Label Material Types: Guide to Choosing the Proper One
Labels play a crucial role in a wide variety of industrial, production and laboratory settings, serving as vital communication tools that convey essential information. From saving lives and protecting data to cutting costs and eliminating inefficiencies, labels serve as informative identifiers, guides and instructors. But what goes into a label is just as important as what it goes onto – from the adhesive to the material to the finish and more. This label guide serves as an indispensable resource for making informed decisions in understanding, choosing and applying labels.
Label materials – what labels are made of
From cost-effective paper labels for indoor use to durable polyester labels for outdoor settings, label material sets the stage for performance, durability, ideal use and more.
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Paper label
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Polyester label
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Polyethylene label
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Polyimide label
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Polypropylene label
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Metallized polyester label
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Vinyl label
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Polyolefin label
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Nylon label
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Nomex label
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Polycarbonate label
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Polyurethane label
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Polyvinyl fluoride label
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Polyvinylidene fluoride label
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Label types – kinds of labels and their applications
Labels are applied or displayed in a wide variety of ways - from simple peel and press to sleeves that shrink and adhere to a surface with heat. Here are some of the most common ways labels are applied.
Pressure-sensitive
Pressure-sensitive labels, also known as adhesive labels, feature a layer of adhesive on one side that adheres to surfaces upon the application of pressure. These labels are versatile and easy to apply, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Pressure-sensitive labels are commonly used in product labeling, packaging, and logistics due to their convenience and ability to adhere to various materials.
Self-laminating
Self-laminating (self-lam) labels consist of a clear protective layer that can be applied over printed information to create a laminated effect. These labels are designed to protect printed content from elements such as water, oil, and abrasion. Self-laminating labels are often used in industrial settings for equipment labeling, cable marking, and identification tags where durability and information preservation are essential.
Sleeves
Sleeve labels, also known as shrink sleeves, are applied by sliding a pre-printed plastic sleeve over the container, which is then heat-shrunk to conform tightly to the shape of the item. This method allows for full-color printing and 360-degree coverage of the surface. Sleeve labels are popular in wire marking and cable identification, providing a more effective and longer-lasting solution
Tags
Tags are labels typically made of paper or cardstock that are attached to items using strings, wires or adhesive. Tags are commonly used for safety identification, lockout tagout operations and valve ID. They can be easily attached and removed for temporary labeling needs. Tags can be customized with printed information, barcodes and branding elements such as photos or logos.
Label material properties – how labels adapt to conditions and environments
Labels offer a range of specialized properties to meet diverse needs. From temperature-related features to chemical resistance, these properties contribute to the adaptability, functionality and visual appeal of labels in various applications.
Temperature
Labels with temperature-related properties are designed to withstand specific temperature conditions, catering to diverse environments and applications.
· Heat-resistant labels are crafted to endure elevated temperatures, making them suitable for industrial processes, electronics or automotive applications where exposure to heat is common.
· Cryogenic/freezer labels are engineered to withstand extremely low temperatures, often used in medical or laboratory settings.
· High-temp labels are designed for applications involving intense heat, such as manufacturing processes or industrial equipment, ensuring readability and durability in these demanding environments.
· Low-temp labels are tailored to endure colder conditions, frequently utilized in cold storage facilities, the food and beverage industry or outdoor applications.
· Temperature-indicating labels provide visual cues or irreversible changes in appearance to signal exposure to specific temperature thresholds, aiding in quality control and monitoring in various industries.
Environmental
Labels with environmental considerations are tailored to perform optimally in different settings, addressing the challenges posed by varying conditions.
· Harsh environment labels are built to withstand extreme conditions, including exposure to chemicals, abrasion, and harsh weather, making them suitable for industrial, automotive or outdoor applications where durability is paramount.
· Outdoor labels are specifically designed to endure exposure to sunlight, moisture and fluctuating temperatures, ensuring longevity in outdoor settings. These labels are commonly used for product branding, signage and equipment labeling.
· Indoor labels are crafted for environments where they’re shielded from direct weather exposure. They are often utilized in retail, office or warehouse settings for product identification, asset tracking and general labeling needs.
Chemical resistance
Labels with chemical-resistant properties are crucial in environments where exposure to various chemicals is a concern, ensuring that the label remains intact and legible despite contact with different substances.
· Alcohol-resistant labels find use in healthcare, laboratory and industrial settings.
· Fuel-resistant labels provide a durable solution for applications in the automotive, aerospace and energy industries.
· Oil-resistant labels are formulated for machinery and equipment labeling in manufacturing and automotive environments.
· Solvent-resistant labels withstand exposure to various solvents, which may be encountered in industrial processes or laboratory settings.
Tamper evident
Tamper-evident labels are designed to reveal evidence of tampering, ensuring the integrity of sealed products or packages. These labels fracture or leave a visible mark when tampered with, serving as a visual indicator of potential interference.
Water soluble
Water-soluble or dissolvable labels are crafted to break down upon contact with water, making them ideal for applications where temporary labeling or easy removal is required, such as in laboratories and temporary asset tracking in manufacturing environments.
Water indicating
Water-indicating labels provide visual cues or irreversible changes when exposed to water, aiding in monitoring environmental conditions or detecting water damage.
Metallic
Metallic labels offer a lustrous and eye-catching appearance, enhancing product branding and luxury packaging. These labels often use materials like foil or metalized finishes to create a visually striking and premium effect.
Adhesive – what makes a label stick
Adhesive types play a crucial role in determining the performance and application of labels. The choice between acrylic and rubber-based adhesives depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as permanence, repositionability and environmental factors.
Acrylic-based adhesive
Acrylic-based adhesives are known for their versatility and durability. Acrylic-based adhesives are commonly used in various label applications due to their excellent adhesion to different surfaces and resistance to temperature changes.
· Acrylic foam-backed adhesives, specifically designed for RFID applications, provide not only strong bonding but also cushioning and insulation for RFID tags. This combination enhances the label's durability and ensures reliable performance in challenging environments.
· Removable acrylic adhesives are ideal for temporary work-in-process (WIP) labeling needs. These adhesives allow for easy removal without leaving residue, making them suitable for situations where labels need to be repositioned or replaced during a process.
Rubber-based adhesive
Rubber-based adhesives, generally, are lower cost, provide good initial tack and have more flexibility compared to acrylic-based adhesives. This often makes them ideal for repositionable labeling. Though, depending on the application, this adhesive can be built specifically to offer as much or even more adhesion than acrylic.
· Repositionable rubber adhesives are perfect for applications where labels need to be frequently adjusted or moved. Their strong initial tack allows for secure attachment while their flexibility permits easy repositioning without compromising the adhesive quality.
· High-strength rubber adhesives are engineered to deliver exceptional bonding strength, rivaling or even surpassing that of acrylic adhesives. These adhesives are ideal for heavy-duty applications where robust adhesion is critical, ensuring labels remain firmly in place under demanding conditions.
Adhesive properties – how label adhesion is customized
Label adhesives are composed of a carefully engineered set of traits to adapt to various conditions, applications and needs. These include adhesive strength, resistance to elements and temperature handling. Depending on the combination, label adhesives can be grouped by property. Here are some of the most common label adhesive properties.
Permanent adhesives
Permanent adhesives are the preferred choice for labeling solutions that require durability in challenging conditions. Known for their resilience, these adhesives create a strong and enduring bond with surfaces. Notably resistant to various elements, including chemicals, water and solvents, permanent adhesives maintain their integrity even with repeated exposure. Their versatility extends to weathering extreme temperatures, encompassing both high and low ranges, as well as cryogenic settings. Particularly well-suited for harsh outdoor environments and industrial settings like the food and beverage industry, permanent adhesive labels excel in scenarios involving moisture, UV rays, wind and washdown procedures.
Removable adhesives
Removable adhesive labels strike a balance between secure adhesion and easy removal, catering to areas requiring temporary labeling and frequent changes. Engineered for a secure bond with surfaces, these labels allow for clean and residue-free removal. While not as resistant as permanent adhesive labels to harsh environmental factors, removable adhesive offers moderate resistance to chemicals and water. Primarily designed for standard temperature environments, it may not perform optimally in extreme conditions. Removable adhesive is well-suited for less harsh, stable indoor environments, particularly in scenarios where labeling changes are frequent or a short label lifespan is needed. It finds application in alphanumeric and barcode tasks in electronic component marking, as well as in retail pricing, shelving and Lean/5S labeling.
Repositionable adhesives
Repositionable adhesive strikes a balance between convenience and durability, allowing for multiple reapplications without compromising bonding capabilities. The adhesive formulation of repositionable adhesive labels enables them to be reapplied several times with minimal loss to adhesion strength. Suitable for indoor environments or semi-protected outdoor settings with occasional exposure to mild chemicals or moisture, repositionable adhesive provides versatility. Designed for standard temperature ranges, it may not be the optimal choice for applications subjected to extreme temperatures or cryogenic settings. Ideally suited for indoor environments requiring flexibility in label placement, repositionable adhesive is commonly used in bin labeling, shelving, and Lean/5S applications.
Temperature-specific adhesives
Temperature-specific adhesives are essential tools in industries where temperature extremes are a daily occurrence. Engineered to perform optimally within designated temperature ranges, high-temperature labels endure extreme heat without losing adhesion or legibility, while low-temperature labels remain effective in deep freezes. Cryogenic labels are crucial for ultra-low-temperature storage environments, maintaining integrity and adhesion in extreme cold. These labels are indispensable in applications where temperature extremes are constant, such as industrial processes with extreme heat, high-altitude flight in aerospace and aviation, and laboratories relying on cryogenic adhesive labels for ultra-low-temperature freezers.
