Removable adhesive

A removable adhesive is a substance that, once applied to an element (e.g. a label), allows its removal without damaging the surface to which it was originally applied.

The application of a removable adhesive requires two different elements: the removable adhesive itself and the element to which the adhesive is applied (also called ‘adherent’).

The removable adhesive may consist of glue, film, a silicone sealant or any other substance possessing the properties required to work as a removable adhesive. The adherent, on the other hand, may consist of a wide range of materials, including paper, plastic or wood.

In the most common case scenario, the removable adhesive is applied to an element, which is then applied to a surface. The adhesive allows the removal of the element from the surface it is attached to without damaging the surface or leaving adhesive residue behind. However, if the element is not removed within a certain amount of time, the adhesion becomes permanent. This may also happen if the adhesive, the element and the surface are exposed to extreme changes in temperature or weather.

Removable adhesives are used in many industrial applications, labeling being one of them.

In the case of labeling, removable adhesives are used to create so-called removable labels. These labels can be applied to a surface (e.g. plastic) and be removed from it without damaging the label or leaving adhesive residue behind. However, if the label is left over the surface, the adhesion will eventually become permanent.

Like any other type of label, removable labels can be produced with the help of a label printer and the appropriate label software. On many occasions, removable labels are produced in bulk as they are intended to be applied to products such as food or clothing.