Shelf Life of Stickers and Labels
Learn how long stickers and labels last, what affects their shelf life, and how to store them properly.
How long do labels and stickers last?
Did you know that stickers and labels have a shelf life? If you’ve ever stored unused stickers or labels for too long, you may have noticed that their adhesive doesn’t stick as well or the print quality doesn’t look as sharp. The good news is that with the right storage practices, you can help extend their shelf life.
This guide will help you understand the difference between shelf life and service life, share tips for storing stickers and labels properly, and help you recognize when it’s time to toss out old supplies.
Shelf life vs. service life
When it comes to stickers and labels, there are two important timelines to know: shelf life and service life.
Shelf life is how long stickers or labels can be stored under proper conditions without losing quality or adhesive performance. Service life is how long a sticker or label remains effective after it’s applied to a surface.
Shelf life ends when you apply the sticker or label, but service life can last much longer. For example, Avery labels are designed for optimal performance within the first three years of manufacturing, although they may last longer with proper storage. Once applied, their service life depends on the label material, adhesive, and environmental conditions.
What affects shelf life?
The longevity of your stickers and labels depends on three main factors:
- Manufacturing quality: High-quality materials and adhesives can help stickers and labels last longer. Avery stickers and labels are made with tested materials and adhesives.
- Storage conditions: Incorrect storage, like exposure to heat, humidity, or sunlight, can shorten the lifespan of your stickers.
- Inventory management: If you order labels in bulk, using a “first-in, first-out” approach helps prevent older labels from sitting unused for years.
How to extend shelf life
There are some simple steps you can follow to help your stickers and labels last as long as possible.
Store at the correct temperature: Keep stickers and labels in a cool, dry space between 60–77°F, avoiding excessive humidity levels. In particularly hot or humid climates, climate-controlled storage can help maintain consistent conditions.
Avoid sunlight exposure: UV rays can fade label ink and reduce shelf life, even with protective coatings. Always store labels indoors, away from direct sunlight.
Protect from liquids and damage: Water and other liquids can weaken adhesives and cause labels to curl. Protective containers can help shield your labels from moisture, spills, and scratches.
Keep packaging intact: Original packaging protects the backing, adhesive, and print quality of your stickers and labels. For sheet labels, keep them flat and uncreased. For roll labels, preserve the core to maintain roll integrity.
When should you throw out labels?
Even with proper care, there are times when it’s best to discard old stickers and labels.
Visible damage: If your labels or stickers have been exposed to heat, humidity, or liquids, their adhesive strength may be weakened, or the printed design may show signs of fading or distortion.
Rebranding: If you’re updating your logo, changing your colors, or refreshing a product line, your older labels may no longer match your branding.
Regulation changes: Industries like health and wellness may require updated labels to meet changing regulations. Keeping a smaller inventory or printing frequently updated labels yourself can help your business adapt without wasting large quantities of labels.
Overstocking: Avoid ordering more labels than you expect to use before their recommended shelf life. Over time, even properly stored stickers and labels may lose quality.
Keep your label inventory fresh
Ordering the right amount of stickers and labels can help prevent waste and keep your inventory fresh. With no minimum order requirements on custom labels, Avery makes it easy to order the quantities you need, whether you prefer custom roll labels or sheet labels. Plus, with flexible ordering options and helpful customer support, you can easily restock when supplies run low.
Remember, with proper care, your stickers and labels can last for years. But if your current supply doesn’t stick, it might be time to refresh your inventory.
