the invention provides a method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass , plastic or metal container or surface by means of a water based adhesive composition by the following steps : applying a layer of a hydrophilic solid material to a polymeric label to form a hydrophilic layer ; applying water or a water based adhesive to the hydrophilic layer to form a fastenable polymeric label ; fastening the fastenable polymeric label to a glass , plastic or metal container or surface ; and allowing said the polymeric label to dry on the glass , plastic or metal container or surface .