When we talk about materials, “synthetic” means something that people make in factories or labs, not something that you find naturally in the world (and include plastics).

Synthetic materials are widely used in various industries, including textiles, plastics, electronics, construction, and more. Examples of synthetic materials include nylon, polyester, acrylic, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and many types of plastics. These materials can be engineered to possess desired properties like strength, durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental conditions, making them valuable for a wide range of purposes.

Plastics are a specific type of synthetic material that has certain properties, such as being lightweight, durable, and versatile in terms of molding and shaping. So, while all plastics are synthetic materials, not all synthetic materials are necessarily plastics. Other synthetic materials can include synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester, synthetic rubber, and various composite materials that combine different synthetic and natural components to achieve specific properties or functionalities.

In adhesive label printing, synthetic labels are labels that are made from man-made materials, rather than natural ones like paper. These synthetic materials are designed to be more durable, resistant to various conditions, and have specific properties that make them suitable for different purposes.

Synthetic labels are often used when regular paper labels might not be strong enough or able to withstand certain environments. They are made from materials like synthetic plastics (such as polypropylene or polyester) or synthetic papers (which are a blend of paper and plastic). These materials are water-resistant, tear-resistant, and can endure exposure to sunlight, heat, chemicals, and other harsh conditions without getting damaged easily.

Synthetic labels are commonly used in situations where durability and longevity are important, like outdoor product labelling, industrial labelling, food and beverage packaging, medical and healthcare applications, and more. They provide a reliable option for labels that need to remain intact and legible even in challenging situations.

Other synthetic media that can be printed on include synthetic twig tags (like those you find at your local nursery), or the garment care tags.

Many plant tags are made from plastic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene. These plastics are durable, weather-resistant, and can withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, and soil moisture.
Synthetic satin care tags, are commonly used for garment labels and care instructions. These are typically made from a synthetic material known as “synthetic satin ribbon” or “polyester satin ribbon.” This type of ribbon is designed to mimic the luxurious look and smooth texture of traditional satin fabric while being durable and suitable for printing. Synthetic satin care tags are made from polyester, a type of synthetic fiber. Polyester is chosen for its durability, resistance to fading, and ability to withstand various care processes that garments may undergo, such as washing, ironing, and exposure to light. The synthetic satin ribbon used for care tags is specifically manufactured to work well with printing methods like thermal transfer printing.