Thermal labels & ribbons

Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer Labels

Thermal Labels for Any Operation

Our range of thermal labels is designed to meet the needs of busy operations across multiple industries. Whether you're printing shipping labels, product identification tags, or tracking barcodes, we have the right solution. From direct thermal labels to thermal transfer rolls, everything is quality guaranteed and compatible with major desktop printers and Zebra printers.

Our labels come in various sizes, with a choice of core sizes including 19mm, 25mm, 25.4mm, 76mm and 76.2mm. These are suitable for use in direct thermal printers, thermal transfer systems and mobile printing devices. Every roll is boxed securely to protect your stock during shipping.

Not sure what to buy? Contact our team for expert advice or explore this page to learn more about the label types we offer.

What Are Direct Thermal Labels?

Direct thermal labels are coated with a heat-sensitive layer that reacts when passed under a thermal printhead. The heat causes the surface to darken and create images or text. This type of printing doesn’t require ink, toner or ribbons, which makes it a cost-effective choice for many business types.

Ideal for short-term use, direct thermal labels are commonly used for shipping, retail, warehousing, and foodservice. However, they offer limited resistance to moisture, chemicals, and direct sunlight. If your application involves long-term storage or exposure to the elements, thermal transfer may be better.

We offer paper labels and synthetic options, all boxed securely with the correct core size for your printer. These labels are designed to fit seamlessly with major Zebra printers and desktop printers.

What Are Linerless Labels?

Linerless labels are a variation of direct thermal labels with no backing liner. Each label is wound onto itself using a silicone-coated surface, which prevents sticking and reduces waste.

These labels can reduce environmental impact by cutting material use by up to 40%. More labels fit on each roll, lowering your price per label and cutting shipping costs. Fewer roll changes improve workflow efficiency, especially in high-volume environments.

Use linerless options only with printers that are built for them. A standard thermal printer will not suit linerless labels and may become damaged. Contact our team for help identifying which models work best.

Thermal Transfer Labels

Thermal transfer printing uses heat and pressure to bond ink from a ribbon onto the label’s surface. This method is best for applications that need high durability, moisture resistance, and long-term readability.

Our thermal transfer labels come in a wide range of formats, including paper and synthetic options. These are ideal for harsh environments, cold storage, outdoor exposure, and packages that travel long distances.

Every label roll is designed for maximum compatibility with Zebra printers, desktop printers, and most industrial systems. All labels are shipped in secure boxes with the appropriate core size.

Choosing the Right Thermal Printer Ribbon

We stock high-quality ribbons from leading brands including Zebra and TSC. Our thermal ribbons come in:

• Wax – Suitable for general-use paper labels
• Wax-Resin – Better resistance to moisture, smudging, and abrasion
• Resin ribbons available upon request – ideal for synthetic materials and extreme durability.

While we mainly stock wax and wax-resin ribbons, we’re always happy to expand based on your needs. Get in touch if you’re unsure which type will suit your application.

All ribbons are available with a 25mm (1-inch) core, which is compatible with our full range of thermal printer models. Please note that some printers may require a different core size — check your user guide or ask our team.

Label Shapes, Materials & Finish

We offer labels in a wide variety of shapes, including rectangular, square, and circular. These work well for product tags, asset tracking, and shelf-edge signage. You can choose from gloss, semi-gloss, or matte finishes depending on your aesthetic and functional needs.

Our labels are available in both paper and synthetic materials, with optional permanent adhesive for secure attachment. Each label is engineered to suit your working environment and application type.

For high-clarity images, make sure your printer and ribbon type match your label's material and finish. We're happy to offer advice if you're not sure.

Applications and Industries

Our thermal labels are used across multiple sectors including:

• Retail and logistics
• Warehousing and inventory management
• Food packaging and date tags
• Manufacturing and cold storage
• Courier packages and tracked shipping labels

Every label on this page is built for performance and long-term value. Whether you need labels for Zebra, TSC, or Kite printers, our compatibility standards ensure you get consistent results.

Why Choose Kite Packaging?

• Huge stock of labels, printer labels, dispensers, ribbons, and accessories
• Full compatibility with Zebra, TSC and other popular printer brands
• Fast shipping, competitive prices, and expert support
• Quality assured across every product category
• Clear guidance on core sizes, materials, and printer models

We also offer full VAT breakdowns at checkout and quantity pricing for larger orders. Add your items to the basket to see exact prices with and without VAT.

Need help choosing? Our team is always on hand to help you find the right solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these thermal labels compatible with Zebra printers?

Yes. Our labels are tested and verified for use with Zebra printers, including both desktop printers and industrial models.

What’s the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer labels?

Direct thermal labels don’t use ribbons and are ideal for short-term use. Thermal transfer labels require ribbons and offer better durability and resistance.

Do you sell fanfold thermal labels?

Yes. We stock high-quality fanfold labels suitable for continuous printing and high-volume environments.

Can I order different sizes or shapes?

Yes. We offer a wide range of shapes and different sizes, all available to shop online.

Is there a minimum order quantity?

No minimums. However, ordering larger quantities often reduces the unit price.