Label Materials Guide
The face stock determines much of a label's appearance and durability. Adhesive, ribbon and top coating then complete the construction.
Paper
Economical and versatile for indoor applications where moisture and abrasion are limited.
- Shipping and receiving
- Inventory identification
- Retail and general purpose
- Available in direct thermal and thermal transfer constructions
Polypropylene
A flexible synthetic film with better moisture and tear resistance than paper.
- Product identification
- Containers and packaging
- Moist environments
- Often paired with wax/resin or resin ribbons
Polyester
A durable synthetic material commonly selected for long-life and demanding identification.
- Asset labels
- Equipment identification
- High-temperature options
- Excellent resin-ribbon compatibility
Specialty Materials
Application-specific constructions can address unusual surfaces, extreme temperatures, security or regulatory requirements.
- Tamper-evident materials
- Freezer and cryogenic applications
- Outdoor and UV exposure
- Chemical-resistant applications
Material selection is only one part of the label
A successful label construction also depends on adhesive, liner, coating, printer technology and ribbon. Testing the complete label in the actual application is especially important when the surface, temperature or environment is unusual.