The physical material of labels determines their durability, environmental adaptability, and application scope. Below is a detailed technical comparison of mainstream label materials.
Coated Paper Labels
Coated paper is the most common label material, featuring super-matte or semi-gloss treatment with surface coating that facilitates ink adhesion and thermal transfer printing performance.
Technical Parameter | Description |
Substrate | Coated paper |
Surface Finish | Matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss available |
Water Resistance | Not waterproof |
Oil Resistance | Not oil-resistant |
Tearability | Tearable |
Compatible Ribbon | Full wax or wax-resin hybrid |
Typical Applications | Shipping labels, price tags, asset records, general appliance labels |
Direct Thermal Paper Labels
Direct thermal paper features a heat-sensitive coating on the surface; the print head generates heat to reveal images without requiring ribbon. A special protective layer over the thermal coating reduces print head wear.
Technical Parameter | Description |
Imaging Principle | Print head heat triggers chemical reaction in thermal coating |
Ribbon Requirement | Not required |
Image Permanence | Fades over time and under light exposure |
Advantages | Convenient printing, low cost |
Disadvantages | Not scratch-resistant (friction-generated heat causes darkening), limited shelf life |
Typical Applications | Logistics labels, supermarket scale labels, retail price tags, receipts |
Thermal Transfer Paper Labels
Thermal transfer labels require a ribbon; heat melts the ink layer from the ribbon onto the label surface. The resulting prints are highly durable, resistant to abrasion, water, chemicals, and UV.
Thermal transfer labels can be further divided into:
Uncoated thermal transfer paper: Economical choice with high print quality, suitable for retail and logistics
Coated thermal transfer paper: Semi-gloss appearance, good printability for multi-color applications
PET (Polyester) Labels
Technical Parameter | Description |
Material Properties | Rigid, crisp, and firm |
Surface Options | White gloss, white matte, silver matte, silver chrome available |
Water Resistance | Excellent |
Heat Resistance | High |
Tear Resistance | Excellent |
Chemical Resistance | Excellent |
Surface Coating | Thermal transfer coating available on select models |
Typical Applications | Barcode labels, nameplates, asset tags, equipment nameplates, electronics labeling, laboratory labels |
According to USDA Forest Service testing, PET performed excellently across all tested dimensions (water resistance, heat resistance, label strength, cold resistance, chemical resistance), providing maximum protection against harsh environmental elements.
PP (Polypropylene) Labels
Technical Parameter | Description |
Material Properties | Flexibility between PET and synthetic paper |
Surface Options | Matte or gloss |
Water Resistance | Excellent |
Tear Resistance | Good |
Chemical Resistance | Moderate |
Typical Applications | Squeezable containers, plastic bottles, retail packaging labels, asset labels, shelf labels |
PE (Polyethylene) Labels
Technical Parameter | Description |
Material Properties | Soft, conforms to complex curved surfaces |
Typical Applications | Glass and plastic packaging marking, cosmetic labels, household product labels, luxury goods labels |
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Labels
Technical Parameter | Description |
Material Properties | Soft with good adhesion |
Suitable Surfaces | Non-flat surfaces |
Water Resistance | Excellent |
Typical Applications | Identification on uneven surfaces |
Polyolefin Labels
Technical Parameter | Description |
Environmental Resistance | Excellent water, heat, cold, and tear resistance |
Limitation | Lower chemical resistance |
Metal Labels (Aluminum Foil Labels)
Technical Parameter | Description |
Heat Resistance | High |
Chemical Resistance | High |
Water Resistance | Moderate |
Limitation | "Memory effect" — when applied to cylindrical objects, aluminum tends to return to original shape, causing edge peeling |
Fragile Labels
The face stock tensile strength is significantly lower than the adhesive bonding strength, preventing complete removal and reuse after application. Used for anti-theft, anti-counterfeiting, and quality assurance scenarios such as product diversion prevention.
Removable Labels
Leave no residue upon removal; suitable for temporary identification on tableware, fruit, and other temporary marking applications.
Washable Fabric Labels (Wash Care Labels)
Can withstand repeated washing and resist oil; used in apparel, footwear, and leather goods industries. Require full-resin ribbon printing.