Self-Adhesive vs Non-Adhesive Labels Comparison

Labels are crucial with respect to any scene of modern packaging, logistics, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and many other industries. They are used for designating products, providing directions, identification, traceability, compliance, and more; it is hard to imagine the scale at which labels will be used in society within two, five, or ten years from now. That being said, not all labels are created equal.

One aspect of label types that is important to understand is how labels can be made to adhere or not to adhere to surfaces (non-adhesive). Understanding the difference between adhesive labels and non-adhesive labels is vitally important when choosing a label that fits a specific application.

In this blog, we shall explore the differences between adhesive and non-adhesive labels and how they make product identification easier in various industries.

Adhesive Labels: A Brief Overview

The main feature of adhesive labels is the sticky backing that can stick to a wide range of surfaces. These labels are one of the most common types of labels seen around. They are stuck to all kinds of product packaging, from food packaging to medical supplies, as well as electronics.

The typical structure of an adhesive label is made up of three layers: the face stock, that has information printed on it; an adhesive layer that is covered in an adhesive to stick the label on any surface and a release liner, which is the layer that is taken off before the label is applied and whose main purpose is to protect the adhesive and keep its bonding power preserved by covering it from external environment.

Types of Adhesive Labels and How They Work

The adhesive layers can be classified into three types based on the adhesive type. The most common adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that bonds to a surface once physical pressure is applied by pressing the label physically. No heat treatment or solvent is required to make the labels stick. Such labels are used in general packaging carton and mailing deliveries.

Then there is the category of heat-activated adhesives. Such adhesive labels need a specific temperature to make them stick to the surface. Repositionable adhesives are another class of adhesives that can be moved and attached to another location without spoiling the surface.

Why Adhesive Labels Are Ideal for Fast and Flexible Use

What really makes these adhesives a convenient labeling option is that they can be applied instantly without requiring any lengthy treatment. Such instant bonding is a perfect fit for fast-paced production lines and manufacturing setups where time matters a lot for producing a high output of finished products. Another reason why adhesive labels are widely preferred is that they can bond with a diverse variety of surfaces like glass, plastic, metal, and cardboard.

Applications of Adhesive Labels

Adhesive labels are a labeling solution for a wide range of industrial sectors, such as retail, where these labels are used to stick barcodes and pricing for product identification. In the supply chain, such labels are used for inventory management and order tracking during shipping. Another important sector that makes frequent use of adhesive labels is the healthcare industry.

Adhesive labels are used for labeling test samples and patient identification. Keeping track of the medication cycle in treatment also involves the use of adhesive labels. In manufacturing setups, adhesive labels are used to track products and compliance labelling.

All adhesive labels are not the same, and the bonding adhesive differs from one industry to another. A specialized self-adhesive label supplier for a particular industry produces labels that stay stuck for a longer time, and these labels are made to be waterproof and capable of withstanding high temperatures. So, the adhesive labels are customized according to industry usage.

Non-Adhesive Labels: A Brief Overview

Non-adhesive labels have one major difference compared to adhesive ones, and that is that they lack a sticky backing. These labels are attached to the products by fastening or wrapping. Some common types of non-adhesive labels are tags, sleeves, and tickets. Non-adhesive labels are made from card, paper, or synthetic material and are only used for labeling those products where adhesive labeling is not needed.

These labels are usually put into gift box packaging. Or they are fastened by passing a cord through a hole. Non-adhesive labels, which are fastened, can easily be removed or fastened to another location if needed. Hence, they are suited for products in which labeling needs to be changed frequently, such as clothes, industrial parts, etc.

Applications of Non-adhesive Labels

Clients of a non-adhesive label supplier are usually in the retail and apparel industries, where tags fastened by a string or plastic fastener are used to convey pricing, branding, and care information. Since these items are normally removed by the customer after purchase, it is a very practical and economical alternative. Non-adhesive labels are also used in horticulture, where wrap-around tags identify plants and shrubs without damaging them. For more on specialty plant labeling and QR code use, check out our detailed blog on fruit label codes.

In industry and logistics, non-adhesive labels are often used to keep track of parts and components that might pass through multiple stages of production. The label can be taken off, reapplied, or transferred to another part of the system without affecting the good itself. This versatility is separately advantageous in cases where components must be kept clean or free from adhesives for technical or regulatory purposes.

Comparison Between Adhesive and Non-Adhesive Labels

The most apparent difference between adhesive and non-adhesive labels occurs in how they stick to surfaces. Adhesive labels use a sticky backing to adhere to a surface, whereas non-adhesive labels need some sort of mechanical fastening or insertion. These conditions affect the methods of application, the cost, and the suitability in specific environments.

Being quick and permanent in application, adhesive labels can serve their purpose in situations where labels are to be secured in any condition. They can be applied with automated labeling machines for high-speed production. On the other hand, non-adhesive labels are applied where some degree of reusability, removability, or non-permanence is required. These processes are often manual or semi-automated so as to give a level of flexibility not always offered by adhesive labels.

For food and beverage labeling, adhesive labels can be designed for harsh environments and extended permanence, while non-adhesive options may suffer from more wear and tear or exposure unless they are especially treated. Nevertheless, this removability can be beneficial when assessing returnable containers or reusable assets.

Cost Efficiency

Cost considerations also come into play when assessing adhesive and non-adhesive labels. Adhesive labels, on average, have higher material costs associated with the use of adhesive and liner, and carrying an extra responsibility for careful handling and storage to avoid problems of sticking. But these labels are widely preferred by manufacturing industries as they are compatible with automated label application systems and can be slapped on easily on the product by the machine.

Non-adhesive labels have a much different construction, and since their attachment mechanism is completely different, they require manual effort to fasten, which may take time. These labels also need to be made of a more long-lasting material. But we cannot compare the costs of these two label types as they are used in widely different industrial sectors where the production scale and output are not comparable, and the storage conditions also vary quite a lot.

Environmental and Sustainability Factors

As environmental concerns come more to the forefront in people’s lives, organizations, too, are becoming more aware of sustainability as a part of their labelling decisions. Laminated adhesive labels become contributors to pollution because these labels are difficult to recycle. The synthetic liners make recycling a difficult task. But with technological advancements, some label manufacturers have started producing linerless variants that do not help minimize the carbon footprint.

While non-adhesive labels perform better than adhesive in this regard, as long as they are made from recyclable or biodegradable materials and can be removed without causing damage, it is far easier to rededicate containers/products to other uses with a non-adhesive label that does not require the use of adhesive (bonus!).

The only question is whether the non-adhesive labelling system will add additional environmental costs, as you will be looking at the use of extra fasteners or tag of some type (and you need to consider if that fastener or tag will also go to waste and/or littering?)

Conclusion

Each label type, adhesive and non-adhesive, approaches an adaptation with unique advantages, and the decision of which to use will depend largely on the application, environment, and operational requirements. Adhesive labels provide the advantage of conveniently, quickly, and permanently labelling for a variety of industries. Non-adhesive labels offer the flexibility of reuse and residue-free options, so changes or temporary identification are available for an item that would be subject to changing its label.

Knowing the basic variations allows for taking a more experiential approach together to look at reducing costs and potential duplication in work, improving efficiencies, or meeting regulatory or customer demands. Label technology is always changing, so exploring the optimal labelled item will always continue to exist, but the choice between adhesive or non-adhesive type label will always be the primary step involving the product and workflow optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between adhesive and non-adhesive labels?

Adhesive labels have a sticky backing that allows them to stick directly to surfaces, while non-adhesive labels require mechanical attachment, such as tying or inserting. If you're sourcing tags or inserts for reusable packaging, consider working with a non-adhesive label supplier who can provide durable and customizable options.

Can I get customized self-adhesive labels for my brand?

Yes, many manufacturers offer customized self-adhesive labels tailored to your brand’s needs. These can include specific shapes, materials, finishes, and print designs to enhance product appearance and meet functional requirements like waterproofing or tamper evidence.

Which industries benefit most from non-adhesive labels?

Industries such as apparel, horticulture, and logistics often use non-adhesive labels due to their flexibility and removability. A reliable exporter can help businesses in these sectors find solutions that match their product handling and identification needs.