How to Pick the Right Label Adhesive for Your Business

Label adhesive types matter more than most people think. If you’ve ever peeled off a label and it left a sticky mess—or worse, one that didn’t stick at all—you already know the frustration. 

Picking the right adhesive comes down to one simple thing: knowing what the label’s going on and how long it needs to stay there.

Let’s break down the label adhesive options, real-world use cases, and how to find the one that works for your business without the guesswork.

What Label Adhesives Are—and Why Picking the Right One Matters

A label is only as good as how well it sticks (and how easily it comes off—when that’s the goal). The adhesive is the layer that determines if your label stays through a freezer cycle, comes off clean when a sale ends, or rinses away without scrubbing. It’s not one-size-fits-all.

Problems Caused by the Wrong Adhesive

• Removable labels used for long-term storage fall off in coolers or in transit.
  
• Permanent labels on reusable containers leave glue behind that’s tough to clean.
  
• Standard adhesives in freezers crack and peel—wasting product and time.
  
• Incorrect adhesives on deli containers can lead to cross-contact or missed dates.
  

The Four Most Common Types of Label Adhesive

Permanent: When You Need a Label That Won’t Budge

Permanent adhesive is made to stick and stay. It’s the go-to for product labeling, shipping, retail shelf tags, and anything that shouldn’t come off mid-use.

Good for:

• Boxes in transit
  
• Packaging you don’t plan to reuse
  
• Inventory items that stay put
  

Heads-up: These are tough to remove—don’t use them on anything you’ll want to relabel later.

Removable: Easy-On, Easy-Off Without the Mess

Removable adhesives hold securely, but peel off when you’re ready. They’re perfect for short-term tags, temporary instructions, or price changes.

Good for:

• Retail tags that need to change
  
• Short promotions
  
• Office or warehouse signage
  
• Light-use containers
  

Tip: Store removable label rolls flat and cool—heat or humidity can make even “removable” labels act permanent.

Freezer-Safe: Made to Stick Through Cold and Moisture

These adhesives are built to hold tight even in sub-zero temps or high humidity. They bond quickly to plastic, metal, and glass—even when surfaces are slightly damp.

Good for:

• Meal prep
  
• Cold storage bins
  
• Protein packs or frozen goods
  
• Outdoor walk-in labeling
  

Tip: Make sure surfaces are wiped dry before applying—even freezer adhesive needs a clean start to hold long-term.

Dissolvable: Labels That Vanish in Water

Dissolvable adhesive is exactly what it sounds like—it dissolves completely in water. That makes it ideal for reusable containers in busy kitchens where scrubbing sticky residue slows everything down.

Good for:

• Commercial kitchen food prep
  
• School and healthcare cafeterias
  
• Deli pans and bins
  
• Reusable jars or trays
  

Tip: Dissolvable labels work best on smooth containers (plastic, glass, stainless). Avoid putting them on oily or textured surfaces.

How to Know Which Adhesive Type Fits Your Workflow

Match the Label to the Surface and Conditions

Some adhesives grip best to cardboard. Others are built for slick plastic or cold metal. The best way to avoid failure is to match the adhesive to the surface and setting.

Ask:

• Will this label be exposed to cold, heat, or water?
  
• Does the surface need to be reused or cleaned later?
  
• Will this label be handled, moved, or shipped?
  

Think About Cleanup, Reuse, and Storage Temperatures

If your team’s relabeling bins every shift or washing trays between uses, removable or dissolvable labels are your best bet. For long-term storage or anything moving through a supply chain, stick to permanent or freezer-safe options.

A Quick Side By Side Comparison:

A Simple Fix for Labels That Don’t Stick—or Stick Too Well

Wrong label for the job? It’s one of the top reasons kitchens and stores waste time and supplies. A freezer label used on dry goods might be overkill. A permanent label used on a deli tray can slow cleanup. Switching to the right adhesive is often the fastest fix.

A Helpful Next Step

If your labels aren’t sticking—or they’re sticking too well—you’re not alone. Choosing the right adhesive can save a ton of time and frustration in any setting, whether you’re labeling prep containers, packaging products, or running a retail shelf reset.

If you’re unsure which adhesive fits your exact use case, we can help you sort it out. Just send a quick note through our label help contact page, and someone from our team will point you in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between permanent and removable labels?

Permanent labels are made to stay put and are tough to remove. Removable labels stick firmly but can be peeled off cleanly without leaving a mess. Choose based on how long the label needs to stay and whether the surface is reusable.

Do freezer labels work on damp containers?

Yes—freezer-safe adhesives are designed for cold, sometimes slightly damp surfaces. Just make sure containers are as dry as possible before applying to get the best seal.

Can dissolvable labels go in a commercial dishwasher?

They can. Most dissolve completely during a standard wash cycle with no scrubbing required. That’s why kitchens use them for rotation bins, prep trays, and reusable containers.

What label adhesive works best for plastic vs. glass?

For plastic, freezer-safe or permanent adhesives usually bond best. Glass works well with most adhesives but shows residue more—so use removable or dissolvable labels when appearance matters.

Can I get a label that doesn’t leave any sticky residue?

Yes—removable labels are designed to peel off cleanly. If you want labels that wash off entirely, go with dissolvable. Both options leave surfaces clean and ready to reuse.