By Rahul Jain 
Price gun labels play an important role in retail, warehousing, manufacturing, and stock control. They’re used to display prices, batch numbers, best-before dates, and promotional details across a wide range of industries. When choosing which labels to use, it’s essential to understand the difference between permanent and removable options, as each is designed for a specific purpose.
This guide explores how permanent and removable price gun labels differ, their typical uses, and how to choose the right type for different applications.
Permanent labels are made with strong adhesive designed to stay firmly in place once applied. The bond is long-lasting, which means these labels are difficult to remove cleanly. Attempting to peel them off usually results in torn paper or sticky residue left behind on the surface.
They are most commonly used in environments where information needs to remain attached throughout the product’s lifespan. For example, warehouses often use permanent labels on packaging for traceability, while supermarkets may use them on pre-packed goods to ensure pricing or expiry details remain visible until purchase.
Permanent labels may also be chosen for security purposes. In some cases, they can be printed on tamper-evident material that prevents removal or reapplication, which is helpful when fraud prevention or quality control is a priority.
Removable labels are designed with a lighter adhesive that allows the label to be peeled away easily without damaging the packaging or leaving behind residue. While they stick well during normal handling, they can be taken off cleanly when no longer needed.
These labels are widely used in retail environments, especially when applying prices to products with delicate packaging. Books, glassware, cosmetics, and homeware are good examples of items where label removal is expected before use or display.
Removable labels are also common in settings where the same container or packaging is reused regularly. This includes bakeries, cafés, food stalls, or even storage boxes in offices or schools.
The most obvious difference is the adhesive strength. Permanent labels are intended to stay in place for good, while removable labels are meant to come off cleanly after a short period.
However, the difference goes beyond adhesive. There are several factors to consider:
- Adhesion: Permanent labels have stronger tack and will bond more securely to most surfaces, including cardboard, plastic, and metal. Removable labels use a gentler adhesive.
- Residue: Permanent labels usually leave a sticky residue or tear the surface on removal. Removable labels are designed to peel off without damage.
- Best use cases: Permanent labels are typically used in logistics, manufacturing, or long-term retail display. Removable labels are better for items where appearance matters or where the label needs to be taken off before use.
- Durability: Permanent labels tend to be more resistant to heat, moisture, and wear, making them suitable for tough environments. Removable labels may be affected by weather or friction over time.
Both types of labels usually come in similar sizes and shapes and can be plain, coloured, or pre-printed. There is often no visual way to distinguish them unless the packaging is clearly labelled by the supplier. That’s why it’s important to keep label rolls organised and correctly stored.
In many cases, manufacturers mark the back of the roll or the box with a code such as “PERM” or “REM” to indicate the adhesive type.
Permanent price gun labels are best suited to situations where the label must remain attached for the product’s full life cycle or throughout distribution. These include:
- Food packaging with printed dates or batch codes
- Boxes or crates in warehouses and stockrooms
- Items handled during shipping or frequent movement
- Equipment or containers requiring identification labels
- Any application where removal of the label could affect product traceability or safety
They are also used in industrial or outdoor settings, where exposure to moisture or temperature changes requires a stronger adhesive.
Removable labels are preferred when there is a need to protect the surface of the product or packaging. They are commonly used for:
- Retail items with branded or decorative packaging
- Clothing, accessories, and gifting
- Temporary promotions or seasonal pricing
- Glass, ceramics, and other delicate surfaces
- Containers that are washed or reused regularly
Removable labels are also useful for items being sold in high-turnover environments, where quick price changes or updates are common.
Most handheld price guns can use both permanent and removable labels, provided the label size matches the machine’s requirements. Common label sizes include 26 x 12 mm and 22 x 12 mm, which are standard across many one-line and two-line pricing guns.
It’s worth noting that if switching from one adhesive type to another, the gun may require a quick clean to prevent build-up from affecting performance. Adhesive residue, especially from permanent labels, can cause sticking issues or jams if not maintained.
To determine the best label type for a specific task, consider:
- The surface material and whether it’s delicate or textured
- How long the label needs to remain in place
- Whether the product will be reused, returned, or gifted
- The environmental conditions (e.g. heat, moisture, refrigeration)
- The importance of clean removal or lasting adhesion
In retail settings, a common approach is to use permanent labels for standard stock and removable labels for higher-end or seasonal products.
Selecting the right adhesive helps streamline operations, protect packaging, and enhance the customer experience. Permanent labels reduce the risk of labels falling off during storage or shipping, while removable labels ensure that customers can enjoy clean, undamaged packaging once they remove the label.
It also improves efficiency for staff. Having the appropriate label reduces rework, avoids damaged packaging, and supports smooth pricing changes or promotions.
The difference between permanent and removable price gun land labels comes down to the adhesive and how the label is meant to function once applied. Permanent labels are designed for long-lasting use and work well in industrial or high-volume retail environments. Removable labels are more suitable for temporary applications and for products where clean removal is essential.
Understanding these differences allows for better decision-making in labelling processes, helping to ensure a balance between practicality and product presentation. Choosing the right label for the job makes a noticeable difference in both efficiency and professionalism, whether in a warehouse, shop, or market stall.
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