For small and medium-sized eCommerce sellers, choosing the right shipping label adhesive can significantly impact operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re shipping fragile products, food items, or general merchandise, the adhesive on your shipping label determines how well the label stays in place—and how easily it can be removed if necessary. This article will help you understand the differences between permanent, high-tack, and removable adhesives so you can make the best choice for your business.Thermal Labels Suppliers
Why Adhesive Type Matters for eCommerce
Labels aren’t just about identification—they’re a critical part of your fulfillment process. A label that falls off during transit can delay delivery or cause the package to be lost. One that’s too sticky might damage packaging when removed or leave behind unsightly residue.
The adhesive type you choose needs to align with:
- The type of packaging surface
- The shipping environment (cold, hot, humid)
- The duration of the shipment
- Whether the label needs to be removed or not
Let’s explore the three main adhesive types and their best use cases.
Permanent Adhesive Labels
What Are They?
Permanent adhesive labels are designed to stick securely to surfaces and stay put. Once applied, they’re not meant to be removed without damage to the label or the surface.
Best Use Cases:
- Standard cardboard boxes
- Plastic poly mailers
- Product labels that don’t require removal
Pros:
- Strong hold on various surfaces
- Resistant to moisture and temperature changes
- Budget-friendly for general shipping needs
Cons:
- Difficult to remove without residue or tearing
- Not ideal for temporary labeling or returns
Best For:
Small businesses with predictable, standard packaging processes.
High-Tack Adhesive Labels
What Are They?
High-tack adhesives provide a more aggressive bond than standard permanent adhesives. They’re designed for challenging surfaces like rough cardboard, textured plastics, and cold or damp packaging.
Best Use Cases:
- Rough kraft boxes
- Cold chain shipping (frozen or refrigerated products)
- Outdoor packages exposed to moisture
Pros:
- Extra-strong adhesion
- Performs well in extreme environments (cold, humid, dirty)
- Ideal for industrial and food shipping
Cons:
- Higher cost than standard permanent adhesive
- Overkill for basic needs
Best For:
Sellers shipping in challenging environments—such as frozen foods or outdoor equipment.
Removable Adhesive Labels
What Are They?
Removable adhesives are engineered to stick securely but still allow for easy, clean removal without leaving residue or damaging the surface.
Why Are Removable Thermal Shipping Labels Still in Demand?
It’s true that permanent adhesive is the most commonly used for thermal shipping labels—after all, shipping usually requires the label to stay affixed securely on boxes, bags, or envelopes. But removable adhesive thermal labels also have their place in the market. Here are several practical scenarios and real business needs where they shine:
✅ 1. Return Shipping Labels
Many eCommerce platforms (Amazon, eBay, Etsy) require return labels to be included in the package—but these labels shouldn’t be affixed in advance.
- Removable thermal labels can be pre-printed and enclosed in the package.
- Customers apply them only when needed—no sticky residue left behind.
- Some workflows require removing the return label after processing.
✅ 2. Temporary Sorting or Internal Use
In warehousing or logistics centers, packages are often temporarily marked (e.g., “priority”, “inspection pending”).
- Removable labels are ideal for this—no damage or residue on packaging.
- Especially useful for industries like cosmetics or food, where appearance matters.
✅ 3. Cold Storage and Temperature-Controlled Shipping
In cold chain logistics, labels may be applied to specialty surfaces like stainless steel or reusable plastic bins.
- Removable labels can be used for temporary records or batch tracking.
- After delivery, they can be removed without damaging the container.
✅ 4. Premium Packaging Needs
Examples include:
- Luxury goods packaging: Labels used during logistics but must be removed to preserve appearance.
- Reusable totes and bins: Labels should not leave residue for the next use.
✅ 5. In-Store Retail Operations
Some brick-and-mortar retailers (grocery stores, convenience shops) use thermal printers for shelf tags and promo labels.
- For flash sales or temporary promos, labels must be removed quickly and cleanly.
- Works well on smooth retail surfaces like glass and plastic.
? Summary: Who Buys Removable Shipping Labels?
Industry Typical Use Case eCommerce Return labels, temporary pick-and-pack Warehousing Temporary instructions or sorting marks Cold Chain Transport tags, temp logs Retail Promotional/shelf labels Luxury Packaging Non-marking shipping label solutions
? Recommendation: Betckey Removable Thermal Shipping Labels
If you need this functionality, check out Betckey’s line of removable adhesive thermal labels:
- Residue-free, compatible with Zebra/Dymo/Brother thermal printers.
- Suitable for return processing, temporary ID, cold chain applications.
- BPA Free and safe, ideal for health-conscious sectors.
How to Choose the Right Adhesive for Your Shipping Labels
1. Consider Your Packaging Material
Different materials interact with adhesives in different ways. Smooth plastic mailers may work with permanent adhesives, but rough cardboard might need high-tack labels.
2. Evaluate the Shipping Environment
Is your package likely to be exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, or dirt? High-tack adhesives perform better in these environments.
3. Think About Label Removal
If the label is meant to be peeled off easily (e.g., return labels or temporary use), removable adhesives are the best option.
4. Weigh Cost vs. Performance
High-tack adhesives may cost more, but they prevent label failure on tricky surfaces. Permanent adhesives are a solid budget choice for standard needs.
5. Test Before Scaling
Always test different adhesive types with your actual packaging before placing a large order. Look for signs of peeling, tearing, or hard-to-remove residue.
Why Small eCommerce Brands Should Care
In a competitive eCommerce landscape, packaging and delivery are part of your brand experience. Choosing the right adhesive not only avoids logistical problems but also makes your packaging appear more professional.
For example:
- A well-placed, high-quality label on a poly mailer builds confidence.
- A return label that peels off easily improves customer convenience.
- A shipping label that stays intact through refrigeration shows reliability.
Betckey Shipping Labels: The Right Adhesive for Every Need
At Betckey, we understand how critical label performance is to your business. That’s why we offer a wide variety of adhesive options across our shipping label range:
- Permanent Adhesive: Our 4″ x 6″ direct thermal shipping labels are ideal for USPS, FedEx, and UPS shipments. Strong, lasting adhesion for all standard needs.taba squishy
- High-Tack Adhesive: Choose Betckey’s cold-temp compatible thermal labels for frozen goods, medical samples, or humid environments.
- Removable Adhesive: For barcoding, returns, or temporary inventory tags, Betckey’s removable labels offer clean removal with reliable stickiness during transit.
All Betckey labels are BPA-free, compatible with major thermal printers like Zebra, Rollo, and Brother, and designed to perform consistently across different applications.
Recommended Betckey Products:
- Betckey 4×6 Direct Thermal Shipping Labels – Permanent Adhesive
- Betckey Synthetic and Strong Adhesive Thermal Labels – Strong Adhesive
- Betckey Removable Thermal Labels – For Temporary Use
FAQs About Shipping Label Adhesives
1. Can I use permanent adhesive labels for cold or frozen shipments?
Permanent labels can sometimes work in mildly cold environments, but for deep freeze or refrigerated products, high-tack adhesives are recommended to avoid peeling.
2. Will removable labels fall off during shipping?
Not if used correctly. Removable labels adhere securely under normal conditions but can be peeled off cleanly after delivery. They’re ideal for return labels or short-term use.
3. Are Betckey labels compatible with my printer?
Yes. Betckey offers labels compatible with Zebra, Rollo, Brother, Dymo, and other major thermal printer brands. Always check the product page for detailed compatibility info.
