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….and why yours might be one of them.
With so many label options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. Direct thermal, wax ribbons, dpi, print resolution… what does it all mean? And more importantly, what’s right for your business?
Choosing the right labelling solution can be confusing, especially when you’re juggling priorities like speed, quality and budget.
One of the simplest, most cost-effective options are direct thermal labels. These labels don’t require ribbons or inks – they react to heat, making them ideal for businesses with fast-moving operations and short-term labelling needs.
In contrast, thermal transfer labels use a ribbon to apply ink to the label surface, making them more durable and better suited to long-term or outdoor use.
“Direct thermal labels are perfect for high-volume businesses that want fast, reliable printing without the extra cost or complexity of ribbons,” says Stuart Morse, General Manager at Dial A Label.
In terms of print quality, most direct thermal printers offer standard 200dpi resolution – more than enough for shipping labels, barcodes, price tags and product IDs. If you need very small text or high-precision graphics, there are higher-resolution models available, though they may come at a premium.
Before locking in a solution, it’s worth asking yourself:
- How many labels will you print each month?
- What’s the widest label you’ll need to print? (Tip: For shipping labels, you’ll need at least a 4-inch wide printer)
- Will your labels be exposed to heat, cold or chemicals?
- Do you need small text or barcode clarity?
In this article, we’ll highlight seven industries that are getting great results from direct thermal labels – and how switching could help your business save time, money and a whole lot of hassle.
1. Retail
In fast-paced retail environments, speed and accuracy are everything. From barcode tags to pricing labels, direct thermal labels are the go-to for stores needing labels that can be printed on demand, without worrying about ribbons, ink or complicated maintenance.
“Retailers love the simplicity of direct thermal,” Stuart says. “It’s perfect for short-term applications like shelf labels, markdowns and barcode printing.”
2. Food & beverage
Need labels that perform in cold-storage or during fast-turnaround packaging? Direct thermal labels are ideal for short shelf-life products like fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, meat and dairy. They stick well, print fast and are perfect for environments where labels don’t need to last forever – just long enough to get from the fridge to the register.
“For food businesses, direct thermal labels are a no-brainer,” Stuart says. “They’re quick, clean and ideal for chilled products or same-day packaging.”
3. Healthcare
Accuracy is non-negotiable in healthcare. Whether it’s sample labels, prescriptions or patient wristbands, staff need to print fast and clearly. Direct thermal labels are perfect for high-speed printing of temporary information, where information needs to be legible and immediate, but not long-lasting.
4. Logistics and shipping
Shipping labels. Carton tracking. Dispatch slips. In warehouses and logistics hubs, labels are printed by the thousand – and they need to stick and scan with zero fuss. Direct thermal is the industry go-to for high-volume operators, where labels need to be printed quickly and consistently.
“We work with some of the country’s biggest freight and logistics providers, and direct thermal is their preferred format for a reason,” Stuart explains.
5. Manufacturing
Some manufacturing environments require long-lasting labels that can resist heat, chemicals or abrasion – in those cases, thermal transfer labels might be the better choice.
But for batch tracking, temporary inventory tags or anything that needs to change regularly, direct thermal labels are the more efficient option. They’re quick to print, easy to manage and perfect for labels that don’t need to last forever.
Not sure what you need? Here’s a simple guide comparing direct thermal and thermal transfer labels.
6. Event and entertainment
Need 1,000 name tags before lunchtime? From entry wristbands to name tags, raffle tickets and backstage passes, the event industry thrives on short-term labelling. Events are all about volume and speed – and direct thermal labels are perfect for printing large volumes of guest or ticket information quickly and affordably.
7. E-commerce and online retailers
With online order volumes surging and shipping speed more important than ever, e-commerce businesses need labels that can keep up. Direct thermal labels are ideal for printing customer addresses, barcodes and shipping information directly from your dispatch system – no ribbons, no delays.
“We see more online sellers switching to direct thermal every year,” Stuart says. “It simplifies their workflow and makes scaling easier.”
So, is direct thermal right for your industry?
If your labels are used within a few days or weeks, direct thermal is one of the most efficient, cost-effective labelling solutions available. It’s fast, reliable and built for businesses that move quickly – whether you’re shipping out orders or restocking shelves.
Need a label solution that sticks?
Speak to the team at Dial A Label – Australia’s trusted label supplier for over 30 years. We’ll help you choose the right labels, printers and ribbons for your business, and get them delivered fast.
