Common Label Types: Comprehensive Classification for Different Uses

Classification of Labels

Labels can be classified from multiple dimensions: by adhesion method, they are divided into self-adhesive labels, wet-glue labels, and heat-shrink labels; by purpose, they are divided into product labels, logistics labels, anti-counterfeit labels, warning labels, etc.; by material, they are divided into paper labels, film labels, and specialty labels. This article organizes according to the most common usage dimensions and application scenarios to help procurement and design personnel quickly understand the differences between different label types.

Self-adhesive Labels: The Most Widely Used Label Type

Self-adhesive labels consist of three layers: face material, adhesive, and release liner. They can be applied by peeling and sticking, without additional gluing or heating. Their structure allows them to adhere to different material surfaces, from smooth glass and plastic to rough corrugated paper.

By Face Material

Coated paper self-adhesive: low cost, good printing effect, suitable for daily chemicals, food, logistics, and other conventional applications. Synthetic paper self-adhesive: waterproof, cold-resistant, tear-resistant, suitable for outdoor, frozen, and electronic products. PET self-adhesive: chemical-resistant, strong weather resistance, suitable for electronics, outdoor equipment, and industrial labels. PVC self-adhesive: good flexibility, suitable for cables and curved surfaces. Thermal paper self-adhesive: develops color directly when heated, no ribbon needed, suitable for express waybills and price labels. Destructible paper self-adhesive: fractures when peeled off, suitable for tamper-evident seals and warranty labels.

By Adhesive Type

Permanent adhesive: cannot be fully peeled off after application, suitable for brand seals and tamper-evident labels. Removable adhesive: can be peeled off without leaving residue, suitable for promotional labels and recyclable containers. Freezer-grade adhesive: maintains adhesion below -20°C, suitable for frozen food labels. Repositionable adhesive: can be repeatedly applied and peeled, suitable for sticky note-style labels.

Anti-counterfeit Labels: Important Tools for Brand Protection

Anti-counterfeit labels are used to prevent product counterfeiting, protecting brand value and consumer rights. Common anti-counterfeit technologies include QR code anti-counterfeiting (one-code-per-item verification), holographic laser anti-counterfeiting (optically variable patterns), destructible paper anti-counterfeiting (fractures upon removal and cannot be reused), thermochromic anti-counterfeiting (color changes with temperature), fluorescent anti-counterfeiting (reveals hidden information under UV light), and microtext (requires a magnifying glass to read).

Electronic supervision codes are legally required traceability measures for certain products as mandated by the state, currently compulsory for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other categories. The format is a 20-digit numeric code, verified through the National Medical Products Administration traceability system.

RFID Labels: Core Technology for Intelligent Management

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) labels use radio frequency signals to non-contact identify targets. They consist of three parts: a chip (stores data), an antenna (sends and receives signals), and a substrate (carrier structure).

By frequency: Low Frequency LF (125-134kHz, read range 0.1-1m, suitable for access control and animal identification), High Frequency HF (13.56MHz, 0.1-1m, suitable for library management, NFC payment, and anti-counterfeit traceability), Ultra High Frequency UHF (860-960MHz, 2-12m, suitable for warehouse logistics, retail, and asset management). UHF tags can batch-read hundreds of tags at once, greatly improving warehouse inbound and outbound efficiency.

Variable Data Labels: Carriers of One-Code-Per-Item

Variable data labels have different printed content on each label, including serial numbers, QR codes, barcodes, or anti-counterfeit codes. They are produced using HP Indigo digital printing presses, supporting independent data for each label, suitable for product traceability, anti-counterfeit inquiry, logistics tracking, and electronic supervision code scenarios.

Specialty Labels: Meeting Specific Environmental Requirements

Cold chain labels: resistant to low temperatures down to -196°C, anti-condensation, suitable for frozen food, vaccines, and biological samples. Face material is usually synthetic paper or PET, with freezer-grade adhesive. Heat-shrink labels: placed over containers and heated to shrink and fit, suitable for 360-degree wrap-around printing on beverage bottles and cosmetic bottles. Materials are divided into PVC, PET-G, and OPS, with PET-G being more environmentally friendly.

Quick Reference for Selecting Labels by Industry

Food industry: coated paper self-adhesive or synthetic paper self-adhesive, recommended to choose removable adhesive for bottle recycling. Materials must comply with GB 4806 food contact safety standards. Daily chemical industry: coated paper or PET labels, with gloss film or partial UV to enhance shelf appearance. Electronics industry: PET or synthetic paper labels, need to consider temperature and chemical resistance. Pharmaceutical industry: coated paper self-adhesive, must meet 23-digit drug supervision code requirements. Logistics industry: thermal paper self-adhesive or synthetic paper labels, need to consider print output and barcode readability.

The choice of different label types is not simply about the most expensive being the best. The key is to match the product's use environment, labeling method, and budget. LeXiang Packaging supports small-batch label customization starting from 10 pieces, with digital printing and offset printing options available, providing configuration solutions for various face materials such as coated paper, synthetic paper, PET, and adhesive types.