Barcode Labels

How to choose barcode labels

The right label depends on four things: how it will be printed, the surface it goes on, the conditions it must survive, and how long it needs to last. Sharing these details with us lets our team recommend a face material, adhesive and ribbon combination that works first time.

1. Print method: direct thermal or thermal transfer

Direct thermal labels darken when heated and need no ribbon. They are economical and widely used for shipping and short-life labels, but the print can fade with heat, light and time. Thermal transfer labels are printed through a ribbon, producing durable print that suits product, asset and long-life labels.

2. Face material

• Paper — economical for indoor, short-to-medium life labels.
• Polypropylene (PP) — flexible and water-resistant, good for containers and FMCG packaging.
• Polyester / PET — strong, chemical- and abrasion-resistant for assets, outdoor and industrial use.
• Polyimide — withstands very high temperatures, used on PCBs and electronics.

3. Adhesive

Permanent adhesives suit most applications. Removable adhesives peel off cleanly, freezer-grade adhesives stick at low temperatures, and high-tack adhesives grip rough or curved surfaces.

4. Roll specification

Let us know the label width and height, gap or black-mark, core diameter (commonly 25 mm, 40 mm or 76 mm), the maximum roll diameter your printer accepts, and your printer model. We will match the roll to your printer.

Matching the ribbon

Thermal transfer labels need the right ribbon: wax for paper, wax-resin for coated paper and some films, and resin for polyester and other synthetics. See barcode ribbons.