Label Adhesive Explained: What is the Difference?

At first glance, it might seem like all Labels just stick. But depending on where and how you’re using them, choosing the right adhesive can mean the difference between a Label that stays put, one that peels off too early, or worse, one that leaves a sticky mess behind.

Whether you’re ordering A-sized Stickers for a marketing campaign, Labels on a Roll for product packaging, or branding materials for jars and bottles, there’s one detail that often gets overlooked: the adhesive.

So, what’s the difference between removable, permanent, and freezer-safe adhesives? And how do you choose the right one for your needs?

Why the Right Label Adhesive Matters

At DigitalPrintingIreland.ie, you’ll find a wide selection of custom Labels and Stickers, such as Labels on Rolls, Labels on Sheets, Custom Window Graphics, Vinyl Floor Stickers, and more. While the design, shape, and finish of your Label are all important, the adhesive layer underneath is what ensures your Label stays put.

Here’s why it matters:

• The wrong adhesive might not stick properly.
• It could peel off in cooler conditions.
• It might damage the surface it’s stuck to.
• It could leave behind residue that’s difficult to remove and ruins your product’s finish.

That’s why understanding the types of adhesives available is key to getting professional results.

1. Permanent Gloss Adhesive

Best for: Long-term Labels, product packaging, shipping labels, and branding.

Permanent Gloss Adhesives are designed to stick and stay stuck. These adhesives form a strong bond with the surface, making them ideal for Labels that need to last, such as:

• Product packaging for jars and bottles.
• Suitable for products that can be stored in the fridge.

2. Removable Adhesives

For short-term indoor display, ideal for temporary graphics, promotions and advertising onto flat surfaces. It has a 100 micron bright white film and offers up to 1 year durability.

These are ideal for:

• Temporary promotional Stickers.
• Price tags on products.
• Labels for containers or jars that will be reused or rebranded.

Removable doesn’t mean weak. These Labels still stick well but can be peeled off when needed. Just note that environmental conditions (like heat or moisture) can sometimes affect how easily they come off. Over time, even removable adhesives can become more permanent if left too long.

3. Laid Chill Grade Adhesive

If you’re producing a product that needs to be submerged in ice, like champagne or premium bottled beverages, we recommend our Laid Chill Grade Adhesive Stickers. These Labels are specifically designed for wet and chilled environments, offering high wet strength, alkali resistance, and mould protection. They’re made to stay intact and maintain their premium look even when fully immersed in ice buckets or exposed to condensation.

These stickers feature an antique white laid finish, giving your product a classic, high-end appearance. Please note that on our A-sized stickers, the backing sheet is a solid sheet rather than crackback, so you’ll need to trim or peel manually.

4. Freezer Safe Adhesive

Our Marine Grade Freezer Stickers are made from Matt White (IDP) PE (Teslin®), an advanced material that combines the printability of paper with the durability of plastic. This uncoated polyolefin film features a microporous structure that makes it both water-resistant and highly absorbent. Perfect for sharp, long-lasting Stickers. It’s soft yet strong, chemical and abrasion resistant, steam sterilisable, and designed to perform in demanding environments where standard labels fail.

With a temperature range of -30°C to +70°C and very high tack adhesion, these labels are ideal for cold, damp, or humid surfaces. They remain firmly in place even in freezing conditions and comply with BS5609 Part 2, the standard for hazardous goods labelling and seawater resistance.

How to Choose the Right Adhesive for Your Stickers and Labels

Here’s a quick checklist to help guide your decision:

What’s the surface? Smooth plastic, glass, cardboard, or metal all interact differently with adhesives.

How long should the Label stay on? Days, months, or permanently? Match the adhesive strength to your requirements.

Will the Label be removed later? If yes, opt for removable. If not, go permanent.

What environment will the label be in? Consider cold, heat, moisture, or sunlight. Freezer-safe adhesives are a must for anything frozen.

Your Label’s design may catch the eye, but it’s the adhesive that does the heavy lifting. Choosing between removable, permanent, or freezer-safe adhesive depends on your product’s surface, purpose, and environment.