The demand for self-adhesive labels continues to grow across the food packaging, logistics, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical industries. At the same time, manufacturers are paying increasing attention to issues such as edge lifting, insufficient adhesion, and reduced bonding performance in low-temperature environments.

For label converters, adhesive performance depends not only on the facestock and release liner but also on the Hot Melt Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (HMPSA) used during the coating process. Material formulation, coating stability, and processing conditions all contribute to the final bonding performance.

Why Do Self-Adhesive Labels Experience Edge Lifting?

Edge lifting is usually caused by multiple factors rather than a single issue.

Common causes include:

• Poor compatibility between the adhesive and the substrate.
• Insufficient initial tack during label application.
• Viscosity fluctuations during hot melt coating.
• Reduced adhesion under cold storage or transportation conditions.
• Mechanical stress during long-term use.

As a result, label manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on selecting stable pressure-sensitive adhesive systems for industrial production.

The Role of Hot Melt Pressure Sensitive Adhesives in Label Manufacturing

HMPSA is applied in a molten state and develops permanent tack after cooling, making it suitable for a wide range of labeling and tape applications.

Typical applications include:

• Self-adhesive labels
• PET labels
• Cloth tapes
• Packaging labels
• Logistics labels
• Industrial identification labels

For high-speed coating lines, adhesives should deliver reliable initial tack while maintaining consistent flow characteristics throughout production.

Key Factors When Selecting an HMPSA for Labels

Stable Viscosity for Consistent Coating

Take EG-520 for example, the adhesive has a viscosity of 5500 ±1000 mPa·s at 180°C and a recommended application temperature of 160–180°C.Stable viscosity supports uniform coating and consistent production quality.

Appropriate Thermal Processing Window

The adhesive features a softening point of 100 ±5°C (Ring & Ball), providing a stable thermal processing range during industrial coating operations.

SEBS-Based Formulation

The product is formulated with SEBS synthetic rubber, a material commonly used in pressure-sensitive adhesives for its reliable initial tack and compatibility with label and tape applications.

Industry Outlook

As labeling equipment continues to evolve toward higher automation and faster production speeds, manufacturers are increasingly focused on adhesive consistency rather than adhesion alone. Selecting an HMPSA with stable viscosity, an appropriate processing temperature range, and compatibility with common label substrates can help support consistent coating performance and reliable label production across a variety of industrial applications.