The history of self adhesive labels

Colorful paper labels have been used to identify products since the early 1880s. Introduced to America by European artists, this profession became known as lithography, the first commercial art. The goal was easy: catch the customer's eye. They used a gum to stick the label to the surface. As the fruit market grew larger each season, immense competition at the local markets erupted. Orchard owners used this new concept of lithography to bring attention to their fruit. Labels were used on cedar crates full of fruit, cans of vegetables, and boxes of cigars.

Today some of these labels are collectible and can be bought at antique stores.

In the early 1930s, an entrepreneur R. Stanton Avery manufactures the world's first self-adhesive labels and made it into a successful business. This label came with a paper surface with a coat of adhesive and then stick a liner onto the adhesive. This liner had a special silicone coating. The term pressure sensitive became the industry name for this type of technique. Pressure sensitive labels are and integral part of out lifestyle today.