Soluble Labels
Soluble labels are the solution. Removing stubborn label residue from reusable containers wastes time, damages surfaces, and frustrates staff in commercial kitchens, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities. Soluble labels eliminate this problem entirely by dissolving completely in water within seconds, leaving no sticky residue behind. Both the paper and adhesive disappear, making relabelling quick and hygienic.
These innovative labels use specially engineered materials that break down on contact with water. Unlike conventional labels that require scraping, solvents, or abrasive cleaning, dissolvable labels simply wash away during normal cleaning cycles. Cold water triggers dissolution within 30 seconds, while warm water or cleaning agents accelerate the process further.
How Do Water Dissolvable Labels Work?
Positive ID Labels supplies professional-grade soluble labels from our specialty label range, suitable for demanding commercial applications. Our materials meet food safety standards including HACCP and Natasha’s Law requirements, making them ideal for catering, food processing, and healthcare environments where hygiene is paramount.
We’ve had a great experience working with this supplier, especially with Natalie - she is always very responsive, professional, and friendly. The pricing is highly competitive and the sales service has been excellent from start to finish. If I could offer one suggestion, it would be to improve the account and invoice management process. It would be really helpful if there were a system for clients to easily track their past orders and invoices in one place. Overall, very pleased with the service and look forward to continuing our collaboration.
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. The team are brilliant and the product was excellent quality and exactly what I wanted. Natalie is amazing as are her colleagues. Will definitely be a returning customer. Thank you
Ive used Positive ID Labelling Ltd for all our egg box labels for many years now. Natalie is always above and beyond helpful and the service is exceptionally fast and efficient.
I inadvertently ordered the incorrect label guns which was quickly sorted by Natalie. She was excellent, customer service at its best! Thank you once again
Industries That Benefit from Dissolvable Labels
Commercial Catering and Food Service
Restaurants, hotels, and contract caterers use these labels extensively for date marking food storage containers. For permanent food and beverage labels, we offer a full range of printed options. Kitchen staff can label containers with preparation dates, use-by information, and allergen warnings, then simply wash the label away when the container is emptied and cleaned. This eliminates label build-up and ensures containers remain hygienic.
Laboratory and Scientific Applications
Research laboratories rely on water dissolvable labels for temporary identification of glassware and sample containers. When experiments conclude, equipment goes through standard washing procedures and labels dissolve automatically. This prevents cross-contamination and eliminates tedious label removal.
Healthcare and Clinical Settings
Hospitals and care homes use dissolvable labels for patient meal trays, medication timing, and equipment rotation. The ability to remove labels completely through standard dishwashing supports infection control protocols and maintains professional presentation.
Food Manufacturing and Processing
Production facilities labelling reusable crates, trays, and containers benefit from wash-off labels that disappear during cleaning cycles. This supports batch tracking during production while avoiding label accumulation that could harbour bacteria.
Soluble Labels Materials and Specifications
Our dissolvable labels use white paper stock that accepts both handwritten and printed information clearly. The materials remain stable during normal handling and storage, only dissolving when deliberately exposed to water. This means labels stay firmly in place during refrigerated or frozen storage until washing occurs.
For dedicated sub-zero applications, our freezer labels perform down to -40°C. Standard temperature tolerance ranges from -20 °C to +70 °C, covering most commercial applications from freezer storage through to warm holding cabinets. For specific requirements outside these parameters, our technical team can advise on specialist options.
Printing Options for Dissolvable Labels
We can supply water soluble labels as blank rolls for on-site printing using thermal transfer printers, or pre-printed with your company branding, date fields, and compliance information. Pre-printed labels save time in busy commercial environments and ensure consistent presentation.
Our Jetrion digital press with laser die cutting allows cost-effective production of custom shapes and sizes without tooling charges. This flexibility makes short runs and multiple variants economically viable.
Sizes and Formats Available
We manufacture these labels in virtually any size to suit your application. Popular formats include small date coding labels from 25mm square through to larger identification labels up to 100mm x 150mm for container marking. Roll formats suit automatic dispensers and high-volume applications, while sheet formats work well for occasional use.
Core sizes of 25mm, 38mm, and 76mm accommodate different dispenser types. Our team can advise on the most practical format for your specific usage patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soluble Labels
How quickly do the labels actually dissolve?
In cold water, complete dissolution typically occurs within 30 seconds. Warm water and cleaning detergents reduce this further. Both the label face and adhesive dissolve completely, leaving no residue whatsoever.
Can I write on dissolvable labels with a pen?
Yes, the paper surface accepts ballpoint pen, permanent marker, and most other writing instruments clearly. For best results in humid environments, we recommend ballpoint pens as felt tips may smudge if exposed to moisture before washing.
Are your labels food safe?
Absolutely. Our materials comply with food contact regulations and HACCP requirements. They are BPA-free and suitable for direct contact with food containers and preparation surfaces.
Will labels stay stuck in a fridge or freezer?
Yes. Our adhesives maintain strong adhesion in refrigerated and frozen conditions down to -20 °C. Labels only dissolve when exposed to water, not simply cold or damp air.
What is the shelf life of unused labels?
Stored correctly in original packaging away from moisture and direct sunlight, these labels remain usable for at least 12 months. Once in use, keep rolls in a dry location to prevent premature deterioration.
Can you produce custom printed soluble labels with our branding?
Certainly. We can pre-print your company logo, standardised text fields, and compliance information. This creates a professional appearance while ensuring all required information appears consistently on every label.
Ordering from Positive ID Labels
We supply dissolvable labels to businesses throughout the UK, from single-site restaurants to national food manufacturing operations. Our central England location ensures efficient delivery nationwide, with most orders dispatched within 3-5 working days.
Minimum order quantities start from just a few hundred labels for smaller operations, while volume pricing makes larger orders highly cost-effective. We provide free samples so you can test compatibility with your containers and washing systems before committing to quantity orders.
Not sure which specification suits your needs? Our team has over 20 years of experience in specialised labelling applications and can guide you through the options. Call 01332 864895 to discuss your requirements with our experts, or complete the enquiry form for a detailed quotation. Quality materials, fast turnaround, and expert guidance — that’s what makes working with us different.
We’ve had a great experience working with this supplier, especially with Natalie - she is always very responsive, professional, and friendly. The pricing is highly competitive and the sales service has been excellent from start to finish. If I could offer one suggestion, it would be to improve the account and invoice management process. It would be really helpful if there were a system for clients to easily track their past orders and invoices in one place. Overall, very pleased with the service and look forward to continuing our collaboration.
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. The team are brilliant and the product was excellent quality and exactly what I wanted. Natalie is amazing as are her colleagues. Will definitely be a returning customer. Thank you
Ive used Positive ID Labelling Ltd for all our egg box labels for many years now. Natalie is always above and beyond helpful and the service is exceptionally fast and efficient.
I inadvertently ordered the incorrect label guns which was quickly sorted by Natalie. She was excellent, customer service at its best! Thank you once again