In this article, we’ll address common questions we receive regarding sunlight exposure, UV resistance, and temperature resistance in the horticulture industry. Let’s dive in and discover the key role of UV resistant Thermal Transfer Ribbons in ensuring your labels stand the test of time!
Finding the right UV resistant labels and ribbons for horticulture
Labels used in gardening and horticulture often face direct sunlight, which makes them prone to fading and deterioration. That’s where UV resistant labels and Thermal Transfer Ribbons come in.
Firstly, UV resistant labels are crucial in maximising label durability in gardening and horticulture. These labels have a specific design to withstand prolonged sun exposure without fading or deteriorating. When sunlight exposes the labels, UV radiation can cause fading and render important information unreadable.
One common type of UV resistant label is the UV coated label. These labels undergo printing on a durable substrate and subsequently receive a coating of UV-resistant varnish or laminate. The coating acts as a protective barrier, shielding the label from the damaging effects of UV rays.
Additionally, UV resistant labels can also be made from materials like vinyl or polyester, which inherently possess UV resistance properties. Manufacturers design such labels for applications such as plant labelling, vehicle decals, warning labels, and asset tracking labels. By choosing such labels, you can keep your plant identification visible throughout the growing season.
Pairing these labels with UV resistant Thermal Transfer Ribbons are another important component in horticulture label longevity. We specifically formulate these ribbons with UV resistant materials to ensure they can withstand prolonged sun exposure without compromising the print quality. UV resistant ribbons to print labels, the ink formulation protects the print from the harmful effects of UV rays. This ensures that your prints remain readable over time.
When selecting UV resistant ribbons, it’s important to choose high-quality options that have been tested for longevity and have a high resistance to fading. These ribbons, often made from durable materials like wax-resin or resin, can withstand the heat and humidity commonly found in greenhouse environments and garden centres.
Let’s take a look at a horticulture labelling example of one of our client’s customer:
Julia owns a thriving garden centre that specialises in a wide variety of plants and flowers. With a large outdoor area where customers can browse and purchase plants, Julia ran into an issue of her plant labels fading over time from sunlight exposure. Our client reached out to us, seeking recommendations on the right combination of label materials and ribbons for Julia’s business.
After understanding Julia’s specific needs and requirements, we have carried out testing on several label types including the ones she was currently using. As a result, we have found that the label material she uses, a weather-resistant HDPE label, is a great combination with a number of our UV resistant ribbon formulations. So finally, we advised Julia to pair these labels with UV resistant Thermal Transfer Ribbons made from high-quality resins, such as V300 for ultimate durability, or DNP’s versatile wax-resin flat-head ribbon, M255.
By using these combinations, Julia’s garden center has experienced significant improvements. The UV resistant Thermal Transfer Ribbons have protected the ink on the labels from the damaging effects of UV rays, ensuring that the print quality remains intact. The durability of these labels has also saved Julia time and resources, as she no longer needs to frequently replace faded or illegible labels.
Top 5x Frequently Asked Questions within the horticulture industry
As a Thermal Transfer Ribbon manufacturer, we often receive questions regarding the potential fading of thermal labels over time. As manufacturers of Thermal Transfer Ribbons, we often receive the following top 5 questions regarding horticultural label printing:
What factors contribute to the fading of horticulture labels, and how you minimise or prevent it?
There are several key factors that can result in faded thermal transfer prints. When it comes to labels printed for horticulture, we have collected the most important ones:
- Exposure to UV radiation: Thermal transfer labels are susceptible to fading when exposed to direct sunlight or UV radiation. UV rays can degrade the thermal coating and cause the printed information to fade over time. To minimise fading, it is important to protect thermal labels from prolonged exposure to sunlight. You can achieve this by using UV-resistant coatings or laminates on the labels, by choosing UV resistant thermal transfer ribbons or by keeping them in shaded areas whenever possible.
- Heat and humidity: Extreme heat and high humidity levels can also contribute to the fading of thermal labels. Excessive heat can accelerate the degradation of the thermal coating and cause the printed information to fade more quickly. Similarly, high humidity levels can affect the adhesive properties of the labels, leading to peeling or loss of adhesion. To prevent fading, you should store thermal labels in a cool and dry environment, away from direct heat sources or excessive moisture.
- Chemical exposure: Various chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, or cleaning agents may come in contact with your thermal transfer labels. Some chemicals can react with the thermal coating of labels, leading to fading or discolouration of the printed information. To prevent this, it is crucial to choose thermal labels specifically designed to resist chemical exposure in horticultural environments. Additionally, taking proper precautions and avoiding direct contact between the labels and harsh chemicals can help prolong their lifespan and maintain readability.
- Handling and abrasion: Excessive handling or rubbing of horticulture labels can cause the printed information to fade or wear off over time. Therefore, handle your labels with care and avoid unnecessary friction or abrasion. Using protective sleeves or covers, if applicable, can help minimise physical damage and preserve the integrity of the printed information.
How long can prints withstand sunlight for maximum UV resistant labelling?
The durability of horticulture labels prints can vary depending on the ribbon and label materials used. To minimise fading, it is crucial to use UV resistant Thermal Transfer Ribbons designed specifically for outdoor use. We formulate these ribbons with UV resistant materials to ensure they can withstand prolonged sun exposure without compromising the print quality of your labels. The end-result, definitely depends on finding the right combination of label and ribbon, just like in Julia’s case. The right combination of label and ribbon can result in prints that can withstand UV exposure even for several years.
Please note, that you should still store your UV resistant ribbons in a consistent, stable environment. We recommend to store DNP ribbons between 5 – 35°C, 20-80% relative humidity, and keep away from heat and direct sunlight.
Are there Thermal Transfer Ribbons available that can withstand high temperatures in greenhouses and other horticulture environments?
Absolutely! Look for temperature-resistant Thermal Transfer Ribbons made from durable materials like wax-resin or resin. These ribbons are specifically engineered to withstand the heat and humidity commonly found in greenhouses, ensuring your labels maintain their clarity and legibility.
When it comes to horticulture labels used outdoors, there are specific label types that withstand the unique challenges of this environment. These labels need to endure exposure to sunlight, moisture, and other outdoor elements. Don’t forget to combine these with the right UV resistant ribbons.
Which labels can withstand various weather conditions like UV light exposure, rain, snow, or extreme temperatures?
It’s always best to consult your label manufacturer. However, if we had to mention one popular choice for horticulture labels, it would be weather-resistant polypropylene labels. Polypropylene is a synthetic material known for its excellent resistance to water, oils, and chemicals. These labels are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including rain, irrigation, and humidity, without smudging or fading. Polypropylene labels are also tear-resistant, ensuring they can withstand rough handling or wind damage.
How can you track or trace the origin and journey of a plant?
The short answer is, it depends on regional industry requirements. As an example, in the European Union (EU), a Plant Passport is a specific requirement for certain plants and plant products to ensure traceability and prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Plant Passports are required for movements of plants within the EU and are used to provide information about the origin and health status of the plants.
So how can horticulture labels comply with the requirements of Plant Passports in the EU?
To comply with the EU’s Plant Passport requirements, horticulture labels must include specific information. For instance, the botanical name, quantity, origin, and a unique identification code. The labels should be durable and legible throughout the plant’s journey, including outdoor conditions and transportation.
Horticulture labels that meet the EU’s Plant Passport requirements are typically made from weather-resistant materials, such as synthetic plastics or durable papers. They should be able to withstand outdoor conditions, including exposure to water, UV radiation, and other environmental factors, without fading or becoming illegible.
Summing up: Creating durable UV resistant horticulture labels
Maximising label durability in gardening and horticulture is crucial for protecting important information. Specially designed UV resistant labels and Thermal Transfer Ribbons protect against fading and deterioration caused by sunlight exposure, high temperatures, and other environmental factors.
Common questions in the horticulture industry revolve around label fading and durability. To prevent fading, protect labels from sunlight as much as possible. Additionally, store them properly, choose labels resistant to chemicals and moisture, and handle them with care.
Don’t forget, that labels fit for outdoor horticulture use should be weather-resistant and able to withstand various conditions. Are you in need of personalised advice on which Thermal Transfer Ribbons would fit your horticulture needs the most? Do not hesitate to contact us! Our TTR experts can assist you with finding the right combination of your labels, ribbons and printer requirements.
