A recyclable web of media for batch printing labels includes a recyclable label media which includes a substrate to accept printing on a first side of the substrate. An adhesive or pattern of adhesive is deposited on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first side of the substrate. A recyclable backing structure includes a print label backer material. A recyclable release layer coats one surface of the print label backer material. The recyclable backing structure is non-permanently and removably affixed to a surface of the adhesive or pattern of adhesive.

An adhesive label with a water-based release coating and methods for applying the water-based release coating to the adhesive label are provided. The water-based release coating is a non-silicon based formulation having a fluorochemical. The water-based release coating can be applied in a single-pass process or a double-pass process when manufacturing the adhesive label.