture barrier protection
Block Labels
High tack adhesives for butter grease or cheese wax, freezer-grade options available
Technical Requirements: FDA compliance, pasteurization resistance, date code legibility
Fresh Produce
Packaged Salads, Cut Vegetables, Fresh Herbs
Clamshell Labels
Modified atmosphere packaging with 95%+ RH, respiration condensation resistant, clear visibility for product appearance
Bag Labels
Wet application environment capability, puncture resistance, freezer-grade for IQF products
Special Considerations: Short 5-7 day shelf life, harvest date tracking, farm information transparency
Frozen Foods
Ready Meals, Ice Cream, Seafood
Carton Labels
Full-wrap and panel labels, photography and brand presentation at -18°C
Ice Cream Containers
Blast freezer application at -35°C, retail freezer maintenance at -23°C, home storage at -18°C
Seafood Packaging
Defrost survival, catch information traceability, sustainability certification display
Beverages
Dairy Drinks, Fresh Juice, Smoothies
Bottle Labels
Glass and PET containers, condensation visibility maintenance, cold-to- ambient transitions
Carton Labels
Aseptic and fresh refrigerated formats, moisture barrier requirements, shelf- life indicators
Performance: Ice bucket immersion resistance, refrigeration LED lighting color consistency

Variable Data for Cold-Chain Traceability

Production Date & Expiry Coding
High-speed date coding without production slowdown, with multiple technology options.
Use-by/best-before dates in Julian, Gregorian, or custom formats
Production time stamps for hour-level traceability
Batch/lot numbers with sequential or custom coding schemes
Shift identification for production line tracking
Cold-Chain Monitoring Integration
Temperature abuse detection and smart label integration options.
Time-temperature indicators (TTI) printed or adhered to label
Freeze indicators for unintentional freezing detection
Warmth indicators if product exceeded safe temperature
Smart labels with RFID or NFC for electronic temperature logging

Sustainability in Refrigerated Packaging

Circular economy compatibility with recycling stream integration
Recyclable Film Options
Mono-material PP
• Bottle and label same polymer - recyclable together in PP stream
• Film thickness optimization - minimum material achieving performance
• Recycled content films - post-consumer PP incorporation
Wash-off Labels
• Water-soluble adhesive for bottle reuse and recycling programs
• Easy removal - consumer convenience for container reuse
• PET bottle compatible - glass and PET recycling stream compatible
Reduced Material Footprint
Thin-Gauge Films
• 2 mil films vs. traditional 3 mil - 33% material reduction
• Performance maintenance - adhesive and moisture resistance preserved
• Source reduction - less plastic per label unit
Environmental Benefits:
✓ Reduced plastic consumption
✓ Lower carbon footprint
✓ Recycling stream compatible
✓ Circular economy support

Lead Times & Production Flexibility

Speed-to-Market Requirements
Fresh and refrigerated products require responsive label production.
New designs
12-15 working days from approval
Repeat orders
7-10 working days (plates on file)
Rush production
5-7 days available (premium pricing)
Just-in-Time Delivery
• Scheduled deliveries - weekly or bi-weekly replenishment
• Safety stock management - buffer inventory for demand surges
• Seasonal flexibility - holiday and promotional volume accommodation
Local UAE Advantage
• Same-day delivery within UAE
• Customs-free - no import delays or duties
• Rapid technical support and reorders

Ready to Optimize Your Cold-Chain Labels?

Request our refrigerated product sample pack to test materials in your actual cold-chain conditions—from blast freezer to retail refrigeration.