Complete Guide to Shipping Labels and Address Labels

Whether you're shipping products daily or organising office files, A4 laser printer labels and shipping labels ensure accurate, professional, and durable results. In this guide, you’ll discover the right label types, materials, and sizes for bulk logistics, address labelling, and industrial environments.

However, with the wide range of labels available in the market, choosing the right one for your business can prove to be a difficult task. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about shipping labels, address labels, and synthetic versus non-synthetic options to help you make informed decisions for your labelling needs.

Understanding Shipping Labels vs Address Labels

What Are Shipping Labels?

Shipping labels are specifically designed for logistics and transport applications. These labels feature several key characteristics that make them ideal for packages that undergo handling, temperature variations, and exposure to moisture.

Common features of shipping labels:

• Permanent adhesive formulation that bonds securely to packages

• Temperature resistance to handle varying storage and transport conditions

• Clear barcode printing capability for accurate scanning

• Smudge-resistant surfaces that maintain readability throughout transit

• Larger size formats (typically 100x149mm or 103x150mm) to accommodate shipping information, barcodes, and tracking details, designed for use with thermal direct label printers

What Are Address Labels?

Address labels focus on clean presentation and reliable adhesion for letters, packages, and general mailing needs. These labels prioritise neat appearance and consistent application across various paper and envelope surfaces.

Common features of address labels:

• Clean presentation designed for professional mailing
• Various adhesive strengths from removable to permanent
• Efficient and accurate addressing helps reduce errors and save time, especially when mailing in bulk
• Printing compatibility that works well with both laser and inkjet printers

• Suitable for Mail Merge when using A4 address labels

Synthetic vs Non-Synthetic Label Materials

Our collection of A4 laser printer labels includes both synthetic and non-synthetic options, ideal for everything from bulk shipping to office filing systems. Synthetic labels are made from plastic-based materials such as polyester, polypropylene, or vinyl, while non-synthetic labels are made from paper-based materials. Selecting the right label material can significantly impact the quality and longevity of your labels.

Synthetic Labels

Synthetic labels are considered a premium option, made for demanding applications that require durability and performance.

Printer Compatibility:

Laser printers only, not suitable for inkjet printers.

Premium Applications:

• Outdoor environments that are exposed to the weather
• Suitable for chemical or industrial settings
• Equipment labelling that requires long-term durability
• Asset tracking in harsh conditions
• Warning and safety labels where long-lasting readability is needed

Advanced Features:

• Weather resistance, including UV protection and moisture resistance
• Chemical resistance to solvents, oils, and cleaning agents
• Temperature stability from freezing to high-heat conditions
• Tamper-resistant for security applications
• Superior print clarity that maintains readability over time

Non-Synthetic Labels

Our non-synthetic A4 laser labels are compatible with most desktop laser and inkjet printers, making them a versatile choice for everyday shipping and addressing needs.

Printer Compatibility:

Works with all laser and inkjet printers.

Ideal Applications:

• Indoor office environments
• Standard mailing and addressing
• File organisation and inventory management
• General-purpose labelling tasks

Benefits:

• Cost-effective for high-volume requirements
• Easy to write on with pens or markers
• Readily available in numerous sizes and formats
• Environmentally friendly disposal options
• Consistent print quality across different printer types

Choosing the Right Label for Your Needs

For general business needs, non-synthetic A4 laser printer labels provide the perfect balance of quality and value. If you need labels that can withstand harsh environments or are resistant to chemicals, synthetic labels may be a better option. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right label for your needs:

Durability

Consider where your labels will be used and how long they need to last. If they will be exposed to moisture, extreme temperatures, or chemicals, choose labels specifically designed for these conditions.

Adhesive Strength

The adhesive strength of your labels is also an important consideration. Labels with strong adhesive are ideal for items that will be handled frequently or exposed to movement, such as shipping labels or product labels. On the other hand, if your labels will be used on delicate surfaces like glass or paper, a weaker adhesive may be more suitable.

Size and Layout

The size of your labels should be suitable for the item to which they will be applied, with sufficient space for all necessary information. The layout of the label should also be carefully considered to have a clear and organised appearance.

Consider these common options:

For Small Labels:

• 65 labels per sheet
• 44 labels per sheet
• 33 labels per sheet

Medium Labels:

• 24 labels per sheet
• 20 labels per sheet
• 16 labels per sheet

For Large Format:

• 8 labels per sheet
• 6 labels per sheet
• 4 labels per sheet
• Single label per sheet

Material Selection

For Standard Office Use:

Choose non-synthetic paper labels that work reliably with both laser and inkjet printers. These provide excellent print quality for everyday addressing, filing, and identification tasks while being cost-effective.

For Outdoor or Industrial Use:

Select synthetic weatherproof labels designed specifically for laser printers. These premium materials resist environmental factors and maintain label integrity in challenging conditions.

For Chemical Environments:

Opt for specialised synthetic labels with chemical resistance properties. These materials prevent degradation when exposed to cleaning agents, solvents, or other industrial chemicals.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Choosing the right labels supports your business operations while ensuring your products are properly labelled. Whether you need non-synthetic labels for everyday office use or durable synthetic labels for tough environments, understanding these key differences allows you to make decisions that enhance your operational efficiency. Browse our full range of A4 laser printer labels and shipping labels, available in various sizes, adhesive types, and materials. Perfect for eCommerce, office logistics, or industrial use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use synthetic labels with inkjet printers?
No, synthetic labels are designed exclusively for laser printers. Due to the plastic nature of the labels, the ink from an inkjet printer cannot soak in like it can with paper, therefore, the ink will not dry on the labels. For inkjet compatibility, choose non-synthetic labels.

How do I know if I need weatherproof labels?
Consider weatherproof synthetic labels if your labels will be exposed to outdoor conditions, moisture, extreme temperatures, or UV radiation. Standard applications in controlled indoor environments typically work well with non-synthetic materials.

What if I use both laser and inkjet printers for my labels?
If you plan on using both laser and inkjet printers, non-synthetic labels are the better choice since they are compatible with both. This will ensure your labels adhere properly and produce high-quality prints from either printer type.

Can I use synthetic labels for any type of product?
While synthetic labels have a variety of uses, they may not be suitable for all products. It's important to consider the specific needs of your product and its packaging before choosing a label material.

How long do synthetic labels last compared to non-synthetic ones?
Synthetic labels can maintain their appearance and adhesion for years in challenging conditions. In contrast, non-synthetic labels perform excellently in standard indoor environments but may degrade more quickly under harsh conditions.