Home  /  Solutions / Solution by Product / Pressure Sensitive Labels

Pressure Sensitive Labels

Self-adhesive label applied by simple pressure.

  • Unlimited design flexibility
  • Up to 15% higher line efficiency vs. wet-glue
  • Reliable performance at global scale

Details

Pressure Sensitive Labels are self-adhesive labels that offer a flexible, high-quality decoration solution for a wide range of packaging formats.

Pressure Sensitive Labels (PSL) use a self-adhesive construction that delivers a clean, efficient, and highly precise labeling solution. Designed for high-speed production environments, they ensure consistent placement and reliable performance across a wide range of container materials, including glass, PET, aluminum, and many more.

Premium appearance

High-quality decoration that strengthens brand visibility and consumer appeal.

Design flexibility

Wide material and embellishment options enabling distinctive, customised brand expression.

Operational efficiency

Reliable performance supporting high-speed lines and simplified production processes.

Durability

Resistant to moisture and UV for consistent performance throughout product life cycle.

Inside PSL production

Skip slider
Jump to slider start

Sustainable labels
that perform

  • EcoStream

    Enables clean separation from PET to support true container-to-container recycling.

  • EcoShear

    Detachable PSLs that maximize high-quality glass recycling for one-way containers.

  • WashOff

    Labels that can be removed cleanly during the washing process, enabling immediate reuse.

    Discover more
  • EcoSource BIO

    Bio-based labels reduce carbon footprint without compromising performance.

  • EcoSource PCR

    PSLs with recycled content for closed-loop recycling and lower environmental impact.

  • Discover all sustainable options

    Explore all sustainable labeling products.

    Discover all

Looking for the right PSL solution?
Let's talk!

Request product

Utilized across various
Industries

Skip slider
Ag & Specialty Chemicals
Beauty & Personal Care
Beverage
Food & Dairy
Home Care & Laundry
Specialty Products
Wine & Spirits
Jump to slider start

Frequently asked questions about Pressure Sensitive Labels (PSL) solutions

What are Pressure Sensitive Labels (PSL)?
Pressure Sensitive Labels (PSL) are self-adhesive labels used to decorate and identify products across a wide range of industries and packaging formats. They consist of a printed facestock combined with an adhesive and liner, delivering a high-quality, versatile, and reliable labeling solution. PSLs are valued for their premium appearance, design flexibility, and consistent performance on materials such as glass, PET, aluminum, and composite packaging. Compared to traditional labeling methods, they support high-speed production, enable precise placement, and allow for advanced embellishments that enhance shelf impact and brand differentiation. With options available to support returnable systems and recycling requirements, Pressure Sensitive Labels also play an important role in modern, efficiency-driven, and sustainability-focused packaging strategies.

Can PSL offer a traditional look and feel?
Yes. Self-adhesive labels with Perfect Paper Match use various techniques to replicate the authentic appearance and tactile qualities of paper. They provide the ideal solution for brands that want to preserve a traditional look while benefiting from the performance and efficiency advantages of Pressure Sensitive Labels.
 
 

 

Are Pressure Sensitive Labels sustainable?
Pressure Sensitive Labels (PSL) can be a sustainable labeling solution, depending on material choice, packaging type, and the overall life-cycle design of the product. From a recycling perspective, PSLs are engineered to support Design for Recycling guidelines. Inks and adhesives remain on the label during washing processes and do not contaminate recycling streams, meeting critical guidance from organizations such as the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP). For PET bottles, low-density solutions like EcoStream enable clean separation of labels and PET flakes, supporting bottle-to-bottle recycling. For glass, WashOff PSLs support returnable systems by detaching cleanly during standard washing cycles. Ultimately, sustainability is not defined by one material alone. A case-by-case life cycle assessment is essential to determine the most responsible labeling solution, taking into account recycling infrastructure, reuse systems, and regulatory guidance from organizations such as RecyClass, COTREP, or RECOUP.

Are PSL more expensive than Wet Glue Labels?
In a direct cost comparison, paper wet-glue labels may initially appear more cost-effective than Pressure Sensitive Labels (PSL). However, this view does not reflect the total cost of ownership. Wet-glue labeling requires additional consumables such as glue, frequent cleaning, longer changeover times, and dedicated format parts for each label shape. These factors increase operational complexity, downtime, and ongoing costs. PSL, by contrast, is an all-in-one labeling solution that simplifies operations by eliminating glue handling, reducing changeovers, and supporting multiple label shapes without mechanical adjustments. While there are specific applications where paper wet-glue labels remain a suitable choice, today’s increasingly complex product portfolios—with growing brand, flavor, and SKU variety—benefit from the flexibility and efficiency of PSL. In many cases, these advantages translate into a clear commercial benefit over paper wet-glue labeling when evaluated across the full production life cycle.

Does PSL offer commercial and operational advantages compared to other applications?
Yes, Pressure Sensitive Labels deliver strong commercial and operational advantages compared to wet-glue and cold-glue applications. Wet-glue and cold-glue labeling systems are resource-intensive and increasingly outdated. Both require extensive cleaning of labelers, pumps, and pipework, resulting in high labor effort, significant water consumption, regular downtime, and increased operating costs. Format changes often require mechanical adjustments, adding further complexity and inefficiency. Pressure Sensitive Labels offer a cleaner and more streamlined alternative. With no glue handling, PSL eliminates cleaning downtime, supports application speeds of up to three times faster than glue-based systems, and requires no change parts for different label shapes. This simplifies operations, improves line availability, and reduces the risk of errors. Over time, these benefits translate into a lower total cost of ownership. Reduced water use, lower maintenance effort, and higher operational efficiency also make PSL a more sustainable solution by design, delivering a clear commercial advantage over traditional wet-glue and cold-glue labeling systems.
Locations

Explore our global PSL network

Access CCL’s worldwide network of Pressure Sensitive Label facilities and identify the production site that best supports your operational requirements.

Find PSL locations

Explore more product
labeling solutions

  • Promotional Labels

    Special labels used for campaigns or limited editions.

    Discover more
  • Smart Labels

    Smart labeling technologies linking physical packaging with digital consumer interaction and authentication.

    Discover more
  • Expanded Content Labels

    Expanded Content Labels offering versatile solutions for regulatory and product information.

    Discover more
  • Discover all products

    Explore all labeling products

    Discover more