Compare all 11 CW-series ribbons
Side-by-side comparison of all Codewell thermal transfer ribbons — performance ratings, best applications, and substrate compatibility.
| Ribbon | Type | Smudge | Chemical | Heat | Abrasion | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW-11 Wax | Wax | Economy paper labels | |||||
| CW-12 Wax Premium | Wax | Premium paper labels | |||||
| CW-15 Eco Wax Resin | Wax-Resin | Eco-conscious brands | |||||
| CW-20 Wax Resin | Wax-Resin | Coated paper labels | |||||
| CW-22 Wax Resin Premium | Wax-Resin | Pharma labels | |||||
| CW-25 Wax Resin Super Premium | Wax-Resin | Cold chain / harsh env | |||||
| CW-28 Resin | Resin | Synthetic labels | |||||
| CW-30 Extreme Wax Resin | Wax-Resin | Extreme conditions | |||||
| CW-33 Pure Resin | Resin | Maximum durability | |||||
| CW-60 Wash Care / Waterproof | Specialty | Textile wash-care | |||||
| CW-66 Chemical Free Resin | Resin | Eco resin / cleanroom |
Ratings: ●●● = Excellent · ●●○ = Good · ●○○ = Basic · ○○○ = Not applicable. All ribbons available in custom widths 25–160mm and lengths 50–600m.
Substrate compatibility matrix
| Label material | CW-11 | CW-12 | CW-15 | CW-20 | CW-22 | CW-25 | CW-28 | CW-30 | CW-33 | CW-60 | CW-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoated paper | |||||||||||
| Matte coated paper | |||||||||||
| Semi-gloss paper | |||||||||||
| Polypropylene (PP) | |||||||||||
| Polyester (PET) | |||||||||||
| Polyimide (Kapton) | |||||||||||
| Nylon satin | |||||||||||
| Taffeta | |||||||||||
| BOPP film |
Frequently asked questions
Which ribbon is cheapest for shipping labels?+
CW-11 Wax is the most economical ribbon for paper shipping labels. It provides good print quality at the lowest cost per label — ideal for logistics and e-commerce operations printing thousands of labels daily.
What ribbon do I need for pharmaceutical labels?+
For pharma compliance labels, use CW-22 Wax Resin Premium (coated paper labels) or CW-25 Wax Resin Super Premium (synthetic labels). Both provide smudge resistance, chemical resistance, and the print durability required for batch codes and expiry dates.
Can I use wax ribbon on synthetic labels?+
No. Wax ribbons are designed for paper substrates only. On synthetic labels (polypropylene, polyester), wax ink won't bond properly and will scratch off easily. Use wax-resin (CW-20 to CW-30) for light synthetics or resin (CW-28, CW-33) for full synthetic labels.
Which ribbon lasts longest on outdoor labels?+
CW-33 Pure Resin provides maximum durability for outdoor applications. It resists UV exposure, chemicals, heat, and abrasion. Pair it with a polyester (PET) label for labels that last 3-5+ years outdoors.
What ribbon works for garment wash-care labels?+
CW-60 Wash Care Ribbon is specifically designed for textile labels. It prints on nylon satin and taffeta and survives 60+ wash cycles, tumble drying, ironing, and dry cleaning — meeting all garment labelling requirements.
Need help choosing?
Tell us your label material, printer model, and application — we'll recommend the exact ribbon.
Get a free recommendation