Understanding Label Adhesive Options

by Rachel Cordingley

The main focus when choosing a label tends to be on the facestock material whilst adhesive choice is often overlooked. Choosing the right label adhesive can make or break your product presentation, packaging integrity, and even regulatory compliance. Here's a guide to the most common types of label adhesives and their best uses.

1. Permanent Adhesive

Typically most labels we supply have a permanent adhesive. Permanent adhesives are designed to create a long-lasting bond with a surface. Once applied, they are not meant to be removed without damaging the label or the substrate.

Best For:

  • Product packaging

  • Shipping labels

  • Barcode tracking

  • Asset labelling

Pros:

  • Strong initial tack and long-term hold

  • Works on many surfaces (glass, plastic, cardboard)

Cons:

  • Difficult to remove cleanly

  • May not work well on low-surface-energy plastics and other difficult surfaces

2. Removable Adhesive


Removable adhesives allow labels to be peeled off without leaving residue or damaging the application surface. Removable adhesives are ideal for temporary labelling needs. You often see removable adhesive labels used on greeting cards. When you purchase a greeting card, you are able to tell when a removable adhesive label has been used as the label easily peels off, compared to other greeting cards where label removal can be really difficult and damage the card below.

Best For:

  • Retail pricing labels

  • Reusable containers

  • Temporary signage

Pros:

  • Clean removal

  • Good for short-term use

  • Reduces damage to surfaces

Cons:

  • Lower adhesion strength

  • May lose tack over time or in humid environments

3. Repositionable Adhesive


These adhesives strike a balance between permanent and removable. They allow for the label to be applied, lifted, and repositioned during application.

Best For:

  • Hand-applied labels

  • Manual product labelling lines

  • Reusable items or changing displays

Pros:

  • Flexible application

  • Reduces waste from misapplied labels

Cons:

  • Less durable over long periods

  • Not suited for high-moisture or high-friction environments


4. Freeze Permanent Adhesive or Cryogenic adhesive


Engineered to perform in ultra-low temperatures, these adhesives maintain tack even in frozen or cryogenic environments.

Best For:

  • Laboratory specimen vials

  • Frozen food packaging

  • Pharmaceutical cold storage

Pros:

  • Excellent cold-temperature performance

  • Moisture and frost-resistant

Cons:

  • Typically more expensive than standard adhesives




5. High-Tack Adhesive


High-tack adhesives should be used when labels should strongly adhere to a surface for a long time, particularly surfaces that are difficult for standard adhesive to attach to.

Best For:

  • Rough or textured surfaces

  • Low-energy plastics (e.g., HDPE)

  • Outdoor or industrial settings

Pros:

  • Aggressive bonding

  • Stays in place in harsh environments

Cons:

  • Limited removability

  • Can be tricky to reposition

6. Wash-Off Adhesive

Wash-off adhesives are engineered to maintain a strong bond during use, but release easily when exposed to hot water or industrial washing processes. Commonly used in returnable or recyclable packaging.

Best For:

  • Beverage bottles (especially returnable glass)

  • Reusable containers

  • Recyclable packaging

Pros:

  • Clean removal during wash cycles

  • Facilitates recycling and container reuse

  • Complies with sustainability practices

Cons:

  • Not suitable for prolonged submersion before washing

  • Limited use cases outside of controlled wash environments

7. Void Adhesive (Tamper-Evident)


Void adhesives are designed to leave a visible mark (such as the word "VOID" or a checkerboard pattern) when the label is removed. These adhesives are ideal for tamper-evident security. There are two types of void adhesive, there is void-residue which leaves a void mark on the application surface and there is also a void non-residue adhesive which leaves a void mark on the label itself. Our blog on the different types of tamper evident labels explains this in more detail.

Best For:

  • Security seals

  • Warranty void labels

  • Pharmaceutical and electronics packaging

Pros:

  • Provides clear evidence of tampering

  • Enhances product integrity and consumer trust

Cons:

  • Cannot be reapplied once removed

  • Not intended for repositioning or removal

Choosing the Right Adhesive: Key Considerations

  • Surface Type: Smooth, rough, curved, or textured—each has different adhesive needs.

  • Environment: Will it be exposed to moisture, UV, heat, cold, or chemicals?

  • Duration: Is the label temporary or permanent?

The right adhesive is essential for your label’s success. Whether you're labelling a shampoo bottle, a shipping box, or a cryogenic vial, there’s a tailored adhesive to meet your needs.

Need help choosing the perfect label?

We can help you find the ideal solution tailored to your business needs. Contact us today!