As a leading manufacturer of self-adhesive labels, we understand that selecting the right label is no easy task.

Customers often ask:

Why do some labels stick firmly and last, while others easily peel off?

Why do labels turn white at low temperatures and tend to curl at high temperatures?

The key lies in the proper compatibility between materials and adhesives. Selecting the right combination ensures stable performance and secure adhesion of labels across various environments.

From a production standpoint, we systematically outline the rationale for selecting self-adhesive labels, helping you make optimal choices based on actual usage scenarios, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve a win-win outcome in both performance and cost.

1. Material Selection: Determine the "outer appearance" of the label based on the usage environment

Label materials, much like their 'outer appearance,' directly impact durability, print quality, and overall cost. Here are the key features and typical applications of common materials:

1. Copperplate paper / Matte paper

-Features: Economical and practical, with vibrant printed colors; the matte paper surface is anti-reflective and scratch-resistant.

-Applicable to: daily necessities labels, electronic product labels, warehouse signage, and other indoor environments.

-Recommendation: For short-term use (e.g., promotional labels), 80–100g coated paper is recommended; for long-term adhesion or exposure to moisture, film protection is advised.

2. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film

-Features: Wide temperature tolerance range (-40°C to 150°C), tear-resistant, waterproof, and oil-resistant, available in high transparency or multiple colors.

-Applicable to scenarios requiring high durability, such as cosmetic bottles, outdoor equipment labels, and chemical tank markings.

3. PVC (synthetic plastic)

-Features: Soft texture, foldable, available in transparent, white or metallic finishes.

-Applicable to: Electrical appliance labels, detergent bottle labels, anti-counterfeiting labels, etc., for applications requiring curvature or special visual effects.

4. Synthetic paper (PP/PE)

-Features: Water-resistant and tensile-resistant, with superior overall performance compared to ordinary paper, and typically more affordable than PET.

-Applicable to logistics waybills, outdoor signage, equipment labels, and other applications requiring both cost-effectiveness and weather resistance.

5. Special paper (e.g., kraft paper, fragile paper)

-Features: Kraft paper offers a natural vintage texture; fragile paper has low strength and tears easily, providing strong anti-counterfeiting properties.

-Applicable to: high-end food packaging, anti-tampering labels for electronic products, cultural and creative labels, etc.

II. Adhesive Selection: The Core System for Ensuring "Sticky and Clean" Labels

Adhesive serves as the "core system" of labels, determining their initial tackiness, durability, and removal properties. Selecting the wrong adhesive may cause labels to peel off, leave residue, or damage the surface being labeled.

1. permanent glue

-Initial adhesive strength is high, with a tendency for residual adhesive residue during removal.

-Suitable for applications requiring long-term fixation, such as electronic product labels and appliance stickers.

2. Removable adhesive

-Minimal residue upon peeling, allowing repeated application without surface damage.

-Ideal for promotional labels, temporary signage, and exhibition stickers in short-term applications.

3. high temperature resistant adhesive

-Tolerates temperature variations from-30°C to 200°C, maintaining viscosity even under high-temperature or thermal cycling conditions.

-Commonly used for labels of automotive components, high-temperature sterilized medical devices, etc.

4. Freeze-dried gel

-Resistant to embrittlement in low-temperature environments, maintaining excellent initial and holding adhesion properties.

-Suitable for low-temperature applications such as frozen food packaging and cold chain logistics container labels.

III. Other Key Considerations

1. Printing Method

-Simple text and color blocks: Choose letterpress printing for lower costs.

-High-definition images and gradient colors: Digital printing or flexographic printing is recommended for more refined color reproduction.

2. Dimensions and Shape

-Standard rectangular labels can be cut directly, while irregular-shaped labels (e.g., circular or perforated designs) require custom blade molds. For small-batch orders, cost and delivery time must be carefully balanced.

3. Surface Treatment

-Coatings (polished or matte) or UV protection can significantly enhance a label's water resistance, scratch resistance, and durability, making them ideal for outdoor or high-friction environments.

Selecting the right self-adhesive label is fundamentally about achieving optimal synergy between application scenarios and technical requirements. As a manufacturer with end-to-end production capabilities, we not only provide standardized products but also deliver customized solutions that integrate material selection, adhesive formulations, and manufacturing processes—tailored to your specific operational environment, surface conditions, and budget constraints.

If you have any questions about label selection, please feel free to contact us. Fengyuan Packaging is committed to being your trusted technical partner for labels.