Labels--Self-Adhesive

Self-adhesive labels are individual sticky labels that can be applied to various surfaces and items.

Labels have many uses such as product identification, name tags, advertising, warnings, and other forms of communication. Self-adhesive labels are manufactured using pressure sensitive adhesives, which are commonly made from water based acrylic adhesives, with a smaller volume made using solvent based adhesives and hot melt adhesives. The most common adhesive types are permanent, peelable, ultra-peelable, freezer fix, high tack and static cling. Label stock can be made from paper or synthetic materials as required.

Self-adhesive labels can be purchased blank as a stationery item, or printed from a label printing service. As a stationery item, self-adhesive labels are available in both sheet and roll form and come in a huge range of sizes. Label sizes are standardised across most suppliers, particularly for sheet labels, which are designed to be used in laser and four-colour process printers and copiers. Most office productivity software will come preloaded with standard label sizes, in much the same manners as typographic fonts also come preloaded. Templates designed for use with label sheets are also commonly found preloaded.

Specialist self-adhesive label and sticker printing services will often manufacture their own label stock and will provide sales, design and label printing services. Label stocks available include matt, semi-gloss, high gloss, fluorescent, reflective, void, vinyl, plastic, polypropylene, polyester mylar, and clear vinyl.