Thermal labels have been the go-to choice for convenient packaging labels for years now. They are clear, durable, simple to use, sustainable and at one point were actually provided for free from the Royal Mail. This support has since stopped; retailers and other businesses now must source their own labels, which has added extra considerations. Things like price, practicality, availability and continued sustainability.
With e-commerce being one of the fastest-growing industries and businesses around the world, its carbon footprint has followed suit. Delivery logistics and the packing materials themselves all play a key part in shaping the impact of businesses on the environment. It is more important than ever to reduce this impact where possible. This can be from streamlining production processes, recycling waste and sourcing sustainable materials. All of these considerations raise an important question: are eco-friendly thermal labels still the most responsible option?
What Are Thermal Labels?
For businesses that are looking for a reliable and low-maintenance option for managing high volumes of inventory, thermal labels are an industry favourite for many reasons.
Thermal labels work in tandem with specialised thermal printers, and work by using heat-sensitive paper or ribbons to create clear and durable prints. This method eliminates the need for traditional printing means like toner or ink. It is because of this that thermal labels have become a popular choice for fast-paced logistics departments where time is of the essence. Removing the issues of downtime because of a lack of ink or toner maintains operational efficiency far better than traditional methods.
They are typically used in shipping, logistics, warehousing, e-commerce and any other industry that can make use of labelling. Their durability means they are ideal for printing barcodes, address labels and other important tracking information.
Why E-commerce Businesses Love Thermal Labels
Thermal labels can offer e-commerce businesses a wide range of practical benefits. They are ideal for fast, high-volume printing without the need for costly ink or toner cartridge replacements. With fewer moving parts in the printing systems and the lack of cartridges to replace, thermal labels keep costs lower of the lifecycle of the chosen system. Fewer moving parts also means that there is less that can go wrong in this system so costly downtime waiting for repairs or replacements is also reduced.
E-commerce operations rely on fast, consistent and clear operations. Thermal labels assist with faster order processing, smoother workflows and scalable systems with sharp printing that is durable even in an environment of continuous manual handling.
Because thermal labels have been somewhat of an industry standard for so long, this means that most e-commerce platforms and courier services have processes that are better equipped to deal with this labelling system. This makes integration simple and efficient.
So, Are Thermal Labels Sustainable?
In short, yes, thermal labels tend to be a more sustainable choice for packaging labels than other methods and systems. For instance, as they don’t require ink or toner, there’s no cartridge waste and the overall material consumption that can be attached to them is typically far lower than some of the more traditional printing methods. They are both more efficient and accurate, requiring fewer costly reprints.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that every thermal label you see is an eco-friendly thermal label. Some are made with chemical coatings like Bisphenol A (BPA), which can not only cause potential health issues, but, along with lower-quality adhesives, will make recycling more of a challenge.
Are thermal labels sustainable? Some are yes, it all depends on the materials used to make them and the supplier you choose to buy them from. Suppliers like SR Mailing, source products that are as sustainable as possible and offset the carbon produced by their operations. All of this means that our eco-friendly thermal labels are a more sustainable packaging option.
How Thermal Labels Compare to Traditional Labels
When compared with more conventional labelling options, eco-friendly thermal labels offer a simpler and often more sustainable approach. Inkjet and laser printers depend on ink and toner cartridges, which create regular waste and typically consume more energy during operation. They also contain more plastic components, adding to their overall environmental impact. Pre-printed labels can be limiting too, as they lack flexibility and adaptability.
Thermal labels, on the other hand, eliminate the need for ink, making the process more efficient. They help streamline workflows and reduce excess materials, resulting in less day-to-day waste for e-commerce businesses.
What to Look For in Sustainable Thermal Labels
When looking for eco-friendly thermal labels it is important to consider a number of factors:
- Using labels that are already the size that you require eliminates waste or overuse
- Strong adhesion levels will reduce wasted labels and the need for reprints
- Thermal labels tend to come on rolls that can fit into certain thermal printers - be sure to pick the right one
- Supplier background can tell you a lot about whether their products are sustainable
Keeping these features in mind will help you and your business reduce the levels of environmental impact from packaging whilst improving your operational efficiency.
Why Businesses Are Switching to Our Labels
Since the Royal Mail has introduced new costs for thermal labels, many retailers, small businesses and e-commerce platforms have had to seek out dependable alternatives. SR Mailing is on hand to keep shipping smooth, affordable and sustainable. Our eco-friendly thermal labels deliver crisp, reliable printing without the need for ink or toner and have sufficiently strong adhesion levels for any packaging surface.
Offered in various sizes and colours, our labels provide the versatility and adaptability needed in busy, high-volume shipping environments. By choosing SR Mailing as your trusted, B Corp certified supplier, you will benefit from sustainable products that speed up operations and reduce waste. Contact us today for quick delivery and free shipping on orders over £45.
FAQs
How do thermal labels work?
Eco-friendly thermal labels work by using heat generated in the heated print head of a thermal printer to transfer images and other printings on labels without the need for ink, toner or ribbons.
How to print thermal labels
- Ensure the printer has a label roll in the correct position and is turned on, connected and ready to print
- Select the design from your connected device to be printed
- Hit print
- Watch as your clear label is printed efficiently
How long do thermal printed labels last?
Although very hard-wearing, eco-friendly thermal labels tend to last anywhere from 6-12 months before they begin to fade. This makes them ideal for shipping and e-commerce purposes.
