The world of thermal labels explained in 250 words
The article on direct thermal labels in La Presse (In French only) has sparked your interest and you want to learn more? Here are the facts to help you understand.
10 important facts to know
1. North American and European direct thermal paper suppliers no longer use BPA (as mentioned in the article), nor BPS.
2. The pressure for ever lower prices pushes some suppliers to source from Asia where regulations on the chemicals that make up the thermal paper coating are much more permissive.
3. Most printers such as Labelink do not sell thermal papers from Asia and offer shrink sleeves, labels and RFIDs made from high quality North American raw materials.
4. The vast majority of printers use FDA and Health Canada approved raw materials for all types of labels and flexible packaging.
5. Direct thermal labels are used in many applications: blank labels, luggage tags, and package tracking labels are among the most common.
6. More and more direct thermal labels and the liners are made with recycled content (yay!).
7. Paper liners are also recyclable.
8. Direct thermal linerless technology uses the same types of chemical compounds as direct thermal self-adhesive labels.
9. You should also be aware that linerless technology requires an investment in specific label application equipment. A linerless label does not necessarily work in a traditional printer.
10. Finally, linerless and direct thermal linerless products are not exclusive to one company and are available from many printers.