BOPP labels are the go-to option for keeping your packaging intact in summer’s heat and humidity. With excellent resistance to moisture, oils, and temperatures, they help prevent the dreaded label peel that frustrates customers and weakens your brand presentation.
Do: Choose Heat Resistant Labels
The best defense against summer shipping issues is selecting heat resistant labels made to perform in high temperatures. BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) is a synthetic plastic film built for the job.
- Withstands direct sun and warm transit trucks
- Resists smudging from sweat or condensation
- Doesn’t stretch or tear like paper labels
- Compatible with most product types (glass, plastic, metal, etc.)
If your products face seasonal swings or long-haul shipping, custom heat resistant labels made with BOPP and high-performance adhesive are a must.
Don’t: Use Paper Labels for Summer Shipping
Paper might be affordable, but it can’t compete with plastic under pressure. Common summer issues with paper-based materials include:
- Edge curling and peeling
- Smudged ink from sweat or mist
- Rips during unpacking or display
Even a matte varnish won’t stop heat-induced breakdown. If your label is the first thing a customer sees, make sure it’s built to survive the journey.
Do: Match Your Adhesive to the Conditions
Strong labels start with smart adhesive choices. Look for options tested in hot, humid conditions. For example:
- Acrylic adhesives maintain strength in high temps
- Permanent adhesives ensure long-term grip on product surfaces
- Avoid removable or repositionable adhesives in hot months
If you need guidance on choosing the right label adhesive, think about where your products are going, not just how they look on the shelf. High heat, long transit times, and moisture exposure all affect performance, so pick an adhesive built for those specific conditions.
Don’t: Overlook Moisture Resistance
Summer isn’t just hot, it’s sweaty. Condensation from cold items or humid regions can turn a label soggy fast. That’s where weatherproof custom labels come in.
Look for combinations of:
- BOPP film face stocks for moisture resistance
- Laminates or varnishes for extra protection
- UV coatings for sunlight exposure
Moisture resistance matters for everything from chilled cosmetics to shipped cold brew.
Do: Test Labels in Real Conditions
Before you order a full run, always test a few samples under:
- High-heat scenarios (e.g., car trunk or mailbox)
- Direct sunlight
- Humid storage environments
The goal? Confirm you're using labels that don’t peel in heat or fall apart before delivery.
Why Labels Peel in Summer
Heat, humidity, and rough handling can team up to ruin even the best-looking labels. Here’s what causes summer label failure:
- Heat-softened adhesives lose grip on bottles, jars, and mailers.
- Moisture or condensation weakens paper-based materials.
- Unsealed edges catch during shipping and begin to lift.
- Low-quality materials can wrinkle, smear, or fall off entirely.
If you’ve ever pulled a box out of a hot delivery truck only to find the label peeling back like a banana, you know the issue isn’t just aesthetic, it’s a durability problem.
Stay Cool and Stick With What Works
Summer shipping calls for materials that can handle heat, humidity, and movement without losing their grip. If your labels need to stay put in tough conditions, BOPP labels with a reliable adhesive are a solid option worth considering.
A few extra tips for summer-proof labeling:
- Always apply labels to clean, dry surfaces
- Store labeled products away from direct sunlight
- Let the adhesive set for 24 hours before shipping
- Choose laminates or varnishes for added durability
- Test samples in both hot and humid conditions before full runs