Selecting the ideal label for your product involves a lot of details such as ink types, color schemes, label materials, and logo design. Label adhesive, though often overlooked, is an important aspect that shouldn’t be ignored. Different products require distinct types of glue to keep labels looking their best.
Consider the following tips when choosing the appropriate adhesive for your product label:
Different types of label adhesives
Let’s look at the different options available for product labels, as well as the pros and cons of each:
- Permanent adhesives
As its name implies, this type of label is impossible to remove without causing damage to it. This type of adhesive can be beneficial depending on the environment in which your product will “live.” Consider factors like UV exposure, moisture, and temperature. All of these factors can degrade your label if it’s not applied securely to the product.
- Removable adhesives
This type of label will not leave residue behind when it’s removed. Some products can be more easily reused again when labels are removable. This is an option for companies that are aiming for sustainability or if they want to apply a removable coupon to the packaging.
- Repositionable adhesives
Some products, such as Post-It notes, can be removed for use more than once. Repositionable adhesives offer enough stickiness to hold to a surface, but can also be easily removed and reused.
Chemical properties of labels
The materials of your product will influence the type of chemical properties used in your label. You need to make sure that the adhesive you choose is compatible with your product base.
The most common chemical bases of label adhesives include:
- Acrylic adhesives
This type of adhesive has strong durability for harsh UV rays and chemical solvents. Its bonding ability is strong and long-lasting, which makes it difficult to remove.
- Rubber-based adhesives
A general purpose adhesive, it can adhere to surfaces with low energy and is easier to remove. It’s an economically sustainable choice.
Label adhesive performance qualities
- Tack
No matter which type of adhesive you choose, they all have the following performance functions:
This is a term that refers to the label’s ability to attach to a product with a minimal amount of pressure. Strong, quality tack should not require consistent pressure to ensure the seal.
- Adhesion
This term refers to the strength of the attachment between the adhesive and its surface once pressure is applied. The stronger the adhesion, the greater the difficulty of removing the label with little to no residue left behind.
- Shear
This term refers to how much strength is needed to pull off the label while under testing before the product is released.
Label adhesives that are best for your product
Label adhesives are important for keeping product labels secure and in good condition. It must stand up to the demands of storage and shipping, especially if the product will spend long amounts of time on store shelves. All these factors must be considered when making decisions about which adhesive is right for your product.
It is also worth noting that medical products have slightly different demands for labels than other types of products. The label material must not compromise the safety or performance of the products and must be sterile and safe in these settings.
Custom labels in South Florida
If your product needs unique and quality printed labels, Ritter’s Printing & Packaging is here to help you. We are proud to assist many South Florida businesses with label designs, label printing, and more. To learn more about our custom label services, give us a call today at 954-771-7204.
