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Synthetic Labels: Waterproof Polypropylene Label Rolls
Synthetic labels, also sold as polypropylene labels, are made from a durable plastic facestock instead of paper. That makes them waterproof, tear-resistant and able to withstand oils, chemicals, abrasion, UV and temperature extremes, so the label stays stuck and legible where a paper label would tear, smudge or fall off. POS PLAZA stocks a full range of synthetic label rolls in Australia, in white and colours, across many sizes, cores and roll counts, with the matching ribbons to print them and fast despatch nationwide.
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.
- Genuinely waterproof - the polypropylene facestock does not break down when wet or frozen.
- Tear and chemical resistant - stands up to handling, oils, solvents and abrasion.
- Long lasting print - paired with a resin ribbon the printed image resists scratching, heat and UV.
- Indoor and outdoor - one durable label for shipping, asset, compliance and warning use.
Chemical Resistant Labels for Drums, Solvents and Washdown Areas
Chemical resistant labels are the most demanding job a label roll gets asked to do, and it is where paper stock fails fastest. A polypropylene facestock does not soften, pulp or delaminate on contact with solvents, oils, acids, cleaning agents or fuel, and the adhesive keeps its grip on drums, jerry cans, IBCs and plant equipment that get wiped down or splashed repeatedly.
The label is only half of it. On a chemical resistant label the print has to survive the same exposure, which means a resin ribbon, not wax. Resin bonds a hard, sealed image to the plastic that resists smearing under solvent wipe tests, so the GHS pictogram, batch code or barcode is still scannable months later. Common uses are GHS and dangerous goods drum labels, laboratory sample and reagent labels, workshop and automotive fluid labels, and food and beverage plant labels that go through a caustic washdown every shift.
- Solvent and oil exposure - workshop, automotive, paint and fuel handling.
- GHS and dangerous goods - drum, IBC and chemical container labelling that must stay legible for the life of the container.
- Washdown and sanitation - food, beverage and pharmaceutical plant equipment cleaned with caustics or steam.
- Laboratory - sample, reagent and cryogenic vial labels handling alcohols and freezing.
How To Print Thermal Transfer Synthetic Labels
Thermal transfer synthetic labels are printed with a resin or wax/resin ribbon, which bonds a hard-wearing, water and scratch-resistant image to the plastic surface. A plain wax ribbon does not hold well on synthetic stock, and direct thermal printing is not recommended at all, because the heat-sensitive coating that makes direct thermal work is not part of a polypropylene facestock. If you specifically need waterproof thermal labels, the durable combination is a synthetic label plus a resin ribbon on a thermal transfer printer, not a direct thermal roll. Browse the full thermal transfer labels range for paper options, or see our direct thermal labels for economical short-life labelling.
Synthetic label sizes and cores
We carry synthetic labels in popular Australian sizes, from small product and asset labels to 100 x 150mm (4x6) shipping labels:
- Small product and barcode labels: 33 x 19mm, 40 x 15mm, 40 x 28mm, 50 x 28mm, 55 x 25mm, 63 x 23mm, 70 x 25mm
- Mid-size labels: 56 x 100mm, 75 x 48mm, 90 x 40mm, 100 x 74mm, 102 x 28mm, 40 x 137mm
- Waterproof shipping labels: 100 x 150mm (4x6), the standard Australian carrier and consignment size in a synthetic stock that survives rain, refrigeration and rough freight handling
As a guide, a 25mm core suits desktop label printers and a 76mm core suits industrial machines, with some rolls on 38mm or 40mm cores. Labels are available with permanent or removable adhesive, perforated or non-perforated, and in white plus colours for coding and identification.
What synthetic labels are used for
- 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.
- Waterproof shipping labels - 4x6 consignment and freight labels for parcels that travel uncovered, get rained on or move through cold chain.
- Logistics and retail - durable barcode and retail labels, including colour-coded options.
Compatible label printers
Our synthetic labels print on standard desktop and industrial thermal transfer printers, including Zebra, TSC, Brother and Datamax. Set the printer to thermal transfer (ribbon) mode and load a resin or wax/resin ribbon for the most durable, water and scratch-resistant result. If you are not sure which label, ribbon or core suits your printer, our team can match it for you.
Why buy synthetic labels from POS PLAZA
- Genuinely durable stock - polypropylene labels plus the right ribbon for water, chemical, abrasion and UV resistance.
- In stock and fast despatch - popular sizes ship promptly, Australia-wide.
- Labels, ribbons and printers together - get the matching resin or wax/resin ribbon and printer in the one order.
- Expert help - we will match the right synthetic label, ribbon and core to your printer and environment. Call 1300 115 808.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are synthetic labels?
Synthetic labels use a plastic facestock, usually polypropylene, instead of paper. That makes them waterproof, tear-resistant and able to handle oils, chemicals, abrasion, UV and temperature extremes, so they stay legible in wet, outdoor and harsh conditions.
What are polypropylene labels?
Polypropylene labels are synthetic labels made from a polypropylene (PP) film facestock. Polypropylene is the most common synthetic label material because it is waterproof, flexible enough to wrap curved containers, chemical resistant and cheaper than polyester. On this page, synthetic labels and polypropylene labels mean the same thing.
Are synthetic labels waterproof?
Yes. The synthetic stock is waterproof, and with a resin or wax/resin ribbon the printed image is water-resistant too, so the whole label holds up in moisture and outdoors.
Are synthetic labels chemical resistant?
Yes. Polypropylene resists oils, solvents, acids and cleaning agents that would pulp a paper label. Pair it with a resin ribbon so the printed image resists the same exposure, which is what makes a genuine chemical resistant label for drums, GHS containers and laboratory samples.
Can I use synthetic labels as waterproof shipping labels?
Yes, and 100 x 150mm (4x6) is the size to ask for. A synthetic 4x6 label printed with a resin ribbon is the right choice when parcels are stored outside, travel on an open tray, move through a cold chain, or carry a barcode that has to scan after a soaking. For dry indoor freight, a standard paper direct thermal label is far cheaper per label.
What printer and ribbon do synthetic labels need?
Print them 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. A plain wax ribbon is not recommended on synthetic stock, and direct thermal printing will not work on it at all.
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.
Can synthetic labels be used outdoors or in a freezer?
Yes. Synthetic labels resist moisture, UV and temperature extremes, so with a suitable adhesive and a resin ribbon they stay stuck and legible outdoors, in cold stores and freezers, and in marine or chemical environments. Ask us to confirm the right label for your conditions.
What core sizes are available?
Synthetic labels come on 25mm (desktop) and 76mm (industrial) cores, with some rolls on 38mm or 40mm cores. Match the core to your printer.
Do synthetic labels come in permanent and removable adhesive?
Yes. POS PLAZA stocks synthetic labels in both permanent adhesive for long-term asset and drum labelling, and removable adhesive for temporary labels that peel cleanly.
Do synthetic labels come in colours?
Yes. Synthetic labels are available in white and colours such as yellow for colour-coding and identification, in both permanent and removable adhesive.
From outdoor asset tags and chemical drum labels to cold-store, marine and retail labelling, POS PLAZA supplies the synthetic labels and matching resin and wax/resin ribbons that keep Australian labels legible in the toughest conditions. Whether you need 4x6 waterproof shipping labels, small polypropylene 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 115 808 or browse the full Label Rolls range and order online today for fast delivery Australia-wide.