Vaccine Vial Labels: The challenges of Extreme Heat and Cryogenic Temperatures

When one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers approached Consolidated Printing Supplies (CPS) with a mission-critical labeling challenge, we delivered a solution engineered for performance under the most extreme conditions.

The Challenge: Labels That Survive Both Heat and Deep Freeze

This pharmaceutical company was developing a cutting-edge vaccine that required two demanding storage and processing steps:

1. Autoclave sterilization — subjecting vials to intense heat, pressure, and moisture.

2. Cryogenic storage — preserving doses at temperatures below -80°C for long-term efficacy.

Traditional labels simply couldn’t endure this dual exposure. Standard adhesives would break down under high heat or lose tack in subzero environments. Inks would smear or fade, rendering barcodes and batch numbers unreadable.

The CPS Solution: A Medical-Grade Polyester Label System

Working hand-in-hand with their R&D and packaging teams, CPS designed a custom-engineered polyester label specifically for vaccine vials. Our solution included:

• Autoclave-resistant adhesive that maintains bond strength after exposure to 121°C steam.

• Cryo-compatible formulation for flawless adhesion at ultra-low temperatures.

• Medical-grade inks that stay sharp, scannable, and legible — even after sterilization and deep freeze.

• Durable polyester facestock engineered for laboratory and pharmaceutical environments.

Validated. Reliable. Scalable.

Before full-scale production, our label underwent rigorous in-house and third-party testing for:

• Sterilization durability

• Cryogenic adhesion

• Barcode readability

• Chemical resistance

CPS not only met — but exceeded — the client’s compliance, quality, and scalability needs. Our solution is now used in millions of vials shipped globally.

Why Pharmaceutical Leaders Trust CPS

At Consolidated Printing Supplies, we understand that pharmaceutical labels are more than just identification—they’re critical to safety, compliance, and traceability. We offer:

• Custom-engineered label materials for autoclave and cryogenic use

• Rapid prototyping and testing

• GMP and ISO-certified production standards

• Full-service support from design to delivery

Whether you need labels for biologics, diagnostics, or vaccine production, CPS delivers high-performance labeling solutions that hold up to the toughest conditions.

Looking for a Pharmaceutical Label That Performs Under Pressure?

Partner with CPS to get labels that work where others fail.