Self-adhesive labels can be categorized by material type. The most common are paper labels, which are low-cost, easy to print, and offer a wide range of colors, making them suitable for short-term use, product identification, or price tags. However, their water resistance, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance are relatively weak. Synthetic material labels include polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE). These labels are water-resistant, tear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, suitable for long-term use, outdoor environments, or industrial settings. In addition, there are special material labels, such as metallic film labels, thermal film labels, and fluorescent material labels, which can meet the needs of high temperatures, chemical corrosion resistance, or special visual effects.
Self-adhesive labels can be divided into three categories: permanent adhesive, removable adhesive, and reusable adhesive. Permanent adhesives have strong adhesion and are difficult to remove once applied, suitable for long-term fixed product identification or safety warning labels. Removable adhesives leave no residue when removed, making them convenient for replacement or temporary labeling. Reusable adhesives can be applied multiple times without affecting performance and are commonly used for office, document management, or temporary labeling needs. The choice of adhesive layer directly affects the adhesion and lifespan of the label in different environments; therefore, careful selection based on the intended use is necessary in practical applications.
Self-adhesive labels can also be categorized by function and purpose, including logistics labels, barcode labels, price tags, product information labels, warning labels, industrial equipment labels, and pharmaceutical labels. Logistics labels are used in express delivery, warehousing, and distribution to enable rapid scanning and information tracking; barcode labels are used for product management, inventory management, or identification of electronic devices; price tags are used in the retail industry to indicate prices and promotional information; industrial equipment labels and warning labels are mostly used for identifying machinery or hazardous materials, and typically require resistance to high temperatures, chemical corrosion, or abrasion.
