The Science of Sticking It Out
Why Stickiness Matters – the Unsung Label Hero
by Al the Label Guy
At Gamse, we help brands navigate adhesive choices with confidence. By understanding your product, label application, packaging, and the real-world conditions your labels are applied, used, stored, and live in, we can recommend pressure-sensitive adhesive solutions that show up, stick around, and do their job on the labeling line, on the shelf, and beyond.
A great label should turn heads, tell a story, and sell a product. But none of that matters if it can’t survive application or peels off before it reaches the consumer. Slow curls, edge lift, flagging, or labels sliding out of position usually point to one unsung hero (or villain): the adhesive.
Label success isn’t just about design or print quality. It’s about selecting the right pressure-sensitive adhesive to support efficient application, minimize downtime, and maintain performance throughout your product’s life.
Built to Perform on the Labeling Line
Label application is one of the most critical, and often overlooked, factors in adhesive selection. The right pressure-sensitive adhesive allows for:
- Faster application speeds
- Cleaner, more consistent placement
- Less downtime and fewer rejected labels
- Easier setups and smoother changeovers
When adhesives are matched correctly to the product, container, and application environment, packaging managers notice immediately. The line runs smoother, headaches decrease, and efficiency goes up.
Cold, Wet, and Ready to Stick
Cold and wet environments can make label application challenging, but with the right adhesive, they don’t have to.
Cold-fill beverages, iced products, and especially beer bottles and cans often face moisture at the exact moment labels are applied. While instinct tells us adhesives struggle in cold or wet conditions, Gamse offers pressure-sensitive adhesive solutions that excel during cold and wet label application.
With the right adhesive:
- Labels apply smoothly to cold, damp containers
- Slipping and repositioning are reduced
- Packaging managers can apply labels with confidence, even in challenging environments
Cold, wet beer bottles and cans? With the right adhesive, label application becomes a breeze.
Still Holding On Through the Cold Chain
Once applied, labels must continue performing through refrigeration, freezing, and temperature swings. Pressure-sensitive adhesives designed for cold storage remain flexible and reliable, helping labels maintain adhesion through freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, lifting, or edge curl.
From production to cooler to consumer, adhesive performance matters every step of the way. With the right adhesive, the 24-hour Ice Bath Test is a breeze.
Curves, Tension, and Clean Application
Curved containers introduce stress points that can work against label adhesion—especially at higher application speeds. Without the right adhesive system, tension can lead to flagging, lifting, or misalignment.
Flexible pressure-sensitive adhesives allow labels to conform smoothly around bottles, jars, and cans, helping maintain clean edges and consistent placement while reducing application issues on the line.
Moisture Happens – Your Adhesive Should Be Ready
Some products live their entire lives around moisture, humidity, and handling. Pressure-sensitive adhesives formulated for these environments maintain bond strength despite repeated exposure to water and condensation.
The result? Fewer bubbles, less slipping, and labels that stay put—even when things get wet.
One Label Doesn’t Stick for Every Job
Not all pressure-sensitive labels or adhesives are created equal. The right solution depends on:
- Application temperature and speed
- Moisture and humidity levels
- Container material and shape
- Storage and use conditions
At Gamse, we take the time to understand your full labeling process, from application to shelf to end use, so we can recommend pressure-sensitive adhesive solutions that perform where it matters most.
For a quick, real-world look at why adhesive performance is so critical, check out this short video:
“Why Stickiness Matters – the Unsung Label Hero”
https://youtu.be/VxbbmwpTf8I
Looking for a new supplier for your bulk pressure-sensitive label printing? Tell us about your label needs.