Product Type
Thermal Transfer Labels
Durable print on paper & synthetics with wax / wax–resin / resin ribbons.
Thermal printer labels (sometimes called thermal printer stickers) for desktop and industrial printers — compare direct thermal and thermal transfer, explore popular sizes (e.g. 100 × 150 mm) and 25/38/76 mm cores, and get UK-based advice to choose the right material and adhesive.
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Thermal printer labels are a versatile and reliable solution for businesses across a wide range of industries. At North & South Labels Ltd., we offer high-quality labels compatible with both thermal transfer printers and direct thermal printers. Thermal labels are the industry standard for fast, reliable identification and tracking. This page compares the two main technologies—direct thermal and thermal transfer—so you can choose the best fit for your application. If you need bespoke sizes, colour-washed backgrounds or pre-printed artwork, our custom thermal labels page explains the full range of tailored options.
You may also see terms such as thermal printer stickers or thermal roll stickers. These are simply alternative names for the same products — adhesive labels supplied on rolls for desktop, industrial and portable thermal printers from manufacturers including Zebra, TSC, Citizen and Toshiba. In other words, whether you call them labels or stickers, we’ll ensure you receive the right material, adhesive and core size for your use case.
As a UK manufacturer, we supply popular sizes such as 100 × 150 mm (4×6"), with 25/38/76 mm cores, in paper and durable synthetics. Our direct thermal labels are BPA/BPS-free as standard (we also offer a fully phenol-free option), while thermal transfer labels pair with wax, wax-resin or resin ribbons for maximum durability. If you require non-standard sizes, colour-washed backgrounds or pre-printed elements, we can supply these through our custom label manufacturing service. Compatible with leading printers (e.g. Zebra, TSC, Epson), we can tailor materials, adhesives and roll specifications to your needs — just tell us what you’re trying to label.
Not sure which type you need? Our team is here to help you choose the perfect solution.
Talk to UsPick an option below, or contact us to discuss which technology is best for you.
| Feature | Thermal Transfer | Direct Thermal |
|---|---|---|
| Print method | Uses ribbon (wax / wax–resin / resin) | No ribbon (heat-sensitive coating) |
| Typical durability | High—abrasion / chemical / UV with films + resin | Short–medium life (longer with top-coat) |
| Temperature range | –196 °C to 260 °C (construction-dependent) | Ambient to chilled; freezer to –80 °C with top-coat |
| Materials | Paper, PP, PET, polyimide and specials | DT paper (eco / top-coated) and DT synthetics |
| Best for | Industrial, lab, assets, long-life barcodes | Shipping, retail, tickets, fast turn |
| Pre-printing | Plain white, colour-washed, part-printed | Plain white, colour-washed, part-printed |
| Adhesives | Permanent, removable, freezer-grade, plus specials | Permanent, removable, freezer-grade, plus specials |
If you need something beyond a standard specification, we can help. We manufacture custom thermal labels in almost any size, layout or colour, with options for pre-printed artwork, colour-washed backgrounds and specialist adhesives. Whether you require a bespoke size to suit a particular printer or a branded label with your logo, we will supply a solution that fits your requirements exactly.
For customers who need branding or predefined information on their labels, we offer a full pre-printed service. Logos, borders, colour blocks, inspection panels and hazard symbols can all be added during manufacture, leaving your thermal printer to add the variable data. Pre-printing is suitable for both direct thermal and thermal transfer labels and is ideal for product identification, department coding, safety information and repeat-use formats where consistency matters.
We manufacture thermal labels to your exact dimensions, whether you require a non-standard width or height, a specific core size or a particular sensing format. Our custom options cover face material, adhesive, roll length, core size and layout, ensuring full compatibility with your printers and processes. If you are still exploring requirements, you can view our range of thermal label sizes.
Colour-washed labels are a simple and effective way to highlight batches, departments or product types. We offer a wide range of tinted backgrounds, from subtle pastels to stronger colours, all manufactured to work with standard thermal printers. Colour-washed labels are available for both direct thermal and thermal transfer applications.
If you already have a specification, we can work from your drawing or a sample label. If not, we will help you determine the correct material, adhesive and roll format for your application. Simply send us a message through the enquiry form and we will take care of the rest.
Paper labels are a practical solution for general-purpose applications, combining excellent print quality with cost-effectiveness. These labels are compatible with both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing technologies, making them suitable for a wide range of industries.
Common Applications:
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For applications where durability is essential, our polypropylene and polyester labels provide exceptional resistance to water, chemicals, and tearing. These materials are typically used with thermal transfer labels to achieve long-lasting, high-clarity print.
These labels are ideal for environments where wear and tear are a concern, offering longevity without compromising print clarity.
Common Applications:
Need durable labels for tough environments? Reach out to us for expert advice and reliable solutions.
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When labels are exposed to extreme conditions, our cryogenic polyester and polyamide labels are the perfect solution. These materials are designed to withstand freezing, thawing, and high-temperature processes, maintaining readability in the harshest environments. They are typically used with thermal transfer labels to ensure durable, resin-grade print performance.
Common Applications:
Get the right labels for extreme conditions. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
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Our security labels, including destructible vinyl and void polyester, provide tamper-evident features to secure your products and assets. These labels are designed to leave a clear mark if tampering is detected, ensuring peace of mind for sensitive applications.
Common Applications:
Protect your assets with our range of security labels. Talk to us about your security labelling needs.
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Thermal printer labels are produced using heat rather than ink, making them a reliable and low-maintenance solution for a wide range of labelling applications. Depending on the printing method and materials used, thermal labels can be optimised for short-term logistics use or for long-lasting identification in more demanding environments.
There are two main types of thermal printer labels: direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels. Direct thermal labels use a heat-sensitive coating that darkens when passed under the printhead, making them ideal for short-life applications such as shipping, warehousing and retail labelling. Thermal transfer labels, by contrast, use a ribbon to transfer ink onto the label surface, producing a more durable image suitable for long-term identification, higher temperatures and chemical exposure.
Thermal printer labels are available on a wide range of face materials, from standard papers to durable synthetic films. Material choice is typically paired with the correct adhesive, whether that is a permanent adhesive for general use, a freezer-grade adhesive for cold storage, or specialist options for textured or low-energy surfaces. Selecting the right combination ensures reliable adhesion and consistent print quality throughout the label’s life.
Print clarity and durability depend on both the label construction and the intended environment. Factors such as heat, moisture, abrasion and handling all influence whether a direct thermal or thermal transfer label is the better choice. For applications where compliance or legibility is critical, such as healthcare, logistics or asset tracking, material stability and image permanence are key considerations.
Choosing the right thermal printer label comes down to printer compatibility, the surface you’re labelling and how long the label needs to last.
If you’re unsure which thermal printer label is right for your application, our team is happy to help. Tell us how and where your labels will be used, and we’ll recommend a suitable option based on your printer, environment and requirements.
Get AdviceA: Our eco grade direct thermal material is BPA-free, while our top-coated grades are produced without bisphenol chemistry, so they are BPA-, BPS-, and phenol-free as standard.
A: Yes — we supply popular sizes on 25 / 38 / 76 mm cores and can match your printer specifications, including roll OD, core size, wound direction, and gap or black mark.
A: Direct thermal paper isn’t waterproof. For moisture exposure, choose thermal transfer synthetics or direct thermal synthetics with a suitable adhesive.
A: Either method works with a freezer-grade adhesive. For long-term use or heavy condensation, thermal transfer synthetics with a resin ribbon are recommended.
A: Yes — many people use the terms interchangeably. When we refer to “thermal printer stickers,” we mean the same high-performance adhesive labels supplied on rolls for desktop and industrial thermal printers. Whatever you call them, we’ll help ensure you get the right material, adhesive and core size for your application.
Still have questions? Contact us for tailored advice or samples.
