Stickers Not Sticking on Plastic Drums and Containers
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Why Labels Fail on IBCs, Oil Drums and Industrial Storage Tanks
If you work with plastic drums, bunded pallets, IBC containers or polyethylene tanks, you’ll probably recognise this problem.
Labels that look fine when first applied begin lifting at the edges; corners curl, adhesion weakens and eventually the sticker disappears altogether.
In environments where containers are reused, stored outdoors and exposed to oil, weather and regular handling, sticker failure isn’t unusual, it’s expected.
The issue usually isn’t poor application - most labels simply weren’t designed for these surfaces in the first place.
Real-World Example: Labels for Reused Oil Drums and Containers
We produce durable labels for organisations such as Olleco, who collect and process used cooking oil and waste oil across a wide range of sites. In this environment, labels are applied to reused plastic drums and containers that often carry oil residue. Surfaces are curved, typically polyethylene, and containers are handled, stored outdoors and reused many times over their service life.
Labels need to remain securely attached and clearly legible despite exposure to oil, weathering and regular handling. When labels fail, containers quickly become difficult to identify and manage safely.
Rather than relying on standard drum labels, materials are tested on the actual container types involved and adhesives specified specifically for low surface energy plastics.
Read our Olleco case study here.
Why Plastic Drums and Containers Are Difficult for Labels
At first glance, a drum is a drum. In reality, container environments are far more complex.
A single site may include polyethylene drums, jerry cans, IBC containers, rotationally moulded spill pallets and tanks, alongside steel or powder-coated panels. Each of these materials behaves differently when it comes to adhesion.
Plastics such as LDPE, MDPE and HDPE have low surface energy, which makes it harder for adhesives to form a reliable bond.
Add curved profiles, moulded textures and reused surfaces into the mix, and standard labels quickly reach their limits — particularly when containers are used outdoors.
Why Labels Fail on IBC Containers and Plastic Drums
Most container labels are applied in controlled conditions and then immediately placed into uncontrolled environments. Over time they are expected to cope with rain, UV exposure, temperature changes, oils, chemicals and regular handling.
Failures usually happen because the adhesive hasn’t been matched to the substrate. A general-purpose adhesive may appear fine initially but struggle once the container heats up, flexes or is cleaned.
Edges lift first. Dirt and moisture then work underneath the label and its lifespan is dramatically shortened.
Once a label starts lifting, it doesn't recover.
Why Standard Container Labels Often Don’t Last
Many industrial labels appear acceptable when first applied, but short-term performance isn’t the same as long-term durability. Drums, spill pallets and tanks are often reused repeatedly, stored outside year-round and exposed to oils, fuels or wash-down procedures.
In these conditions, durability becomes the difference between a label that lasts months and one that lasts years. This is where correct material and adhesive specification becomes critical.
How to Specify Labels for Plastic Drums and Containers
Container labels shouldn’t be treated as a commodity product.
The specification should consider:
what material the container is made from
whether it will be reused or cleaned
whether it will be stored indoors or outdoors
how long the label needs to remain legible
From there, materials and adhesives can be selected to cope with curved surfaces, polyethylene substrates and outdoor exposure. That approach dramatically reduces failures and prevents labels becoming waste in yards or on sites.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Plastic drums and containers are just one example of where sticker failures occur.
The same issue appears on waste bins, pipework identification systems, pest control bait boxes and equipment used in marine environments.
If you’d like to understand the underlying causes in more detail, our guide explains why stickers don’t stick to plastic surfaces and how the problem can be prevented.
More in the Stickers Not Sticking Series
Stickers Not Sticking on Pipes and Conduit
Stickers Not Sticking in Marine Environments
Stickers Not Sticking on Pest Control Bait Boxes
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