Family: PET
Polyester is the usual choice when the label needs to last. It resists heat, chemicals and rubbing without peeling off or losing readability, which makes it the reference material for demanding industrial equipment and environments.
See polyester labels
Family: PP
Polypropylene is a flexible plastic material that resists moisture well. It is a more economical option than polyester when heat or chemical resistance is not as critical. It works well in logistics, packaging and moderate outdoor applications.
See polypropylene labels
Family: Direct thermal
Labels for thermal printers that print without a ribbon, directly by heat. They are the most practical option for logistics, warehousing and any situation where you need to print many labels quickly. Available in standard paper and in polypropylene if the environment is humid.
See direct thermal labels
Family: Paper
Coated paper with a treated surface for good ink acceptance. It is the most economical and versatile option for indoor applications with no extreme durability requirements. Compatible with thermal transfer and pre-printing for large runs.
See coated paper labels
Family: Non-adhesive
An alternative to the self-adhesive label when the surface is incompatible: rusty steel, dust, grease, roughness or irregular geometry. Fastened with hooks, plastic cable ties, bolts or wire. Available in synthetic face material, polyester and reinforced cardstock (Kraft/PET/Kraft).
See hang tags
Family: Security
VOID film, destructible and holographic materials. Designed to leave visible evidence of tampering: when someone tries to peel off the label, the face material leaves a printed pattern or visible, irreversible evidence of the removal attempt. Used for asset control, warranties, seals and chain of custody.
See security materials
Family: High temperature
ARGIPRINT° materials (up to 500 °C) and polyimide (up to 300 °C). For labels that need to withstand curing ovens, electrostatic powder coating processes (booth and downstream oven) or reflow soldering, where standard materials degrade or fail. Cryogenic materials (down to −196 °C) also available to order.
See high-temperature materialsQuick comparison
Summary of the main properties of each material to help guide your choice based on what it needs to withstand. Values are indicative and may vary depending on the adhesive, thickness and final construction.
Polyester withstands up to 150 °C, solvents and abrasion; polypropylene is waterproof and flexible up to 80 °C; coated paper and direct thermal are the economical options for indoor use; security materials (VOID, destructible, holographic) leave a trace when tampered with; and for processes from 200 to 500 °C, adhesive-free substrates from the ARGIPRINT° range are used.
| Material | Temp. range | Resistance toMoisture | Resistance toChemicals | Resistance toAbrasion | Recommended ribbon | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | -40 °C to +150 °C | High | High | High | Wax-resin or resin | Medium-high |
| Polypropylene | -20 °C to +80 °C | High | Moderate | Moderate | Wax-resin or resin | Medium |
| Direct thermal | 0 °C to +40 °C | Low (paper) | Low | Low | No ribbon | Low |
| Coated paper | -10 °C to +60 °C | Low | Low | Low | Wax or wax-resin | Low |
| Hang tags | -20 °C to +80 °C | Low (paper) / Medium (PP) / High (PET) | Low | Low / Medium | Wax-resin or resin | Low |
| Security / VOID | -20 °C to +120 °C | High | Moderate | High | Wax-resin or resin | Medium-high |
| High temperature | up to +500 °C | Depends on material — requires specification | Resin | High | ||
| Cryogenic | −196 °C to +70 °C | High | Moderate | High | Resin | High |
Selection guide
Choosing well depends on three variables: the surface the label goes on, the environment it works in and how long it needs to last. Getting these three right avoids having to change material three months in.
Metal, plastic, glass, wood, cardboard... each one takes different adhesives. What adheres well on steel can lift off polyethylene.
Cold, heat, moisture, outdoor exposure, chemicals. The environment defines the minimum material the label needs to withstand it.
A temporary logistics label and an industrial asset plate that needs to last years share neither material nor adhesive.
The selection guide takes you step by step to the right material.
Full selection guideFrequently asked questions
Common questions about how to choose the right face material and adhesive for each application.
The main material families for industrial labels are: polyester (resistant to solvents, abrasion and up to 150 °C), polypropylene (waterproof and flexible up to 80 °C), direct thermal paper (economical, ribbon-free, for indoor use), coated paper (good value for indoor use), adhesive-free high-temperature materials from the ARGIPRINT° range (200 to 500 °C), and security materials (VOID, destructible and holographic) that leave a trace when tampered with. The right material depends on the surface, the environment and the required durability.
Not directly. Polyester requires thermal transfer (with resin or wax-resin ribbon). Specific polyester versions for direct thermal exist, but they are uncommon. If you need ribbon-free printing, the most common options are thermal paper, top-coated thermal paper (with a protective layer for greater durability) and, when a synthetic face material is required, direct thermal polypropylene.
For surfaces contaminated with dust, grease or oils, we recommend a rubber-based hot-melt adhesive with high initial tack, or high-performance acrylic adhesives designed specifically for difficult surfaces. In some cases, the application area needs to be cleaned beforehand.
A matt finish reduces glare and makes reading easier in environments with direct lighting or laser scanners. A gloss finish offers higher visual contrast and a better appearance for commercial applications. In industrial environments, matt tends to be more functional.
It depends on the type of plastic. On ABS, polycarbonate and treated surfaces they work correctly. On untreated polyethylene or polypropylene, adhesion may be insufficient to trigger the VOID effect. A prior test is recommended.
When the label will be exposed to moisture, chemicals, abrasion or extreme temperatures. Paper deteriorates under those conditions: it tears, fades or peels off. Polyester and polypropylene keep their readability and adhesion where paper fails. If you are not sure which one you need, the materials selection guide can help you decide.
Next step
See how we combine materials and adhesives to match the real needs of automotive, chemicals, food, logistics and other industrial sectors.
Explore sectorsDocumentation
Check the detailed technical specifications of each available material, adhesive and construction.
See technical data sheetsRelated resources
Guide
How to choose the material for your label
Practical criteria for selecting the right face material based on surface, environment and end use.
Read guideComparison
Differences between polyester and polypropylene
Resistance, cost and applications of the two most widely used plastic materials in industrial labelling.
See comparisonGuide
Guide to adhesives for industrial labels
Permanent, removable, high-temperature or deep-freeze: find out which one you need for your application.
Read guideTechnical help
Frequently asked questions about materials and label selection
Not sure which material to choose? Answers about face materials, adhesives, differences between materials and selection criteria.
See questionsLooking by condition of use?
If you know the environment — heat, moisture, chemicals, outdoor exposure — but not which material you need, the applications guide helps you choose by condition of use.
Contact
Tell us the surface, the environment and the end use. We will guide you to the most suitable material and adhesive from the first contact.