Cryogenic storage plays a critical role in preserving sensitive biological materials, pharmaceuticals, and medical specimens. Whether you're managing a biobank or working in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, one thing is non-negotiable: your labels need to perform under extreme cold.
Cryogenic labeling isn’t just about sticking a label on a vial — it’s about ensuring traceability, compliance, and reliability in sub-zero environments.
What are Cryogenic Labels?
Cryogenic labels are specially engineered to adhere to containers that are stored in ultra-low temperatures, including -80°C freezers and even liquid nitrogen environments at -196°C. These labels must maintain adhesion, legibility, and scannability through freezing, thawing, and moisture exposure.
You’ll typically see cryo labels used on:
- Cryo vials and tubes
- Storage boxes and racks
- Sample bags
- Ampoules and straws
- Biologic transport containers
Cryogenic labeling is crucial for maintaining traceability, ensuring proper handling, and meeting regulatory compliance for sensitive materials. In life sciences and regulated industries, a lost or unreadable label can mean loss of sample integrity — or worse, noncompliance with GMP or FDA guidelines.
Materials Used for Cryogenic Labels
When choosing materials for cryogenic packaging, it’s essential to consider both the label material and adhesive. Common materials used for cryogenic labels include:
Polyester (PET): Known for its durability and resistance to low temperatures, making it the top choice for cryogenic labels.
Polypropylene (PP): Offers flexibility and moisture resistance, ideal for less severe cryogenic environments.
Vinyl: Less common but used for applications where chemical resistance is required.
Specialized Adhesives: Formulated for low-temperature adhesion, ensuring labels stay intact under freezing conditions.
At GMP Labeling, we use high-performance materials with specially designed adhesives to ensure your labels perform even in extreme cold, maintaining product integrity and traceability.
Best Practices for Cryogenic Packaging Labeling
To maximize the performance of your cryogenic labels and ensure compliance, follow these best practices:
Choose the Right Labeling Material
Selecting the right cryogenic label means considering both material and adhesive based on your storage conditions and container type. Polyester (PET) is the most durable option for ultra-low temperatures like -80°C or liquid nitrogen (-196°C), while polypropylene (PP) offers flexibility and moisture resistance for less extreme conditions. Vinyl may be used when chemical resistance is needed, though it’s better suited for moderate cold environments.
Surface type also plays a role—smooth vials, flexible bags, and textured boxes each require different adhesive strengths. Label size should fit securely without obstructing barcodes or vial caps, and if your process involves solvents or alcohol wipes, chemical resistance is a must. For GMP-regulated workflows, you may also need preprinted lot numbers, expiration dates, or serialized barcodes.
If you're unsure what combination is right for your application, GMP Labeling specialists can recommend the best materials and adhesives for cryogenic durability and compliance.
Proper Label Placement
Proper label placement is essential to ensure cryogenic labels remain secure, legible, and scannable throughout freezing, storage, and handling. Always apply labels to clean, dry surfaces — moisture, frost, or dust can interfere with adhesive bonding and lead to peeling or lift-off. On curved containers like vials or tubes, apply labels horizontally to maximize surface contact and reduce the chance of edge lift. Use firm, even pressure during application, and consider tools like rollers or applicators for small-diameter containers to improve consistency and prevent misalignment. Avoid placing labels over seams, ridges, or textured areas, which can compromise adhesion. Finally, ensure labels are positioned for visibility, especially if they’ll be stored in racks or accessed by automated systems. Correct placement not only ensures label durability but also supports accurate identification, scanning, and compliance throughout the cold chain.
Labeling Temperature Considerations
Cryogenic labels must be engineered to withstand extreme temperature conditions, including ultra-low environments down to -196°C, as found in liquid nitrogen storage. Labels not rated for these temperatures can crack, peel, or become unreadable, compromising sample traceability. Materials like polyester (PET) are ideal, offering excellent durability and resistance to fading or brittleness in these harsh conditions. If labeling on pre-frozen containers, be sure to use frozen-surface-compatible labels with aggressive adhesives designed to bond instantly to cold or frosted surfaces. For best results, store labels at room temperature before use, apply firm, even pressure, and label in low-humidity environments to reduce frost or condensation. Whether labeling before or after freezing, ensure your labels are tested for the specific temperature range of your application to maintain performance and compliance.
Moisture Resistance
Condensation is a common challenge in cryogenic packaging, especially during freeze-thaw cycles or when samples are removed from ultra-cold storage. Without proper moisture resistance, labels can smear, peel, or degrade—putting identification and compliance at risk. Cryogenic labels must be made from moisture-resistant synthetic materials and paired with durable adhesives that maintain adhesion even in high-humidity or condensation-prone environments. At GMP Labeling, our labels are designed to endure repeated exposure to moisture without losing readability or adhesion. When paired with thermal transfer resin printing, our cryo labels remain clear, scannable, and intact throughout the entire cold chain.
GMP Labeling’s Cryogenic Labeling Solutions
At GMP Labeling, we understand the importance of cryogenic packaging and labeling. Our cryogenic labeling solutions are specifically designed to withstand the challenges of extreme temperatures, moisture, and handling. Whether you need stock labels or customized solutions, GMP Labeling provides high-quality, durable cryogenic labels that ensure product traceability, regulatory compliance, and safe handling.
We offer cryogenic labels that perform in temperatures as low as -196°C, ensuring that your cryogenic packaging remains properly labeled even in the harshest conditions. Explore our range of stock and customizable cryogenic labels today, and get the reliability you need for your cryogenic packaging needs.
Featured Cryogenic Labels
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APPROVED Quality Control Cryogenic Label $130 |
SAMPLED Materials Cryogenic Label $138 |
BIOHAZARD Caution Cryogenic Label $130 |
QC SAMPLED Materials Cryogenic Label $130 |
Common Challenges in Cryogenic Packaging Labeling
Labeling in cryogenic environments presents unique challenges that can compromise adhesion and readability if not properly addressed. Adhesive failures are common when labels not designed for ultra-low temperatures are used, often resulting in peeling or lift-off. Exposure to moisture and extreme cold can cause printed information to fade or smear, while condensation during temperature transitions can lead to wrinkling or weakened adhesion.
At GMP Labeling, we address these issues with specialized adhesives and moisture-resistant materials engineered for cryogenic conditions, ensuring your labels remain secure, legible, and compliant throughout the cold chain.
Quality Control and Assurance in Cryogenic Labeling
Quality control in cryogenic environments goes beyond simple identification—it’s essential for ensuring compliance and maintaining product safety. GMP Labeling’s stock cryogenic labels are designed with this in mind, providing reliable solutions for quality control in cryogenic storage and transportation.
Our cryogenic stock labels are specifically formulated to meet the rigorous demands of extreme cold, moisture, and handling. They are ideal for use in quality control processes, where they not only identify the contents but also ensure adherence to industry regulations such as FDA, ISO, and other applicable standards.
Each label is carefully crafted to support your cryogenic storage needs while complying with the highest levels of quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. GMP Labeling’s stock cryogenic labels help ensure that your products are properly labeled, tracked, and handled, maintaining traceability and compliance throughout the entire process.
Why Choose GMP Labeling for Your Cryogenic Labeling Needs?
At GMP Labeling, we provide a full range of cryogenic labels built to perform in ultra-low temperature environments, including down to -196°C. Whether you need stock labels or custom configurations, our solutions are designed to maintain adhesion, readability, and durability through freezing, thawing, and exposure to moisture — supporting product traceability, regulatory compliance, and sample integrity at every stage.
Cryogenic labeling is a critical part of protecting your products and processes. By selecting the right materials and working with a trusted labeling partner, you can ensure your packaging remains secure and compliant throughout its lifecycle.
Need help selecting the right cryogenic label for your application? Reach out to a GMP Labeling specialist today.
Labeling of Cryogenic Packaging FAQs
What temperature range can cryogenic labels withstand?
Cryogenic labels from GMP Labeling are designed to withstand temperatures as low as -196°C, making them suitable for a wide range of cryogenic applications.
Are your cryogenic labels customizable?
Yes, GMP Labeling offers both stock and customizable cryogenic labels to meet your specific needs. Customizations include label size, design, and text.
Can cryogenic labels be used in both liquid nitrogen and freezer environments?
Absolutely! Our cryogenic labels are tested to perform in both liquid nitrogen environments and traditional freezer storage, ensuring durability and legibility in all conditions.
How do I apply cryogenic labels correctly?
For optimal adhesion, apply cryogenic labels to clean, dry surfaces. Ensure that the label is firmly pressed to avoid peeling due to condensation or temperature fluctuations.
What industries use cryogenic labels?
Cryogenic labels are commonly used in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and food industries, where products need to be stored or transported at ultra-low temperatures.
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