Product Type
Thermal Transfer Labels
Durable print on paper & synthetics with wax / wax–resin / resin ribbons.
Thermal labels 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 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. Whether you need short-term shipping and weigh-scale labels or long-life asset and compliance labelling, our thermal printer labels are engineered for consistent print quality on desktop and industrial devices.
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- and phenol-free as standard, while thermal transfer labels pair with wax, wax-resin or resin ribbons for maximum durability. Compatible with leading printers (e.g. Zebra, TSC, Epson), we can tailor materials, adhesives and roll specs 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 |
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:
Ready to get started? Contact our team today for high-quality paper labels tailored to your needs.
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For applications where durability is essential, our polypropylene and polyester labels provide exceptional resistance to water, chemicals, and tearing.
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.
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.
Discover SolutionsYes — our direct thermal face materials are BPA/BPS- and phenol-free as standard.
Yes — we supply popular sizes on 25/38/76 mm cores and can match your printer specs (roll OD, core size, wound direction, gap/black mark).
Direct thermal paper isn’t. For moisture exposure, choose thermal transfer synthetics or direct thermal synthetics with an appropriate adhesive.
Either method with a freezer-grade adhesive. For longevity or heavy condensation, thermal transfer with a synthetic face plus resin ribbon is preferred.
Still have questions? Contact us for tailored advice or samples.
