What are Different Types of Barcode Labels?

Barcodes are everywhere. From grocery stores and warehouses to hospitals and courier boxes, they quietly handle tracking, billing, and inventory. But many people don’t realise that barcode labels are not all the same.

Different businesses use different types of barcode labels based on their needs. Some labels are made for short-term use, while others are designed to survive heat, moisture, or rough handling. Choosing the wrong type can cause scanning issues, data loss, or even delays in operations.

In this blog, we’ll break down the barcode label types in a simple and practical way. You’ll learn how barcode labels are classified, where each type is used, and how to pick the right one for your business.

What Is a Barcode Label?

A barcode label is a printed tag that carries information in the form of bars, spaces, or patterns that machines can read. When scanned, it quickly shows details like product name, price, batch number, or tracking ID.

These labels help businesses work faster and reduce manual errors. Instead of entering product details again and again, staff can simply scan the label and get instant information.

Barcode labels are commonly used in retail billing, warehouse stock control, shipping, healthcare records, and manufacturing units. They may look simple, but they keep daily operations organized and efficient.

The design and type of a barcode label depend on factors like usage duration, surface type, and scanning method. If you’re unsure how to pick the right label for your business, this guide on how to select the right barcode label explains it in a clear and practical way.

Classification of Barcode Labels

Barcode labels can be classified in several ways. This makes it easier to understand which label works best for a specific use. Instead of treating all labels as the same, businesses usually group them based on how they are printed, where they are used, and how long they need to last.

The most common classification of barcode label types includes:

• Based on barcode format – how the data is encoded and read by scanners
• Based on label material – paper, plastic, or special synthetic materials
• Based on adhesive type – permanent, removable, or freezer-grade
• Based on application environment – indoor, outdoor, or harsh conditions
• Based on industry use – retail, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and more

Types of Barcode Labels Based on Barcode Format

Barcode labels differ not just by how they look, but by how they store information. This is what we call the barcode format. Each format is chosen based on how much data you need to store, where it’s used, and how it will be scanned. Businesses that want accurate tracking and smooth operations often rely on barcoding solutions to choose the right format for their needs.

1. 1D Barcode Labels (Linear Barcodes

These are the classic barcodes you see on most products in shops. They consist of vertical lines and spaces. These codes are simple, easy to print, and fast to scan. Most retail, warehouse, and shipping operations still use 1D barcodes because they’re reliable and cost-effective.

Common examples:

• UPC
• EAN
• Code 39
• Code 128

2. 2D Barcode Labels

These codes can store data in both directions, left to right and top to bottom. That means they can hold much more information in a small area. 2D codes usually need imaging scanners or smartphone cameras to read them.

Popular 2D codes:

• QR Code
• Data Matrix
• PDF417
• Aztec Code

Types of Barcode Labels Based on Label Material

The material of a barcode label decides how long it will last and where it can be used. Some labels are meant for short-term use, while others are made to handle moisture, heat, or rough handling. Choosing the right material helps avoid fading, peeling, and scanning problems.

Paper Barcode Labels

Paper barcode labels are the most commonly used option because they are affordable and easy to print. They work well in clean and dry environments where the label does not face much handling or exposure.

These labels are mostly used for retail price tags, shipping labels, and product packaging that stays indoors. Since paper is sensitive to water and friction, it is not ideal for outdoor or long-term use.

Synthetic Barcode Labels

Synthetic barcode labels are made from plastic-based materials like polypropylene or polyester. They are much stronger than paper and last longer even with regular handling.

These labels are often used in warehouses, logistics, and outdoor environments where moisture or minor chemical contact is common. They are also a good choice for cosmetic and chemical product packaging.

Polyester (PET) Barcode Labels

Polyester barcode labels are known for their high durability. They can handle heat, chemicals, and continuous wear without losing print quality or scan clarity.

They are widely used for electronics, industrial equipment, and asset tracking where labels need to remain readable for a long time and replacement is difficult.

Polypropylene (PP) Barcode Labels

Polypropylene labels are flexible and moisture-resistant, making them a popular middle-ground option. They offer better durability than paper without the higher cost of polyester.

These labels are commonly used for food packaging, pharmaceutical products, and retail items that are frequently handled or stored in slightly damp conditions.

Vinyl Barcode Labels

Vinyl barcode labels are designed for challenging environments. They can stretch and stick well to uneven or curved surfaces while staying intact.

They are mostly used for outdoor equipment, machinery, and products exposed to sunlight or temperature changes, where standard labels may fail.

Types of Barcode Labels Based on Adhesive Type

The adhesive is the sticky part behind a barcode label. It decides how well the label sticks and how long it stays in place. Some labels are meant to stay forever, while others are made to be removed easily. Choosing the right adhesive avoids labels falling off or leaving glue marks.

Permanent Adhesive Barcode Labels

Permanent adhesive labels stick very strongly to the surface. Once applied, they are not easy to remove and usually tear if you try to peel them off.

These labels are used on products, cartons, and assets where the barcode needs to stay for a long time. They work well for items that are shipped, stored, or handled regularly.

Removable Adhesive Barcode Labels

Removable adhesive labels can be taken off without leaving sticky marks. They are made for short-term use.

These labels are often used for price tags, temporary storage labels, or promotional stickers where the barcode needs to be changed later.

Repositionable Adhesive Barcode Labels

Repositionable labels allow you to adjust the label after sticking it. If it’s placed wrongly, you can remove it and stick it again without damaging the label.

These are useful when accurate placement is important, like on small products, shelves, or electronic items.

Freezer-Grade Adhesive Barcode Labels

Freezer-grade labels are designed to stick even in cold temperatures. Normal labels may peel off in freezers, but these stay firm.

They are commonly used in cold storage, frozen food packaging, and medicine storage areas.

High-Tack Adhesive Barcode Labels

High-tack adhesive labels have extra strong stickiness. They are made for rough or uneven surfaces where normal labels don’t stick well.

These labels are used on cartons, wooden boxes, drums, and recycled packaging materials.

Types of Barcode Labels Based on Application Environment

The place where a barcode label is used matters a lot. A label that works fine in an office may fail in a warehouse or outdoor area. Heat, moisture, dust, and handling can affect how long a barcode stays readable. That’s why barcode labels are also chosen based on their application environment.

Here are the common barcode label types based on where they are used.

Indoor Barcode Labels

Indoor barcode labels are used in clean and controlled spaces. They don’t face much heat, moisture, or rough handling. These labels are commonly seen in retail stores, offices, clinics, and indoor warehouses. Paper labels or basic synthetic labels usually work well in such places.

Outdoor Barcode Labels

Outdoor barcode labels are made to handle sunlight, rain, dust, and temperature changes. They are printed on durable materials with strong adhesive so the barcode does not fade or peel easily. These labels are used on outdoor equipment, shipping containers, utility boxes, and vehicles where exposure to weather is unavoidable.

High-Temperature Barcode Labels

High-temperature labels are designed to survive heat without losing print quality or sticking power. They are used in manufacturing units, metal processing plants, and electronics industries where products pass through heat treatment or high-temperature environments.

Cold Storage and Freezer Barcode Labels

Cold storage labels are made to work in freezing conditions. Both the label material and adhesive are designed to stay intact even at low temperatures. These labels are widely used in cold warehouses, frozen food storage, and pharmaceutical cold rooms.

Chemical-Resistant Barcode Labels

Chemical-resistant labels are built to withstand exposure to oils, solvents, and cleaning chemicals. They are commonly used in laboratories, chemical plants, hospitals, and manufacturing units where labels may come in contact with harsh substances.

Industry-Wise Barcode Label Types

Different industries use barcode labels in ways that suit their unique needs. A label type that works in a retail store might not be ideal for a factory floor or a hospital lab. That’s why knowing which barcode works can save you time, money, and headaches.

Retail and Grocery

In retail and grocery stores, barcodes are mainly used for product prices, stock control, and checkout scanning. Most products use simple 1D barcodes like UPC or EAN that are quick to read and familiar to scanners at billing counters. These are printed on paper or basic synthetic labels.

Packaging and Consumer Goods

The packaging industry uses a mix of barcode types depending on the product size and data needed. Linear barcodes help with basic tracking, while advanced codes like GS1 DataBar store extra info such as expiry date or weight. These barcodes are usually integrated into the product label and must stay readable throughout distribution.

Logistics and Warehousing

Logistics and warehouse operations need barcode labels that can survive rough handling, moisture, and long transit times. Formats like Code 128 and ITF are popular because they can store detailed shipment data and are easy for scanners to read even on boxes and pallets.

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Healthcare needs precision. Barcodes are used on medicine packs, lab samples, patient wristbands, and medical records to reduce errors. Both 1D and 2D codes are used here. For example, compact codes like GS1 DataBar can fit on small medicine packages but still carry batch and expiry info.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers track everything from raw materials to finished products. Barcodes help monitor each stage of production. Industrial barcode types that withstand dust, heat, and repeated scanning are common. High-density codes are often used to store serial numbers and detailed part data.

E-commerce and Shipping

E-commerce businesses print barcode labels for every order. These labels include tracking numbers and shipping details that must be readable from pickup to delivery. Courier companies often use a mix of linear and 2D barcodes to speed up sorting and scanning.

How to Choose the Right Barcode Label Type?

Choosing the right barcode label doesn’t have to be confusing. It simply means matching the label to how you will use it and what your business needs. If you pick the wrong type, scanning errors, label peeling, or data mistakes can happen later.

Here’s how to decide the right barcode label type in easy words:

Think About What You Need the Barcode For

Start by asking what you want the barcode to do. Do you need quick scanning at a shop counter? Or do you need detailed tracking for products in a warehouse? Some labels work better for simple product IDs, while others can store many details like batch number and expiry date.

Decide on the Barcode Format

Barcodes come mainly in two types: 1D (simple lines) and 2D (square or patterned codes). 1D barcodes are enough for basic product information. 2D codes can store a lot more data and are better if you need extra details or want smartphone scanning.

Check the Surface and Label Size

The surface where you will stick the label matters. Smooth surfaces like plastic or cardboard are easier for labels to stick to. Rough, curved, or textured items may need a different adhesive or a more flexible label. Also make sure the label size gives enough space for the barcode to be read easily.

Match with Your Scanner

Look at what kind of scanner you’ll use. Some scanners only read 1D barcodes, while newer ones (including phone cameras) can read 2D codes too. Make sure the barcode format you choose works with your scanner.

Think About the Environment

Where the barcode will be placed matters. If it will face heat, cold, moisture, or rough handling, pick a label material and adhesive that can handle it. Weak material or adhesive may peel off, fade, or stop scanning properly.

Don’t Forget Durability

Short-term uses like shipping labels can work with simple paper labels. But for long-term tracking (like asset tagging or outdoor use), go for stronger labels like synthetic or polyester that last longer and resist damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Barcode Labels

Even if you choose a good barcode label, using it the wrong way can still cause trouble. Many barcode issues come from simple mistakes that are easy to fix once you know about them.

Here are the most common barcode labeling mistakes and how they cause problems:

Wrong Barcode Placement

Putting barcode labels in the wrong spot can make scanning hard. If the barcode is on a fold, edge, or curved surface, the scanner might not read it well. This leads to scanning errors and delays.

Using the Wrong Barcode Type

Every barcode type has a purpose. Using the wrong one (like choosing a retail barcode for logistics use) can make the label unreadable or store the wrong information. This affects tracking and data accuracy.

Poor Barcode Size or Resolution

Barcodes that are too small, too large, or printed with low resolution often fail to scan. The scanner might skip them, which causes delays and inventory mistakes.

Low Print Quality

If the print is too light, blurry, or uneven, the scanner may fail to read the barcode. This can happen when printers are not set up right or when low-quality ink and ribbons are used.

Wrong Label Material

Using labels that don’t match the environment like paper in wet or rough areas, leads to peeling, smudging, and fade-outs. Labels must suit where they’re used.

Not Testing Before Bulk Printing

Printing large quantities without testing a few first is risky. If something is wrong, you waste time and money reprinting thousands of labels.

Ready to Improve Your Barcode Labeling with Turbonet?

Barcode labels may seem small, but they make a big difference in day-to-day work. When the right labels and barcode formats are used, product tracking becomes easier, billing is faster, and mistakes are reduced.

Turbonet System Pvt. Ltd. offers practical barcoding solutions for stores, warehouses, and manufacturing units. From helping you choose the right barcode type to selecting suitable labels and adhesives, the focus is on what actually works for your business.

If you’re planning to improve accuracy, save time, or set up a reliable barcode system, Turbonet is here to help. Get in touch today and take a simple step toward smoother operations.

FAQs

1. What is a barcode finder pattern?

A finder pattern is a special shape in 2D barcodes like QR codes. It helps the scanner find the barcode and read it correctly, even if it’s tilted.

2. What is a barcode quiet zone?

The quiet zone is the blank space around a barcode. It helps the scanner clearly detect where the barcode starts and ends.

3. What is the difference between UPC and EAN barcodes?

UPC is mainly used in the USA and Canada, while EAN is used worldwide. EAN usually has more digits and works for international products.

4. How can I identify different types of barcodes?

You can identify them by their shape and pattern. 1D barcodes have straight lines, while 2D barcodes look like squares or grids. Scanner apps can also help.

5. Which type of barcode is used the most?

1D barcodes like UPC and EAN are used the most, especially in retail stores for billing and product tracking.

6. How can I check barcode details?

You can scan the barcode using a barcode scanner or a mobile app. It will show product details like name, code, or linked information.

Conclusion

Barcode labels may look simple, but they play a big role in daily business work. From billing counters to warehouses and delivery hubs, the right barcode label helps save time and avoid errors.

In this blog, we covered what are different types of barcode labels and how they are classified based on barcode format, label material, adhesive type, application environment, and industry use. Each type serves a different purpose, which is why one label does not fit every business need.

Choosing the right barcode label depends on where it will be used, how long it needs to last, and how often it will be scanned. When these things are matched correctly, barcodes stay readable, operations run smoothly, and reprinting costs stay low.

If you’re still unsure which barcode label suits your business, testing a few options before bulk printing is always a smart move. The right choice today can prevent many problems tomorrow.