38.1 × 25.4 mm thermal labels are a compact yet versatile format widely used for barcode, product identification and logistics labelling. Available in direct thermal grades — Eco (BPA-free) or Top-coated (produced without bisphenol chemistry) and thermal transfer materials, they offer consistent print quality and strong adhesion on a range of surfaces.
Choose a common setup or build your own below. Each configuration can be tailored to labels/roll, roll OD, adhesive and presentation.
Direct Thermal
Paper · Permanent
76 mm core · Gap (die-cut)
Direct Thermal
Paper · Permanent
25.4 mm core · Gap (die-cut)
Direct Thermal
Paper · Removable
25.4 mm core · Gap (die-cut)
Direct Thermal
Paper · Freezer-grade
76 mm core · Gap (die-cut)
Thermal Transfer
Paper · Permanent
76 mm core · Gap (die-cut)
Thermal Transfer
Paper · Permanent
25.4 mm core · Gap (die-cut)
Thermal Transfer
Synthetic (PP/PE) · Resin ribbon
76 mm core · Gap (die-cut)
Thermal Transfer
Tamper-evident stock · Permanent
76 mm core · Gap (die-cut)
Select the print method then add material, adhesive, core size and sensing — then send it straight to the enquiry form.
Choose Direct Thermal (no ribbon) or Thermal Transfer (uses ribbon; more durable).
Choose the label material appropriate for your application.
Choose the adhesive appropriate for your material and application.
Choose the roll core to suit your printer.
Choose how your printer detects each label.
Choose a print method to begin…
Enquire now| Label size | 38.1 × 25.4 mm (1½ × 1″) |
|---|---|
| Orientation | Landscape (wider than high) |
| Cores (ID) | 25 / 38 / 76 mm (standard) · 19 / 44 mm on request |
| Sensing | Gap (die-cut) or Black-mark |
| Typical printers |
Desktop (25 / 38 mm): Zebra GK / ZD series, TSC, Citizen, Toshiba Industrial (76 mm): Zebra ZT series & equivalents Portable (19 mm): mobile / belt units |
Not sure whether to choose Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer? See our guides to Direct Thermal labels and Thermal Transfer labels — or ask us; we’re happy to help.
A: DT Eco is BPA-free. DT Top-coated grades are produced without bisphenol chemistry, so they are BPA-, BPS-, and phenol-free. If you need phenol-free media, choose Top-coated DT (data sheets available on request).
A: Yes — 38.1 × 25.4 mm labels are compatible with most desktop thermal printers, including Zebra GK / ZD series, TSC, Citizen and Toshiba models. For higher-volume use, they can also be supplied on 76 mm cores for industrial printers such as the Zebra ZT series.
A: Direct Thermal paper is not waterproof. For outdoor or long-term applications, choose Thermal Transfer synthetics such as polypropylene or polyester, printed with a wax-resin or resin ribbon.
A: Use Freezer-grade permanent for chilled or frozen storage, and Removable for short-term use (e.g. stock bins or reusable containers).
Compatibility: Freezer is available with Top-coated DT and TT Paper; Removable is not offered with TT Polyester or Tamper-evident.
A: Yes — we also produce 40 × 30 mm, 50.8 × 25.4 mm and 76 × 38 mm formats, plus custom sizes to your specification.
A: Tell us about your printer, environment and application in the enquiry form — we’ll recommend the most suitable material, adhesive and print method.
