Freezer Labels: Inkjet or Laser compatible?

We often get asked if our freezer labels are suitable for inkjet printers - here's our advice.

We have a number of customers who need labels for products or items that are to be stored in freezers. On our website our freezer labels are described as “laser compatible” so we often get queries from customers who have inkjet printers about whether or not they can use these labels. Those who check our Material Specification Sheet for freezer labels will notice that the labels are described as suitable for laser AND for inkjet – so, which description is right?

Technically these labels CAN be printed using an inkjet OR a laser printer. In fact, people may print their labels using an inkjet, put them in the freezer and be delighted to find that they have no problems with the print.

However, when it comes to taking the product OUT of the freezer it will likely be an entirely different story. Once the item warms up, condensation will form on the packaging and the labels. The inks used in inkjet printers are water based and so, once they come into contact with water, they are likely to run or smudge.

So, while you CAN use an inkjet printer to print freezer labels, it is far safer to use a laser printer. The process of bonding toner to the labels creates a print that is waterproof, which means that the information displayed on the freezer label – which is often of significant importance – remains in place and legible.

This is why we categorise our freezer labels as “laser compatible”, and why we will always advise our customers that they need to use a laser printer with their freezer labels.

You can learn more about our freezer labels and view the sizes available on our website.