Label Material Guide – How to Choose the Right Labels for Your Business

Choosing the right label material is essential for durability, barcode scanning accuracy, adhesive performance and long-term reliability in logistics, retail and industrial environments.

This guide helps you choose the best labels for shipping, warehouse management, retail labeling, product identification and industrial use.

Why label material matters

The label material determines how well your labels perform in real-world environments. Moisture, heat, cold, sunlight, chemicals and friction can affect barcode readability, adhesive strength and label lifespan.

A label that works in office conditions may fail in a warehouse, freezer or outdoor environment. Choosing the right label material is therefore critical for operational efficiency and cost control.

Paper vs synthetic labels – what is the difference?

The most common choice is between paper labels and synthetic labels.

• Paper labels: cost-effective and ideal for shipping labels, retail pricing, packaging and short-term use
• Synthetic labels: durable and resistant to water, chemicals, abrasion and demanding environments

Explore our full range of labels and label materials for different applications.

Environmental factors to consider

• Cold storage and freezers: require specialized adhesive and materials
• Outdoor use: requires durable synthetic labels with better weather resistance
• Moisture exposure: avoid standard paper labels
• High wear environments: choose durable synthetic surfaces
• Industrial handling: match the label material with print method and expected lifespan

Choose the right adhesive

The adhesive is just as important as the label material. The wrong adhesive can cause labels to lift, fall off or become difficult to scan.

• Permanent adhesive for long-term labeling
• Removable adhesive for temporary use
• Special adhesives for rough, curved, cold or difficult surfaces

Printing technology compatibility

Match your label with the correct printing technology and printer setup.

• Direct thermal labels: best for short-term use such as shipping labels
• Thermal transfer labels: best for durable labels and long-term barcode readability
• Color labels: suitable when branding, design and product presentation are important

See our selection of label printers optimized for different label materials and workflows.

Barcode readability and scanning

The right label material improves barcode contrast, durability and scanning reliability. Clear labels help reduce scanning errors with barcode scanners in warehouse, retail and logistics operations.

Common labeling mistakes

• Choosing labels based only on price
• Ignoring environmental conditions
• Using the wrong adhesive for the surface
• Mismatch between printer, ribbon and label material
• Using paper labels where synthetic labels are required

How to choose the right label material

• Define label lifespan requirements
• Evaluate environment and exposure
• Select the correct adhesive
• Match the label with the right printing method
• Ensure barcode readability
• Calculate total cost, not only the label price

FAQ – label materials

What label material is best for shipping?

Paper labels are often ideal for shipping because they are cost-effective and designed for short-term use during transport.

What label material is most durable?

Synthetic labels offer the highest durability and better resistance to moisture, chemicals, abrasion and demanding environments.

Why do labels fall off?

Labels can fall off when the adhesive or material does not match the surface, temperature, moisture level or environment.

View all labels