Knowledge Center

Material Guide

Label Adhesive Types Guide

Choose adhesive by how permanent the bond must be, the container surface and the temperature the label must survive.

Label adhesive types comparison diagram
Adhesive type decides how the label bonds, releases and survives temperature and surface conditions.

Quick Answer

Label adhesive is chosen by bond strength, tack, temperature range and the container surface. Permanent adhesives hold firmly, removable adhesives peel cleanly, and specialty adhesives handle cold, heat or rough surfaces. The right adhesive keeps the label attached through the product's life without leaving residue or falling off.

Adhesive Types Compared

Permanent
Strong permanent bond for most product labels; not meant to be removed.
Removable
Peels cleanly without residue for temporary labels, price tags and promotions.
Hot melt
Fast-bonding, low cost, good for cartons and standard temperature ranges.
Water-based
General purpose, economical, good for paper labels at normal temperatures.
Solvent-based
Strong adhesion on difficult or low-energy surfaces and wider temperature range.
Cold temperature
Stays bonded in freezers and cold storage for food and logistics labels.

Key Selection Factors

  • Bond permanence: permanent, removable or repositionable.
  • Tack: how quickly it grabs on contact, matters for fast labeling lines.
  • Temperature range: cold storage, freezer or heat exposure.
  • Container surface: glass, PET, HDPE, cardboard or rough surfaces.
  • Moisture and condensation: important for beverages and cold products.
  • Residue: whether the label must peel without leaving glue behind.

Adhesive Selection Diagram

Label adhesive selection diagram by bond, temperature and surface
Work from bond permanence through temperature and surface to the right adhesive.

Buying Checklist

  • Label use and whether removal is needed
  • Container material and surface energy
  • Temperature and moisture conditions
  • Tack needed for the labeling line speed
  • Residue or clean-removal requirement

FAQ

What is the difference between permanent and removable adhesive?

Permanent adhesive holds firmly and is not meant to be removed, while removable adhesive peels cleanly without leaving residue.

Why do labels fall off cold bottles?

The adhesive may not be rated for condensation or low temperature. Choose a cold-temperature adhesive matched to the surface.

What does tack mean?

Tack is how quickly the adhesive grabs on contact. Fast labeling lines need enough initial tack to hold the label in place.

Does adhesive affect die cutting and slitting?

Yes. Soft adhesives flow under pressure and can build up on blades, so adhesive choice also affects converting quality.

What information should I send before asking for a quotation?

Send the container material, surface, temperature, moisture conditions and whether the label must be removable.

Ask an Engineer

Not sure which adhesive fits your labels?

Send us your container material, surface, temperature and moisture conditions. MWELLPACK can help you choose the right adhesive.

Ask an Engineer Send Your Container and Surface Data

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