Understanding Barcode Label Adhesives: Choosing the Right Adhesive
Posted by Midwest Barcoding Solutions on Feb 20th 2025
The Importance of Thermal Labels in Every Industry
Thermal Labels are an integral part of nearly every industry, serving applications in retail, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and beyond. These labels are used for inventory tracking, shipping, asset management, and compliance labeling. However, one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of barcode labels is their adhesive. The right adhesive ensures that labels remain securely attached, even in the most challenging conditions.
While labels are expected to stick, not all surfaces and labeling environments are the same. Selecting the right barcode label adhesive requires consideration of various factors such as:
Application Surface Temperature Conditions |
Exposure to Elements Duration of Adhesion |
Understanding these factors is essential to ensure a successful labeling outcome and to prevent issues like label peeling, detachment, or degradation over time.
Common Barcode Label Adhesives and Their Applications
Barcode label adhesives are available in different formulations to meet specific application needs. Below are the most commonly used types:
Permanent Acrylic Adhesive Best For: Considerations: Removable Adhesive Best For: Considerations: Repositionable Adhesive Best For: Considerations: |
All-Temp Adhesive Best For: Considerations: Freezer Adhesive Best For: Considerations: High Tack Adhesive Best For: Considerations: |
Tamper-Evident Adhesive Best For: Considerations: Void Adhesive Best For: Considerations: Opaque Adhesive Best For: Considerations: |
Finding the Right Label and Adhesive Combination
Most barcode label manufacturers offer standard labels using permanent acrylic adhesives, as they cover a broad range of applications. However, specialized adhesives, such as high tack, freezer, or tamper-evident, often have more limited size and format availability. If a specific combination of label size, format (printer core size), and adhesive does not exist off-the-shelf, custom manufacturing is the best solution.
Midwest Barcoding Solutions is one of the nation’s leaders in custom barcode labeling solutions, offering tailored label designs and adhesives to meet unique industry requirements.
Ensure the Right Adhesive for Your Needs
When choosing a barcode label, it is essential to consider the environment and the challenges the adhesive must overcome. Factors like surface material, temperature fluctuations, exposure to elements, and label longevity all impact adhesion success.
Selecting the correct thermal label adhesive ensures labels remain affixed for the duration required while preventing unnecessary failures such as peeling or falling off. Whether using a standard permanent adhesive or a high-performance specialty adhesive, knowing your labeling environment is the key to ensuring a successful and reliable labeling outcome.
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