Differences in adhesives used in self-adhesive labels: acrylic adhesive vs. rubber, permanent vs. removable

Self-adhesive labels, also known as stickers or decals, play a pivotal role in today’s world of packaging and product labeling. One of the key components of these labels is the adhesive that allows for the secure attachment of the label to packaging or products. There are various types of adhesives used in self-adhesive labels, but two of the most popular ones are acrylic and rubber-based adhesives. Additionally, adhesives can be categorized as either permanent or removable, depending on whether the label is intended to be permanently affixed or easily removed. In this article, we will discuss these differences and their impact on the selection of the appropriate adhesive for specific applications.

Acrylic adhesives vs. rubber adhesives

Acrylic adhesives:

Acrylic adhesives are widely employed in self-adhesive labels due to their unique properties. Here are some of their key characteristics:

1. Durability: Acrylic adhesives offer greater durability than rubber adhesives. They withstand exposure to environmental factors, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
2. Chemistry: Acrylic adhesives are based on acrylic chemistry, meaning they contain chemicals that, once cured, become durable and resistant to changes.
3. Adhesion to various surfaces: Acrylic adhesives have the ability to adhere to various types of surfaces, including plastics, metal, glass, and paper.
4. Resistance to aging: Acrylic adhesives resist aging, meaning they maintain their adhesive properties over an extended period.

Rubber adhesives:

Rubber-based adhesives are another popular choice in self-adhesive label production. Here are some of their key characteristics:

1. Flexibility: Rubber adhesives are flexible, remaining pliable even after curing. This makes them ideal for labels on surfaces prone to movement or deformation.
2. Good adhesion to porous materials: Rubber adhesives adhere well to porous materials like paper and cardboard.
3. Ease of removal: Rubber adhesives are relatively easy to remove, making them suitable for labels that may need to be changed or removed without leaving adhesive residue.
4. Cold temperature applications: Rubber adhesives retain their adhesive properties in low temperatures, making them suitable for labels on products stored in refrigerated or frozen conditions.

Permanent adhesives vs. removable adhesives

Permanent adhesives:

Permanent adhesives are designed for the secure attachment of labels to packaging or products. Here are some of their key characteristics:

1. Durability: Permanent adhesives are strong and long-lasting, ensuring that the label will not detach or be easily removed.
2. Longevity: These adhesives are formulated to maintain label attachment over an extended period, even in challenging conditions.
3. Resistance to moisture and environmental factors: Permanent adhesives are often resistant to moisture and environmental factors, making them suitable for outdoor applications.

Removable adhesives:

Removable adhesives are designed for temporary label attachment. Here are some of their key characteristics:

1. Ease of removal: Removable adhesives allow for easy label removal without leaving adhesive residue or damaging the surface.
2. Quick changes: Using removable adhesives facilitates quick label changes, which is useful for seasonal products or promotions.
3. Surface-friendly: Removable adhesives are gentler on surfaces, ensuring that they do not harm the underlying material during removal.

Choosing the right adhesive

Selecting the appropriate adhesive for self-adhesive labels depends on various factors, including the type of material on which the label will be placed, environmental conditions, desired longevity, and the intended application (permanent or temporary). It’s advisable to consult with a label manufacturer or adhesive specialist to choose the adhesive that best suits a specific application.

Conclusion

Adhesives in self-adhesive labels play a crucial role in securely attaching labels to products and packaging. The choice between acrylic and rubber-based adhesives, as well as between permanent and removable adhesives, has a significant impact on the final outcome. Considering the adhesive type for a specific application allows label manufacturers to meet customer expectations and ensure labels perform as intended. The differences in adhesives offer flexibility, enabling self-adhesive labels to be a versatile tool in today’s world of packaging and product labeling.