What Label Material Should I Use? A Guide to Choosing the Right Labels for Your Product

When ordering self-adhesive labels, one of the most common questions we hear is:

"What material should I choose?"

With so many options available, it can be difficult to know whether you need paper labels, vinyl labels, polypropylene labels, waterproof labels, freezer-grade labels, or something else entirely.

The good news is that choosing the right material doesn't need to be complicated. In this guide, we'll explain the most common label materials, their advantages, and the types of applications they are best suited for.

Why Does Label Material Matter?

Your label is often the first thing a customer notices about your product. The right material can help your product look professional, withstand its environment, and remain legible throughout its life.

Choosing the wrong material can lead to problems such as:

• Labels peeling off
• Colours fading
• Labels tearing or scuffing
• Adhesive failure
• Products looking less premium than intended

By understanding your product, packaging and environment, you can select a material that performs well and looks great.

Paper Labels

Paper labels are the most common and economical option.

They offer excellent print quality and are ideal for indoor applications where the label is unlikely to encounter moisture, abrasion or extreme temperatures.

Best for:

• Retail packaging
• Gift products
• Dry food products
• Promotional stickers
• Shipping labels
• Product information labels

Advantages:

• Cost-effective
• Excellent print quality
• Available in a wide range of finishes
• Suitable for most indoor applications

Limitations:

• Not waterproof
• Can tear if damaged
• Less durable than synthetic materials

For many businesses, paper labels provide the perfect balance between appearance and affordability.

Polypropylene Labels (PP Labels)

Polypropylene is one of the most popular synthetic label materials available today.

It offers the appearance of a premium label while providing significantly greater durability than paper.

Best for:

• Cosmetics
• Toiletries
• Food and drink products
• Bottles and jars
• Household products
• Products exposed to moisture

Advantages:

• Waterproof
• Tear resistant
• Durable and long-lasting
• Available in white, clear and metallic finishes
• Professional appearance

Limitations:

• More expensive than paper labels

If your products are likely to be handled regularly or exposed to moisture, polypropylene is often the best choice.

Vinyl Labels

Vinyl labels are designed for demanding applications where durability is essential.

They are highly resistant to weather, moisture and wear, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Best for:

• Outdoor equipment
• Machinery labels
• Safety signage
• Vehicle graphics
• Industrial applications

Advantages:

• Extremely durable
• Weather resistant
• Waterproof
• UV resistant
• Suitable for outdoor environments

Limitations:

• Higher cost than paper or polypropylene
• Often unnecessary for standard retail packaging

If your labels need to survive outdoors or in harsh environments, vinyl is usually the material of choice.

Clear Labels

Clear labels create a "no-label look" that has become increasingly popular for premium products.

When applied correctly, the label appears almost invisible, allowing the product packaging to show through.

Best for:

• Premium beverages
• Cosmetics
• Luxury products
• Glass containers
• Transparent packaging

Advantages:

• High-end appearance
• Modern and minimalist design
• Allows packaging to remain visible

Considerations:

• Artwork must be designed specifically for clear materials
• Not all colours reproduce the same way as on white materials

Freezer and Chilled Product Labels

Standard adhesives can struggle in cold environments.

For products stored in refrigerators or freezers, specialist materials and adhesives may be required.

Best for:

• Frozen foods
• Chilled food products
• Cold storage environments

Advantages:

• Maintains adhesion at low temperatures
• Designed specifically for cold environments

Important:

Always tell your label supplier if your product will be refrigerated or frozen. This can significantly affect the material and adhesive specification.

What About the Adhesive?

Choosing the right material is only part of the decision. The adhesive can be just as important.

Common options include:

Permanent Adhesive

Designed to stay in place permanently and resist removal.

Ideal for:

• Product labels
• Packaging
• Asset labels

Removable Adhesive

Can be removed cleanly without leaving residue.

Ideal for:

• Promotional labels
• Temporary applications
• Window stickers

Specialist Adhesives

Available for:

• Freezers
• Curved surfaces
• Textured packaging
• Difficult plastics

Which Label Material Should You Choose?

As a general guide:

Still Not Sure?

The best label material depends on several factors including:

• Your packaging material
• Where the product will be stored
• Whether moisture is involved
• How long the label needs to last
• Your budget
• The appearance you want to achieve

At Chelmer Print, we help businesses choose the most suitable label material for their application every day. Whether you need simple product labels, waterproof labels, promotional stickers or specialist industrial labels, we're happy to provide advice and recommendations.

Our website has a range of paper labels you can buy online here. However, for most self-adhesive label printing projects we recommend you contact us first to discuss your requirements in more detail and we can recommend the best material, adhesive etc to use. You can give us a call, send an email or use our Contact Form here. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.