MyIndustryWorld

Label Adhesives

Labels are the most-popular method for identifying and decorating a product. To fulfil these functions on different surfaces, pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) play the key role. They must cover a wide range of different conditions in demanding applications. In recent years, and especially in the future, the recyclability of the label material in use has become increasingly important. Innovative adhesives are designed as recycling enablers in existing recycling processes.

Important Links

Dispersions for paper and filmic labels

BASF offers a wide range of acrylic polymer dispersions and UV-curable acrylic hotmelts used in the production of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) for both paper and filmic labels. The consistent quality of our Acronal^® dispersions and their high mechanical stability allow our customers to keep production constant and minimize adhesive-related production downtimes. Adequate cohesion at high adhesion levels provides a trouble-free converting process.

Comprehensive range of products and services for all aspects of PSA labelling

We develop our products using the know-how of our dedicated R&D resources as well as our team of coating experts, constantly looking for ways to improve the coating technology. Gravure and curtain-coating heads for general-purpose permanent (GPP) or all-temp labels and a slot die for UV-curable acrylic hotmelts are just some examples of the options we can offer our customers for trials that simulate realistic production conditions. Our products are the right choice for paper labels; high-end, clear filmic labels; or standard white labels. Excellent transparency for filmic labels is achieved up to a coating speed of 600 meters per minute. The fine-tuned adhesion and cohesion profile enables easy processing. All our products have approval for food contact, which is certified by ISEGA. Finally, our Acronal® RCF offers recycling-friendly acrylic adhesives for the permanent paper labels in our portfolio with excellent convertibility – certified for paper and paperboard recycling. Explore our solutions for label adhesives!

acResin^®

acResin® offers unique properties perfectly suited for pressure-sensitive adhesives. The UV-curable 100 percent acrylic hotmelt features significant sustainability benefits, while providing excellent adhesive performance.

Highlight products

acResin^® A 204 UV

acResin^® A 204 UV offers excellent cohesion and high heat resistance. It is the preferred choice for formulated adhesives modified with other solid acrylic resins or rosin-based tackifiers.

acResin^® UV 3532

acResin^® UV 3532 offers excellent clarity in adhesive films with high resistance to water whitening. We recommend it for removable and wash-off labels.

Acronal^® 3608

This pure acrylic dispersion is used for filmic PSA label applications that require an improved water whitening resistance. May also be used for paper labels that require some water resistance during its service life.

Acronal^® V 115

Excellent adhesive performance at low temperatures allows the formulation of so called “all-temp” and freezer grade PSA labels required for the field of food packaging or wine labels.

Butofan^® LS 103

If you require a water repellent behavior in your PSA label or specialty tapes, you can use Butofan^® LS 103 as a key component in your adhesive formulation.

Acronal^®3760

Acronal^® 3760 is used to manufacture pressure-sensitive adhesives for removable paper and primed filmic labels. The plasticizers that are normally employed in these adhesives can be largely eliminated, and in some cases dispensed with completely.

Acronal^®RCF 3706

While most of the adhesives used for paper labels interfere with the paper recycling process, the newly developed Acronal^®RCF portfolio is easy to remove early in the process, making it possible to reuse and print recycled paper or paperboard packaging without any further issues.

Acronal^® A 245

Acronal^® A 245 shows a very good removability on different surfaces. If your filmic label requires a good water whitening resistance, Acronal^® A 245 is the right choice.

Acronal^® A 225

The versatility of Acronal^® A 225 characterizes this PSA dispersion. It can be used both for standard white and opaque filmic labels to be applied on HDPE bottles for example, but also for transparent labels.

Acronal^® V 215

The outstanding rheology of Acronal^® V 215 allows high coating speeds in all commonly used coating heads, including state-of-the art dual layer cascade coaters.

Acronal^® RCF 3705

While most of the adhesives used for paper labels interfere with the paper recycling process, the newly developed Acronal^® RCF portfolio is easy to remove early in the process, making it possible to reuse and print recycled paper or paperboard packaging without any further issues.

acResin^® A 250 UV

With acResin^® A 250 UV, you can address a wide variety of PSA applications. It is resistant to water whitening, humidity, and water and has outstanding clarity in adhesive films.

Graphic with several green honeycomb elements displaying the text "Circular Economy", "Environment & Climate" and "Safety Regulations", with smaller elements displaying sustainability-related icons such as green footprints or the recycling icon .

Sustainability meets Adhesives

Safe and sustainable chemicals are key to reducing emissions and enabling circularity. The adhesive industry needs to move quickly, due to a rising number of upcoming regulations emanating from the European Green Deal. BASF can help you navigate these dynamics – with its adhesive chemistry, application, and regulations expertise.

Industrial interior with a high ceiling, featuring large machinery and conveyor systems.

BASF Coating Center: collaboration and service

BASF’s Adhesive Coating Center is a unique facility providing a wide range of coating solutions, product samples and demonstrations, as well as advice and support on adhesive technologies.

Pouring dispersion creates a splash with droplets, overlaid with a blue box stating, "Exclusive content – Login required."

Technical Information: Preservation of Polymer Dispersions

Covering the selection of biocides for preservation to proper handling and storage techniques, ensuring the stability and quality of water-based polymer dispersions throughout their shelf life. Whether you are involved in production, packaging, transportation, or storage of polymer dispersions, this information will help you maintain optimal microbiological quality and ensure the longevity of your products.

Close-up of a white cream being stirred with a spatula, creating smooth, swirling patterns. A blue banner reads "Exclusive content – Login required."

Technical Information: Handling and Storage of Polymer Dispersions

Polymer dispersions are increasingly processed in various industries. Bulk delivery by road or rail tanker is more convenient for processing facilities. This Technical Information provides an overview of the advantages of bulk delivery and requirements for storage tanks. It also describes measures for handling bulk deliveries of polymer dispersions.

Discover

Uwe Duesterwald on Adhesives and Packaging Recycling

In an interview with the German Association for Plastics Packaging and Films, our colleague Uwe Düsterwald, Project Manager Sustainability in Adhesives at BASF, explains how label adhesives can enable clean PET recycling and why collaboration across the value chain is key.

BASF at Interpack 2026: Adhesives for modern packaging concepts

BASF and its European distribution organization BTC Europe will present their broad portfolio for the packaging industry at the international trade fair interpack in hall 10, booth A 44. The focus will be on material solutions, product innovations and recycling‑friendly adhesive systems for the packaging industry.

Person walking through a sunny, narrow street lined with plants and buildings while drinking from an orange beverage bottle.

Unlocking the premium no-label look for recyclable PET bottles

acResin^® UV 3532 has been approved by RecyClass to be compatible with established European recycling processes for PET bottles. During standard recycling processes, this UV-curable acrylic hotmelt can be removed reliably, enabling clean PET streams and supporting high-quality recyclate. This way, acResin^® UV 3532 opens up new opportunities to design recyclable PET packaging with high-clarity filmic labels.

Advanced adhesive coating technology for acResin^®

Our acResin^® UV-curing acrylic hotmelt technology supports a wide range of adhesive applications. By selecting the right coating technology, you can boost performance even further and open the door to a wide range of applications. Find out how our decades of expertise and BASF’s unique Adhesive Coating Center can help you achieve adhesive properties tailored exactly to your needs.