How to Choose Label Adhesive Based on Product? Recommendations for Different Environments

The Core Role of Label Adhesive

A self-adhesive label consists of three layers: face material, adhesive, and release liner. The adhesive (pressure-sensitive adhesive) is the bonding layer between the label and the object being labeled, determining whether the label can adhere firmly, be removed, or adapt to specific environments. If the wrong adhesive is chosen, the label may either fail to stick, be impossible to remove, or fall off in special environments.

Industry classification divides common label adhesives into four categories: permanent adhesive, removable adhesive, freezer-grade adhesive, and repositionable adhesive. Each type of adhesive has distinct differences in adhesion strength, temperature range, and removal method.

Permanent Adhesive: Suitable for Products Requiring Long-Term Application

Permanent adhesive (also known as strong adhesion adhesive) is difficult to remove completely once applied; forcibly peeling usually damages the face material or leaves residue. According to the GB/T 2792-2014 standard test, the 180° peel strength of permanent adhesive is typically greater than 3.5N/25mm.

Applicable scenarios: Daily chemical labels (shampoo, detergent), food packaging labels, logistics waybills, electronics serial number labels. These scenarios require that the label does not fall off or get tampered with during transportation, storage, and use.

Precautions: Permanent adhesive is not suitable for products that need to be disassembled or for temporary identification. If the label is applied in the wrong position, it may damage the surface of the object when removed.

Removable Adhesive: Suitable for Scenarios Requiring Tear-Off Without Residue

Removable adhesive maintains sufficient adhesion for a certain period of time but can be completely peeled off without leaving residue on the surface of the object when removal is needed. Peel strength is typically between 1.0-2.5N/25mm, depending on the adhesive formulation and duration of application.

Applicable scenarios: Promotional labels (can be removed after the event ends), shelf labels, electronics accessory labels, identification labels for rental equipment. Removable labels are also commonly used on household items and gift packaging, allowing consumers to remove the label before using the product.

Precautions: The holding power of removable adhesive changes over time—the longer the label is attached, the harder it is to remove. It is recommended to remove within 3-6 months. After prolonged application, slight residue may occur; alcohol can be used to wipe it off if necessary.

Freezer-Grade Adhesive: Specifically Designed for Low-Temperature Freezer Environments

Ordinary adhesives have reduced molecular activity at low temperatures, resulting in significantly decreased adhesion. Freezer-grade adhesive, through special formulations, maintains adhesion at -20°C or even below -40°C. Freezer-grade adhesive still has sufficient initial tack on frozen surfaces and does not become brittle or fall off due to low temperature.

Applicable scenarios: Frozen food packaging (quick-frozen dumplings, ice cream, frozen seafood), cold chain logistics labels, vaccine labels, biological sample identification. These scenarios require that the label does not curl or fall off in freezer environments and that printed information remains clear and readable.

Precautions: Freezer-grade adhesive labels need to be used with low-temperature-resistant face materials; synthetic paper or PET is recommended. Ordinary coated paper becomes more brittle at low temperatures and is prone to cracking during die-cutting and labeling.

When applying freezer-grade adhesive labels, the surface of the object must not have condensation or frost, as this affects adhesion. It is recommended to dry the surface before labeling and perform the labeling operation at room temperature.

Repositionable Adhesive: Suitable for Repeated Application Scenarios

Repositionable adhesive (also known as reusable adhesive) allows the label to be peeled and reapplied multiple times without significant loss of adhesion. This type of adhesive is specially formulated with low peel strength controlled in the range of 0.5-1.5N/25mm and has anti-contamination properties, maintaining adhesion even after multiple applications.

Applicable scenarios: Sticky notes, reusable logistics labels, document classification labels, office identification stickers. These labels are widely used in warehouse management and office scenarios, allowing repeated repositioning without affecting usage.

How to Choose Adhesive Based on Product Environment

Room temperature dry environment: Indoor daily chemical products, food packaging—conventional permanent adhesive is sufficient. For labels that need to remain attached for a long time, choose acrylic-based permanent adhesive.

Low temperature environment: Frozen food, cold chain logistics—choose freezer-grade adhesive (acrylic freezer-grade adhesive or rubber-based freezer-grade adhesive). Best results are achieved when used with synthetic paper face material.

High temperature environment: Kitchen grease environment, automobile engine compartment, microwave heating—high-temperature resistant label adhesive (silicone-based adhesive or special acrylic adhesive) is required.

Outdoor environment: Shelf labels, outdoor equipment identification—permanent adhesive resistant to UV aging, water, and moisture is needed. Acrylic adhesive system with PET face material is recommended.

Label Customization Capabilities of LeXiang Packaging

LeXiang Packaging provides one-stop customized services for self-adhesive labels, supporting both digital printing and flexographic printing processes. Digital printing requires no plate making, with a minimum order of 10 pieces and sample delivery within 3 days, suitable for small-volume trial sales and variable data labels. Flexographic printing is suitable for large-volume orders with lower cost.

Adhesive types can be tailored according to your specific application scenarios—permanent adhesive, removable adhesive, and freezer-grade adhesive can all be customized. Face materials include coated paper, synthetic paper, PET, thermal paper, etc., suitable for different adhesion surfaces.