Synthetic Labels in Australia
Synthetic labels are made from a durable plastic facestock, usually polypropylene, instead of paper. That makes them waterproof, tear-resistant and able to shrug off oils, chemicals, abrasion, UV and temperature extremes, so the label stays stuck and legible where a paper label would tear, smudge or fall off. Label Warehouse stocks a wide range of synthetic labels and synthetic label rolls in Australia, in white and colours, in many sizes, cores and roll counts, with the matching ribbons to print them, and fast despatch Australia-wide.
Why choose synthetic over paper labels?
Paper labels are fine for everyday indoor use, but they fail when wet, oily, frozen or handled hard. Synthetic labels are built for tougher jobs: outdoor asset tags, drum and chemical labels, cold-store and freezer stock, marine and industrial equipment, and any product that has to survive moisture, washdowns or rough handling. If water resistance is your main concern, see our dedicated waterproof and weatherproof labels range, which is part of this synthetic family.
How synthetic labels are printed
For a finish as durable as the label, synthetic labels are printed by thermal transfer using a resin or wax/resin ribbon, which bonds a hard-wearing, water and scratch-resistant image to the plastic surface. A plain wax ribbon or a direct thermal print does not hold well on synthetic stock, so always pair synthetic labels with the right ribbon. Browse the matching thermal ribbons (resin for the harshest conditions, wax/resin for general durability), or see the full thermal transfer labels range for paper options.
Synthetic label sizes, colours and cores
We carry synthetic labels in popular sizes, including the 100 x 150mm (4x6) and a yellow 100 x 150mm for colour-coding, the 90 x 40mm and 75 x 48mm, and smaller product labels such as the 50 x 28mm and 40 x 28mm. As a guide, a 25mm (1 inch) core suits desktop label printers and a 76mm (3 inch) core suits industrial machines, while some rolls also come on 38mm or 40mm cores. Labels are available with permanent or removable adhesive, perforated or non-perforated, and in a range of colours for coding and identification.
Compatible with your label printer
Our synthetic labels print on standard desktop and industrial thermal transfer printers, including Zebra (ZD220T, ZD420, GK420t, ZT230), TSC and Brother. Set the printer to thermal transfer mode and load a resin or wax/resin ribbon for the most durable result. If you are not sure which label, ribbon or core suits your printer, our team can match it for you.
What synthetic labels are used for
Synthetic labels suit any job where paper would not survive:
- Outdoor and marine - asset tags, signage and equipment exposed to rain, sun and salt.
- Chemical and industrial - drum, GHS and warning labels facing solvents, oils and abrasion.
- Cold-store and freezer - labels that stay stuck and legible through condensation and sub-zero temperatures.
- Food, beverage and cosmetics - products handled in wet, refrigerated or washdown environments.
- Logistics and retail - durable barcode, freight and retail labels, including colour-coded options.
For everyday indoor labelling where durability is not critical, standard direct thermal or paper thermal transfer labels are the more economical choice.
Why buy synthetic labels from Label Warehouse
- Genuinely durable - polypropylene stock plus the right ribbon for water, chemical, abrasion and UV resistance.
- In stock and fast despatch - popular sizes ship same or next business day, Australia-wide.
- Labels and ribbons together - get the matching resin or wax/resin ribbon in the one order.
- Expert help - we will match the right synthetic label, ribbon and core to your printer and environment. Call 1300 198 684.
Frequently asked questions
What are synthetic labels?
Synthetic labels are made from a plastic facestock such as polypropylene instead of paper. They are waterproof, tear-resistant and durable, staying legible in wet, outdoor and harsh conditions.
What is the difference between synthetic and paper labels?
Paper labels are cheaper for everyday indoor use but fail when wet or handled hard. Synthetic labels cost a little more but survive water, chemicals, abrasion, freezing and outdoor exposure.
Are synthetic labels waterproof?
Yes. Synthetic stock is waterproof, and with a resin or wax/resin ribbon the print is water-resistant too. See our dedicated waterproof and weatherproof labels range for water-focused options.
How do I print synthetic labels?
Print synthetic labels on a thermal transfer printer using a resin or wax/resin ribbon. This bonds a durable, water and scratch-resistant image to the plastic surface.
Which ribbon should I use with synthetic labels?
Use a resin ribbon for the harshest conditions (chemicals, outdoor, abrasion) and a wax/resin ribbon for general durability. A plain wax ribbon is not recommended on synthetic stock.
Can synthetic labels be used outdoors or in a freezer?
Yes. With a suitable adhesive and a resin ribbon, synthetic labels are made for outdoor, marine, chemical and cold-store or freezer use. Ask us to confirm the right label for your conditions.
Do synthetic labels come in colours?
Yes. Synthetic labels are available in white and a range of colours for colour-coding and identification, in both permanent and removable adhesive.
What core sizes and roll counts are available?
Synthetic labels come on 25mm (desktop), 38mm, 40mm and 76mm (industrial) cores in a range of sizes and roll counts, with permanent or removable adhesive. Match the core to your printer.
From outdoor asset tags and chemical drum labels to cold-store, marine and retail labelling, Label Warehouse supplies the synthetic labels and matching resin and wax/resin ribbons that keep Australian labels legible in the toughest conditions. Whether you need 4x6 synthetic shipping labels, small product labels or colour-coded asset tags, you will find the right size, core and adhesive here. Not sure which synthetic label suits your printer and environment? Call our team on 1300 198 684 or order online today for fast delivery Australia-wide.