Labeling Tape

What Is Laboratory Labeling Tape?

Laboratory labeling tape is a pressure-sensitive, hand-tearable adhesive tape used to identify tubes, racks, reagent bottles, storage boxes, and equipment in research and clinical lab settings. Unlike office tape, lab labeling tape is formulated to resist moisture, short-term chemical splashes, and low temperatures down to approximately −20 °C, while remaining writable with ball-point pen, pencil, or solvent-resistant markers. It is distinct from cryogenic labels (which handle −196 °C) and autoclave tape (which survives steam sterilization). Choose labeling tape for general color-coding and short-to-medium-term identification; choose cryogenic labels for any sample stored below −20 °C.

What you will find:

• Multi-color adhesive rolls for quick visual categorization.

• Solvent-resistant tape for harsh chemical environments.

• Autoclave-safe indicator tape for verifying sterilization.

• Moisture-proof rolls for refrigerator and freezer storage.

• High-visibility marking tape for workstation safety.

• Easy-tear laboratory tape for fast application.

How to Choose Laboratory Labeling Tape

Width
Standard widths are 0.5 inch (12 mm), 0.75 inch (19 mm), and 1 inch (25 mm). The 0.75-inch width suits 1.5–2 mL microcentrifuge tubes and most freezer-box sidewalls. 0.5-inch tape fits PCR strip tubes and narrow surfaces. 1-inch or wider tape is used for storage boxes, rack fronts, and equipment panels.

Color Selection
Labeling tape is available in 10 or more colors including white, yellow, blue, red, green, orange, and pink. Color-coding is commonly used to separate experimental groups, hazard classifications, personnel ownership, and sample collection dates. White tape provides the best legibility for handwritten alphanumeric labels.

Writability and Marker Compatibility
Tape surfaces should accept ballpoint pen, pencil, and Sharpie-style permanent markers without bleed-through or smearing. For autoclave use, select tape specifically rated for steam sterilization — standard labeling tape adhesive will not hold through 121 °C cycles.

Roll Length and Core Size
Standard rolls are 55 yards (50 m) on a 1-inch core, compatible with bench-top tape dispensers. Confirm dispenser core size before purchasing in bulk. Globe Scientific labeling tape rolls sold through MBP are confirmed to fit standard lab dispensers.

Temperature Range
General-purpose labeling tape is rated for use from approximately −20 °C to room temperature. For −80 °C freezer or cryogenic storage, use cryogenic labels rated to −196 °C from the [Cryogenic Labels](https://mbpinc.net/consumables/labels-tapes-and-printer-paper/cryogenic-labels) collection.

Specifications Context

Lab labeling tape rolls are typically 55 yards (50 m) in length on a 1-inch inner-diameter core. Adhesive backing is acrylic-based on most general-purpose formats, providing repositionability for short-term use and moderate permanent adhesion after 24 hours. Tape face material is usually cellulose or polyethylene-coated paper. For chemical-resistance requirements (solvent splashes, frequent wiping), specify vinyl or polyester tape facestock. 

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