Skip to content

Adhesive: The “Invisible Engineer” of Pressure-Sensitive Labels

YUEHELE

Guangdong Yuehele Label Material Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise integrat
ing scientific research, production, sales, technical support and service for users.

In the world of pressure-sensitive labels, adhesive is no supporting actor—it’s the “invisible engineer” ensuring labels perform flawlessly. Its role extends far beyond simple sticking:

  1. Core Adhesion: Provides initial tack (stickiness upon contact) and final adhesion (long-term holding power) to bond labels securely to diverse surfaces.
  2. Durability & Protection: Resists environmental challenges (temperature, humidity, UV light, chemicals) to keep label information legible long-term.
  3. Surface Compatibility: Bridges the gap between label materials (facestock, liner) and the application surface, ensuring stable bonding across different substrates.
  4. Application Experience: Influences labeling feel (e.g., slip for high-speed application), removal characteristics (permanent vs. easy peel), and residue.

Adhesive Options Matrix for Pressure-Sensitive Labels

TypeCore AdvantagesKey ApplicationsKey Limitations
Water-Based AcrylicEco-friendly, high clarity, excellent UV/weather resistance, low odorCosmetic labels, outdoor labels, clear film labels, food packagingModerate water resistance, lower tack on non-polar surfaces at low temps
Solvent-Based AcrylicSuperior water/chemical resistance, good low-temp performance, bonds difficult surfacesIndustrial labels, freezer labels, hard-to-bond plasticsHigh VOC, requires recovery systems, strong odor
UV-Curable AcrylicNear-zero VOC, instant curing, excellent heat/solvent resistanceHigh-speed production (e.g., beverage labels), electronics, industrialHigh equipment cost, requires UV-transparent facestocks
Rubber-Based (Solvent)Very high initial tack, bonds rough/curved surfaces, low costShipping labels, warehouse labels, temporary tagsPoor UV/heat resistance, yellows over time, high VOC
Hot Melt RubberSolvent-free, fast setting, good initial tackBook labels, logistics tags, paper productsLimited heat/chemical resistance
Standard Hot MeltCost-effective, 100% solids, fast applicationRetail price tags, carton labels, light packagingLimited heat resistance (<60°C), moderate chemical resistance
Performance Hot MeltEnhanced temperature resistance (up to 100°C+) or freeze resistanceHot-filled containers, freezer applicationsHigher cost than standard hot melts
Removable/RepositionableClean removal, reusable, non-residuePromotional labels, reusable info tags, decorLower permanent adhesion
Specialty (Freezer)Maintains flexibility/tack at extreme lows (-40°C)Frozen food packaging, cold storageFormulation-specific limitations
Specialty (High-Temp)Withstands sustained high temperatures (>150°C)Engine labels, PCB labelsTypically higher cost
Specialty (Medical)Biocompatible, hypoallergenic, sterilizable

Adhesive: The “Invisible Engineer” of Pressure-Sensitive Labels

Choosing the right adhesive hinges on several critical factors:

  1. Application Surface: Material (paper, plastic like PE/PP/PET, glass, metal, wood)? Surface energy? Cleanliness, coatings, or contaminants?
  2. End-Use Environment: Indoor/outdoor? Temperature range (room temp, freezer, heat)? Humidity? Exposure to water, oils, chemicals? UV resistance needed?
  3. Performance Requirements: Permanent or removable? Required level of initial tack (e.g., for high-speed application) and long-term adhesion? Label size/shape (curved surfaces)?
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Food contact (FDA, EU), medical (USP Class VI), toys, etc., have specific requirements.
  5. Processing & Labeling: Printing method, die-cutting, slitting, automatic labeling speed?
  6. Cost: Adhesive costs vary significantly.
  7. Sustainability: VOC emissions, recyclability requirements.

YUEHELE  Label Materials @ Booth C5017 RosUpack

YUEHELE Label Materials @ Booth C5017 RosUpack

We cordially invite you to the 2025 International Printing & Packaging Exhibition (Polygraphinter / …

which foods are not required to have a nutrition label-US

which foods are not required to have a nutrition label-US

Under U.S. FDA regulations (Nutrition Labeling and Education Act – NLEA), nutrition facts labels are…

Can you use regular paper in a thermal printer-China

Can you use regular paper in a thermal printer-China

Thermal Printers require heat-sensitive paper coated with chemical dyes (leuco dyes).

What is a Thermal printing paper?

What is a Thermal printing paper?

Thermal Printing Paper is a specialized paper designed to create images or text when exposed to heat…

What is an art paper?

What is an art paper?

This is the most common meaning for artists. It's engineered to handle various mediums (pencil, ink,…

Close-up of COVID-19 vaccine vials with label and liquid on a light blue background.

What is Drug Labels?

A drug label refers to all printed information that accompanies a prescription or over-the-counter (…

Paper Labels

Do paper-based adhesive labels require “deplasticization”?

"Deplasticization" typically refers to separating plastic components from composite materials to ena…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

leave a message