Vinyl, polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PET) are three common materials for custom stickers and labels in New Zealand. While they may look similar, each material has different strengths. Choosing the right one depends on where and how you plan to use your stickers.

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This sticker guide explains the differences between vinyl, PP, and PET so you can choose the best type of sticker for your project.

Overview

Feature	Vinyl	Polypropylene (PP)	Polyester (PET)
Best For	🚗 Vehicles, outdoor signs, promotions	🏷️ Product labels, packaging, bottles	🏭 Industrial labels, machinery, automotive
Cost	$$	$	$$
Water Resistance	Waterproof	Water-resistant	Waterproof
Weather Resistance	✅ Excellent	Good	✅ Excellent
UV Resistance	✅ Excellent	Moderate (without UV coating)	✅ Excellent
Outdoor Lifespan	Up to 7 years	6 months - 1 year	Up to 3 years
Indoor Lifespan	Up to 10 years	Up to 2 years	Up to 10 years
Temperature Resistance	-45°C to 80°C	-20°C to 100°C	-40°C to 150°C
Chemical Resistance	Good	Good	✅ Excellent
Food Safe	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Environmental Impact	❌ High	✅ Low	✅ Low
Print Quality	Good	✅ Excellent	✅ Excellent
Flexibility	✅High flexibility	✅ Great flexibility	❌ Low flexibility
Suitable for Automatic Labelling	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

What is Vinyl?

Vinyl is a plastic material that becomes flexible through added ingredients during manufacturing. Vinyl stickers are strong, waterproof, and performs well outdoors.

Vinyl is commonly used for:

• Car stickers
• Outdoor signs
• Die-cut stickers
• Long-lasting promotional stickers

Advantages of Vinyl

• Excellent weather resistance
• Waterproof
• Long outdoor lifespan
• Glossy finish
• Thick, premium feel

Drawbacks of Vinyl

• More expensive than PP
• Not recyclable
• Not food-safe because of the additives used to make it flexible
• Lower print quality than PP

What is Polypropylene (PP)?

PP is a lightweight plastic that is naturally flexible. Thinner than vinyl, it costs less and is recyclable. These qualities make it one of the most popular materials for product labels and packaging.

Advantages of PP

1. Food-safe

PP is food-safe and non-toxic, making it ideal for food and beverage packaging.

2. Excellent print quality

Its smooth surface produces high quality printing with bright colours, sharp graphics, and clear text.

3. Cost-effective

PP is lighter and thinner than vinyl, making it easier to print, store, and ship. This helps reduce the cost of stickers and shipping.

4. More environmentally friendly

PP is recyclable and has a lower environmental impact than vinyl.

5. Durable

PP resists:

• Water
• Oils
• Alcohols
• Scratches
• Tears
• Many common chemicals

This makes it a good choice for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and everyday product labels.

6. Flexible

PP naturally bends around curved surfaces such as bottles, jars, and paper bags without needing extra additives.

7. Works with labelling machines

You can supply kiss cut stickers on rolls and apply them using automatic labelling machines. This helps businesses apply labels quickly and consistently.

Drawbacks of PP

1. Lower UV resistance

Long periods in direct sunlight can cause PP labels to fade and become brittle unless they have a protective UV coating.

2. Less resistant to extreme cold

PP performs well down to about -20°C. Below this temperature, it can crack or peel.

3. Shorter lifespan

PP labels usually last:

• 6 months to 2 years outdoors
• Much longer indoors

If you need stickers that will stay outdoors for several years, vinyl or PET is often a better choice.

What is Polyester (PET)?

PET combines many of the best qualities of both vinyl and PP. It offers excellent durability, sharp print quality, and good environmental performance.

People commonly use PET stickers for:

• Industrial equipment
• Automotive labels
• Machinery
• Long-lasting product labels

Advantages of PET

1. Extremely durable

PET resists:

• UV light
• Water
• Oils
• Solvents
• Scratches
• Tearing
• Chemicals

This makes it suitable for demanding environments.

2. Handles extreme temperatures

PET performs well in temperatures from approximately -40°C to 150°C.

3. Long lifespan

PET can last quite a long time:

• Up to 3 years outdoors
• Around 10 years indoors

Its excellent UV resistance also helps colours stay bright against outdoor exposure.

4. Available in different finishes

PET is available in:

• Clear for a "no-label" look
• White for bright, colourful printing
• Metallic for premium or industrial designs with a reflective surface

Drawbacks of PET

1. Less flexible

PET is stiffer than PP or vinyl, so it works best on flat surfaces. They are not ideal for bottles or other curved products.

2. Higher cost

PET usually costs more than PP. However, its durability can make it better value over time.

 

Which Material Should You Choose?

Choose PP if you need:

• Product labels
• Food packaging
• Bright print quality
• A recyclable option
• Lower costs

Choose Vinyl if you need:

• Vehicle graphics
• Outdoor signs
• Long-term weather resistance
• A glossy, premium finish

Choose PET if you need:

• Industrial or automotive labels
• High heat or chemical resistance
• Long-lasting labels on flat surfaces
• A choice of premium finishes

Final Thoughts

No single “best” sticker material exists. Your product, budget, and the sticker’s application will play a role in what's right for you.

For most product labels and packaging, PP offers the best balance of quality, cost, and performance.

If you need maximum outdoor durability, vinyl is a great option.

If you need a label that can handle heat, chemicals, or harsh conditions, PET is often the best choice.

If you are still not sure which material is right for your project, the Sticker Express team can help. As a PrintNZ member, we strive to give you quality printing services and tailored advice. If you have questions about this sticker guide, or you are still unsure which sticker type is right, request a quote. You can also contact our friendly team through our contact page.