Direct thermal labels work by using a chemically treated paper that reacts to heat. When heat is applied to the paper through a thermal printer, the areas that are heated turn black, creating the printed image or text.
Direct thermal eco is by far the most common finish and is used for short term labelling – shipping labels, mark down labels, pick and pack labels.
These labels are barrier coated to provide additional protection to the print in certain applications for example food packaging where the label may come into contact with grease, and patient labels where the labels may come into contact with blood.
Direct thermal pp or any synthetic direct thermal will be used where the label may will come into contact with moisture or the elements.