RRD has introduced an enhanced Label Performance Center within its St. Charles, IL, USA, production facility. The new space serves as a dedicated area for label and packaging material research, development and testing.

Leveraging decades of material analysis and research expertise, RRD’s dedicated Label Performance Center is a one-stop hub for mechanical, chemical and environmental testing. Additionally, it can validate material and design changes, providing root-cause analysis, qualification, and validation of products. The lab can also duplicate customer results and test processes to uncover performance deficiencies.

The lab provides clients with extensive, industry-standard label testing capabilities that support data-driven decision making, as well. It contains specialized test equipment and instruments designed for assessing a variety of packaging and labeling materials. These could include adhesives, facestocks, and laminates, among others.

Types of tests

• Mechanical testing to evaluate a label’s resistance to abrasion, tearing and other physical stresses.
• Peel and adhesion testing to assess and ensure labels can withstand the rigors of application, packaging processes and handling during transit.
• UV and temperature chambers to simulate the damaging effects of full-spectrum sunlight, temperature, and moisture on materials over time. The chambers can mimic the hot, dry weather and bright sun of Arizona up to 150°F. RRD’s cold weather chambers can test labels down to -40°F, equivalent to the harsh winter conditions of Alaska.
• Chemical resistance testing to assess a label’s ability to withstand exposure to various chemicals, solvents, and cleaning agents.
• Barcode read validation to verify the scannability and readability of barcodes in various conditions.

“Our labels are affixed to vehicle batteries, on e-commerce boxes delivered to your home, in restaurants, and at retail locations across the globe. RRD’s Label Performance Center allows us to be at the forefront of innovation with advanced testing to ensure reliability and durability in any environment or application,” says Robert Challman, director of Research and Development for Packaging and Labels at RRD. “This lab is a vital resource for powering brand success and gives our clients the data-driven confidence they need to ensure their labels perform flawlessly.”

Evaluating label materials

Companies are consistently evaluating packaging and labeling materials. The goal is to reduce costs, bolster supply chains, meet sustainability objectives and align with shifting regulations. According to RRD’s 2024 Packaging & Label Insight Report, 80% of label decision makers indicated they would likely make label design changes to composition, functionality and aesthetics over the next two years. This wave of innovation makes thorough testing — to enhance functionality and adapt to evolving consumer expectations — essential.

In addition, RRD has worked with clients in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical and logistics. RRD’s lab has proven instrumental in preventing supply chain disruptions, enhancing operational efficiency, and clarifying material change impact.

RRD plans to expand its label, adhesive, coatings and other global testing capabilities over the next year, too.