What is a label?

The Oxford dictionary defines a label as "a small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it." In the adhesive industry, labels are functional: they identify, mark or give information about a product or object. Design matters, but clear information comes first.

Labels are usually:

• Used for packaging, product identification or logistics

• Delivered on sheets or rolls, not as individual pieces

• Made for fast application, by hand or by machine

What labels communicate

• Product names and branding

• Ingredient lists or nutritional information

• Instructions, warnings or regulatory details

• Barcodes and tracking details

• Organization or inventory information for storage, sorting or logistics

Labels are function-first. They have to be easy to read, easy to apply and durable enough for the product's lifecycle. Read more in What is the difference between a label and a sticker?

Labels are used in nearly every industry. Common examples:

• Product identification: names, ingredients and nutritional information, for example on bottle labels and jar labels

• Function: resealable labels, barcodes, QR codes and inventory tags, see barcode labels

• Decoration and personalization: decorative details on products or packages

• Branding and marketing: logos, slogans and promotional information, see brand labels

• Logistics and inventory: tracking, packing and asset management in warehouses and shipping

• Safety and compliance: warnings, instructions and tamper-evident seals

• Organization: clear identification of items

Businesses rely on labels for packaging and a consistent brand.

Labels have the same basic layers as stickers, but the materials and finishes are made for packaging, readability and fast application.

1. Finish (top layer)

The protective layer over the print. Label finishes are thinner and more flexible than sticker finishes, so labels follow packaging smoothly and can be applied quickly.

• Varnish (gloss or matte): light protection, cost-efficient, common for product labels

• Laminate (gloss or matte): stronger protection against water, oil, chemicals and abrasion

• Uncoated: no protective layer, used for dry goods, short-lifecycle labels or when cost matters most

Read more in What's the difference between varnish and laminate?

2. Design (print layer)

The printed artwork and information. Most labels are printed in CMYK or Pantone for accurate, consistent colours. White ink is used on transparent, metallic or special materials for opacity, contrast and readability.

Labels often include:

• Product information

• Ingredients and nutritional facts

• Barcodes or QR codes

• Regulatory icons

• Safety warnings

• Batch numbers and dates

Special finishes such as spot varnish or foil can be added to lift the branding or highlight key information.

3. Material (base film)

The base material gives the label its look, flexibility and durability. Common materials:

• PP (polypropylene)

• PE (polyethylene)

• PET (polyethylene terephthalate)

• Paper, for indoor use, dry goods or cost-efficient labels

Each material has different strengths, environmental properties and uses. Label materials are usually thinner and more flexible than sticker materials, so they apply smoothly to packaging and work in fast application. See our label materials.

4. Adhesive

A pressure-sensitive adhesive chosen for the surface and environment.

• Hi-tack: high-strength adhesive for textured, curved or low-energy surfaces

• Permanent: the industry standard, medium strength, for most packaging and product labels

• Low-tack (removable): low-strength adhesive for temporary or repositionable labels

Some uses need special adhesives, such as freezer-safe or food-safe formulas.

5. Backing liner

The layer that covers the adhesive until you apply the label. Labels are usually delivered on sheets or rolls for manual or machine application. The liner's material, thickness and release coating are chosen to match the production and application method. Terms are explained in the Dictionary.

Labels are functional adhesive products that identify, organise and communicate important details about products and packaging. Clear information is what they are for, and they are used by small businesses and large companies alike. Order them as Labels on Roll or Labels on Sheet.