Pressure-Sensitive Label Suppliers & Manufacturers

Label facestock materials and adhesive types

Pressure-sensitive labels (PSL), also called self-adhesive labels, are the most widely used label format for product packaging globally — applied to bottles, cans, jars, packaging pouches, and cartons without heat or water. A pressure-sensitive label consists of three layers: the facestock (the printable front layer), the adhesive, and the release liner (the silicone-coated backing paper that is removed before application). Facestock materials determine print quality, durability, and end-use performance. Paper facestocks are the most economical and widely used for food and beverage labels — available in coated and uncoated grades, with gloss and matte surface finishes. Paper labels are suitable for dry ambient applications but should not be used in wet or freezer environments without wet-strength treatment or a protective varnish. Film facestocks (PP, PE, BOPP, PET) provide superior moisture resistance, durability, clarity, and flexibility — and are the standard for: clear (no-label-look) labels, waterproof labels for beverage and personal care, freezer labels, and wraparound labels. BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) is the most commonly used film facestock for beverage labels. Adhesive types are: permanent adhesives (the standard for most product labels — bonds firmly and is difficult to remove without tearing); removable adhesives (bonds firmly in normal conditions but can be cleanly removed — for price labels, promotional labels, and applications where relabelling is needed); ultra-removable (repositionable) adhesives; deep-freeze adhesives (maintaining adhesion at temperatures down to -40°C); and high-temperature adhesives (for products that are heat-processed after labelling — autoclave, pasteurisation).