Synthetic Labels

Synthetic Labels: Waterproof, Tear-Resistant Label Rolls

Synthetic labels are made from a durable plastic facestock, usually polypropylene, 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.

How synthetic labels are printed

For a finish as durable as the label itself, 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 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
• Shipping and asset labels: 100 x 150mm (4x6)

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.
• Logistics and retail - durable barcode, freight 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 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.

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.

How do I print synthetic labels?

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 or direct thermal printing is not recommended on synthetic stock.

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. 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.

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 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 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 115 808 or browse the full Label Rolls range and order online today for fast delivery Australia-wide.

Synthetic Labels FAQs

Q: What are synthetic labels made from?
A: Synthetic labels use a plastic facestock, usually polypropylene, instead of paper. This makes them waterproof, tear-resistant and able to handle oils, chemicals, abrasion, UV and temperature extremes.

Q: What printer and ribbon do synthetic labels need?
A: Synthetic labels are designed for thermal transfer printers and need a matching resin or wax-resin ribbon. Direct thermal printing is not recommended because it fades and is far less durable.

Q: Can synthetic labels be used outdoors or in the freezer?
A: Yes. Synthetic labels resist moisture, UV and temperature extremes, so they stay stuck and legible outdoors, in cold stores and freezers, and in marine or chemical environments.

Q: Do synthetic labels come in permanent and removable adhesive?
A: 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.