Permanent and Removable Product Labels

When selecting a label for your product, it’s important to consider not just the design or material, but also the type of adhesive. Pressure-sensitive labels are versatile and easy to apply; just peel and stick. These labels are constructed with adhesive properties tailored to suit different applications, environments, and surface types. Depending on how and where a product label will be used, there are several different adhesives to choose from. Whether you need a label that remains permanently in place, is easily removed without adhesive residue, or repositioned after the first application, there are several adhesive options to meet your specific application requirements.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Adhesive for Your Labels:

• Surface type-smooth (glass, plastic) vs. rough (cardboard, metal)
• Environmental exposure: heat, cold, moisture, chemicals
• Duration of use- temporary vs. long-term application
• Label removal requirements: clean removal or tamper-evident
• Compliance- food safety, recyclability, chemical regulation, etc

Application Capabilities of Permanent, Removable, and Repositionable Labels:

Permanent Adhesive Labels

• Applied to any surface
• High adhesion strength
• Strong bond, designed to adhere for the life of the product
• Difficult or impossible to remove, may leave residue or damaged surfaces when removed
• Can withstand a variety of environmental conditions ( heat, cold, moisture)
• Cure time: Some adhesives may strengthen over time after application

Applications

• Asset labels (barcodes, inventory, or equipment labels)
• Shipping & packing labels
• Product identification labels (food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, electronics)
• Warning or compliance labels (safety data)
• Outdoor or industrial labeling

Common Permanent Label Materials

• Face Stock: Paper, Polypropylene (BOPP), Vinyl, Polyester (PET)
• Adhesive: Acrylic-based (UV resistant, long-term durability), and rubber-based (aggressive tack, non-UV resistant)
• Top Coat: Varnish or laminate for durability

Removable Adhesive Labels

• Smooth surface applications
• Medium adhesion strength
• No residue, leaves a clean surface after removal
• Short-term to medium-term durability
• May lose removability to certain surfaces over time

Applications

• Promotional or pricing labels
• Temporary instructions on branding
• Retail shelf tags
• Temporary file labels or color-coding
• Reusable containers

Common Removable Label Materials

• Face Stock: Paper, Polypropylene (BOPP), or Vinyl
• Adhesive: specially formulated acrylic or rubber adhesives
• Often used on smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass or plastic

Repositionable Adhesive Labels

• Smooth, clean surface applications
• Low initial tack: Allows repositioning during application
• Increased adhesion over time (may become semi-permanent)
• Clean removability (in early stages)
• Ideal for precise placement or alignment

Applications

• Wall decals and graphics
• Instructional labels
• Window clings
• Removable name tags or event labels
• Office or classroom

Common Repositionable Label Materials

• Face stock: Vinyl, Polyester, or coated Paper
• Adhesive: Acrylic-based repositionable adhesives
• Can include micro-suction or static cling properties for ultra clean removability

Choosing the right label printer and the right adhesive is crucial to ensure your labels perform as intended for their specific application requirements. By understanding the distinct characteristics of each adhesive (permanent, removable, and repositionable), you can make informed decisions that guarantee optimal label performance and enhance overall user experience.

Need help choosing the right label for your application? Contact us today for expert guidance, product recommendations, or samples. Whether you need durable permanent labels, clean-peel removable options, or flexible repositionable solutions, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.