How to Choose the Right Address Labels for Your Packaging

July 31, 2025

When you ship products, the details matter—from the quality of your packaging to the precision of your address labels. Choosing the best address labels for shipping packages ensures your parcels look professional, stay readable in transit, and reflect your brand. Below is a complete guide on selecting the ideal labels for poly mailers, boxes, and more.

Identify Your Packaging Type & Label Location

Before buying, ask yourself:

Are you using poly mailers, cardboard boxes, padded envelopes, or tubes?
Where will the label go? Flat surface on a mailer or box front? Sloped edge near the seal?

These factors influence not only appearance but also label adhesion and compliance with courier standards (e.g., scannability, barcodes). For poly mailers, the best address label size for poly mailers is usually 105 mm × 148 mm—a mid-size rectangle that fits neatly without wrapping around seams.

Choose the Right Address Label Format

Address labels come in various formats—each suited to different uses:

Address Labels A4 Sheet: Standard 8.27” x 11.69” sheets with multiple labels (e.g., 20 or 24 per page). Ideal for office printers and variable address printing. Good for mid-volume shipping.
Roll Labels: Great for high-volume or label printers. Rolls feed smoothly and reduce waste.
Individual Sticky Address Labels: Pre-cut and perfect for quick, manual labeling—easy to peel and apply without fuss.

Your choice depends on shipping volume. Small-to-medium shops often find Address Labels A4 Sheet both economical and easy to use.

Explore Address Label Types for Packaging Materials

The material of your packaging affects label adhesion and durability. The right address label types for packaging materials can make a big difference:

Standard matte paper: Works on cardboard or paper mailers; cost-effective for indoor transit.
Poly-coated paper: Durable, resistant to moisture, and ideal for poly mailers exposed to rain.
Clear or transparent labels: Sleek and professional, especially when placed on colourful or branded packaging.
Thermal label stock (for rolls): Excellent for smudge-proof warehouse printing with thermal printers.

Matching label material to your packaging type helps prevent peeling and keeps barcodes scannable.

The Importance of Adhesion: Sticky Address Labels

Your packages must survive rain, warehouse sorting, and conveyor systems. That’s why sticky address labels are essential:

Permanent adhesive: Bonds well to polish-coated surfaces like poly mailers or plastic packaging.
High-tack adhesive: Designed for rough surfaces like corrugated cardboard or jute mailers.
Low-tack/removable: Good for temporary labels, but not ideal for shipping.

Opt for sticky labels with strong adhesive if you’re shipping under varying environmental conditions.

Stand Out with Personalised Address Labels

Using personalised address labels adds professionalism and brand consistency. You can include:

Your logo or brand colors
QR codes linking to your store or return portal
Custom messages like “Thank you!” for a branded unboxing experience

Customisation options through Crystal Mailing can elevate your branding and ensure that packages look polished.

Special Considerations for Poly Mailers

For address labels for poly mailer packaging, keep these in mind:

Moisture-resistance: Waterproof or poly-coated labels
Label size: Fit within the printable border and avoid overlapping edges
Printer compatibility: Use thermal or laser printers rated for BOPP or PET coated label stock

A 105 × 148 mm label is typically the best fit—easy to print, stick, and read.

Choose Quality Brands

Not all address labels are created equal. Here’s what makes Crystal Mailing a standout choice:

High-quality materials suited for poly mailers or fragile packaging
Multiple address label types for packaging materials—paper, poly, clear, and thermal-grade sheets and rolls
Sticky address labels with tested adhesive profiles
Complete A4 sheet label ranges, ideal for office printers
Personalised address labels with custom printing and quick delivery options

Tips on Printing & Label Handling

Printer settings: Always match paper type (e.g. BOPP, matte) before printing
Test print: Perform a test sheet and adjust alignment as needed
Storage: Store labels in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Printer maintenance: Clean rollers regularly, especially with specialty label stock

Budgeting for Address Labels

A4 sheet labels: Affordable for low–medium volumes
Roll labels: Cost-effective for high-volume shipping with dedicated label printers
Custom/Personalised labels: Slightly higher per-label cost but boost brand impression

Calculate cost per shipment to identify the right investment for your business needs.

Quick Overview Table: Choosing Address Labels

Aspect	A4 Sheet Labels	Roll Labels	Single Sticky Labels
Ease of Use	Great for office printers	Best for label printers & auto-applicators	Ideal for manual, low-volume use
Adhesive Strength	Standard—paper or poly options	Permanent/high-tack adhesives	High-tack, pre-cut convenience
Customization	Available (logo, sizes, sheets)	Available in bulk rolls	Great for small batches or gifts
Recommended For	Office shipping, returns	High-volume e-commerce	Hand-made, boutique products

Final Takeaways

Understand your package type (poly mailer, box, padded envelope)
Choose the right label size, like 105 × 148 mm for poly mailers
Match label material to your packaging—paper, poly, transparent, or thermal
Ensure sticky address labels have permanent/high-tack adhesive
Decide between A4 sheet, roll, or individual labels
Enhance your brand image through personalised address labels
Print carefully and store labels properly to maintain quality

By choosing the best address labels for shipping packages, especially those designed for poly mailers and boxes, you guarantee efficient delivery, branding impact, and a positive unboxing experience.

Why Choose Crystal Mailing?

Wide range of address labels for poly mailer packaging and more
Multiple address label types for packaging materials
Address Labels A4 Sheet and roll formats
High-quality sticky address labels with strong adhesion
Customisable personalised address labels available
Fast UK shipping, reliable customer support

Ready to Elevate Your Packaging?

Choose labels that perform as well as your products. Explore Crystal Mailing’s full range of A4 sheets, rolls, and personalised label options—designed to save time, reduce returns, and delight customers.

Shop now and level up your packaging with labels that stick—and impress.

Back to blog