An adhesive label (also called sticky label) is a type of label in which one of the layers is covered with adhesive. The adhesive allows the label to be applied on a surface (e.g. on a product).

Adhesive labels are available in a wide range of formats. They differ in terms of the adhesion, their material, size, form and the pressure needed to apply them.

With regard to the label adhesion, it is possible to divide adhesive labels into removable labels and permanent labels. Removable labels are labels in which one of the layers is covered with a removable adhesive. The removable adhesive allows the label to be peeled-off without damaging the surface on which the label was applied or the label itself. Permanent labels, on the other hand, are labels in which one of the layers is covered with a permanent adhesive. Unlike removable labels, permanent labels cannot be peeled-off without damaging the surface they are attached to or the label itself.

With regard to the material of the surface on which they can be applied, adhesive labels can be attached to several materials, including paper, plastic, wood, glass, or metal.

Adhesive labels are often made of paper. The side of the paper that does not contain any information is covered with an adhesive whose bonding strength may vary depending on its properties or the manufacturer’s needs.

Adhesive labels are common in large-scale labeling. Where direct printing methods such as inkjet printing are not an option, adhesive labels are the most common means of labeling.

End consumers can also purchase adhesive labels at copy shops or supermarkets. The adhesive labels purchased by end consumers are usually attached to a sheet. End consumers can then detach them from the sheet and apply them on almost any surface.