🏷️ Types of Labels: A Complete Guide to Materials, Adhesives & Applications

Labels are more than just stickers — they are functional components of product packaging, traceability, brand communication, and regulatory compliance. 

Below is a highly detailed classification of label types by adhesive method, substrate material, functional role, and their real-world usage across industries.

1. 🔗 Labels by Adhesive Type

1.1 Pressure-Sensitive Labels (PSL)

• Adhesive Type: Acrylic-based, rubber-based, or removable

• Substrates: Gloss paper, matte paper, BOPP, clear PET

• Used For:

• Shampoo bottles (clear BOPP PSL)

• Snack packaging (paper PSL with matte laminate)

• Candle jars (removable matte PSL)

• Application: Automatic label applicators or hand-applied

1.2 Wet Glue Labels

• Adhesive Type: Water-activated starch or casein-based glue

• Substrates: Coated or uncoated paper

• Used For:

• Beer and wine bottles

• Canned food products

• Note: Economical for high-volume glass or metal packaging; not suitable for plastic.

1.3 Hot Melt Labels

• Adhesive Type: EVA-based hot melt

• Substrates: Paper, BOPP

• Used For:

• Frozen meat packaging (hot melt for cold adhesion)

• Industrial drums or metal pails

• Benefits: Fast tack, high adhesion on cold or rough surfaces

1.4 Shrink Sleeve Labels

• Material: PVC, PET-G, OPS film

• Used For:

• Sports drinks (PET bottles)

• Antiseptic sprays (tamper-evident seal)

• Protein powders (wide-mouth containers)

• Requires: Heat tunnel or steam tunnel for application

2. 📄 Labels by Material Type

2.1 Paper Labels

• Variants: Gloss-coated, matte, uncoated, thermal (direct or transfer)

• Used For:

• Bakery goods (thermal paper labels)

• Boxed food (glossy coated paper)

• Carton date coding (direct thermal)

2.2 Plastic Film Labels

• Materials:

• BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) – oil & moisture resistant

• PET (Polyester) – high durability and clarity

• PE (Polyethylene) – squeezable containers

• Used For:

• Ice cream tubs (PE film)

• Clear cosmetic bottles (clear-on-clear PET)

• Household cleaning spray (white BOPP)

2.3 Foil Labels

• Material: Metalized polyester or aluminum foil

• Used For:

• Luxury skincare (silver foil with embossed text)

• Gourmet chocolates (gold foil)

• Electronics certification seals

2.4 Fabric/Textile Labels

• Types: Woven damask, satin, cotton, Tyvek

• Used For:

• Apparel care tags (heat-sealed satin)

• Bedding (woven or printed cotton)

• Fire-resistant gear (Durable Tyvek with printed specs)

3. 🎯 Labels by Application Purpose

3.1 Product Labels

• Function: Brand identity, ingredients, user instructions

• Used In:

• Face creams (BOPP with spot varnish)

• Olive oil bottles (paper with foil hot stamp)

• Candy bags (clear film with matte varnish)

3.2 Barcode & QR Code Labels

• Used For:

• Retail barcoding (UPC/EAN, Code 128)

• Inventory systems (QR or DataMatrix)

• Pharmaceuticals (serial number QR + tamper seal)

• Materials: Thermal transfer BOPP or paper with resin ribbon

3.3 Shipping & Logistics Labels

• Formats: 4” x 6” roll-fed thermal

• Used By:

• Amazon, FedEx, USPS (direct thermal)

• Pallet labeling in warehouses

• Industrial cartons (with GS1 barcodes)

3.4 Tamper-Evident & Security Labels

• Features: VOID pattern, destructible vinyl, UV inks

• Used For:

• Electronics (tamper-evident warranty seals)

• Pharma blister packs (VOID foil)

• Medical kits (tamper label with serial number)

3.5 Promotional Labels

• Types: Peel-off, scratch-off, multi-layer (booklet)

• Used For:

• Bottled beverages (instant-win scratch panel)

• Cosmetics (rebate coupons)

• Retail (price markdowns)

3.6 Compliance & Regulatory Labels

• Examples:

• GHS for chemicals (diamond pictograms)

• Nutrition Facts for food (FDA format)

• RoHS / CE for electronics

• UL labels with serialized data (thermal transfer PET + resin ink)

4. ⚙️ Labels by Application Method

4.1 Roll Labels

• Application: Inline high-speed application (up to 500 labels/min)

• Used In:

• Bottling lines (beer, soda, water)

• Contract manufacturing (food, cosmetics)

4.2 Sheet Labels

• Used For:

• Office supply labeling (Avery 5160)

• Custom printing at point-of-sale

• Small batch orders (desktop inkjet or laser printing)

🔍 Looking for Industry-Specific Labeling?

We specialize in custom label solutions tailored to:

• Food & Beverage

• Pharma & Healthcare

• Consumer Goods

• Industrial & Chemical

• Retail & Apparel

📞 Contact our labeling experts today for material samples, adhesive tests, or design assistance.

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🌐 www.labeling-machine.com