Background

Charles River Laboratories is a leading global provider serving pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrochemical, government, and academic organisations. Their expertise spans the entire drug discovery and development process, supporting laboratories with critical sample handling and storage solutions.

Challenge
Charles River Laboratories required a durable cryogenic label solution for polypropylene cryovials stored at extreme temperatures between -60°C and -90°C. These labels also needed to withstand exposure to citric acid, methanol, and other solvents used in their toxicology and specialist studies.

Their previous labels were failing: with 4,000–6,000 sample ID labels applied daily, poor adhesion led to labels peeling off, creating additional work and risking sample misidentification. The laboratory needed a thermal transfer printable cryogenic label that would:

– Remain adhered during long-term cryogenic storage
– Resist common laboratory solvents
– Ensure high readability and durability for sample tracking

Solution
CILS introduced its CRYO -80°C PLUS labels – premium polyester labels engineered for extreme freeze and dry ice storage. Samples were provided for testing under real laboratory conditions, demonstrating:

– Strong adhesion to polypropylene cryovials at -80°C
– Resistance to acids and methanol
– Durability during repeated handling and thermal cycling

The solution included compatible thermal transfer ribbons to ensure clear, long-lasting print for sample IDs.

Results
Following successful validation, Charles River Laboratories adopted CILS CRYO -80°C PLUS labels across their facility. Benefits included:

– Reliable adhesion for the full lifespan of stored samples
– Reduced relabeling and duplication of work, improving productivity
– Solvent-resistant performance, protecting sample integrity
– Confidence in global scalability, as CILS is now supporting multiple Charles River sites

By choosing CILS, Charles River Laboratories secured a robust cryogenic labelling solution that enhances sample management efficiency and ensures reliable identification in demanding laboratory environments.

If your laboratory is facing similar challenges with labels failing in cryogenic storage or under solvent exposure, CILS can help.

Our cryogenic labelling solutions are engineered to perform in the harshest conditions, protecting sample integrity and streamlining workflows. Get in touch with our team today to request free samples or discuss a tailored solution for your application.