Conversion Calculator

Contact us

024 7642 0065
Mon to Thurs 08:30 - 17:30
Fri 08:30 - 17:00
enquiries@kitepackaging.co.uk
service@kitepackaging.co.uk
accounts@kitepackaging.co.uk
New items
labels printers video

  • Eliminate waste and use 40% less paper with linerless envirolabelsZebra Registered Reseller
  • Thermal labels, ribbons and label printers from trusted brands
  • Use our labels and printers guide to understand compatibility and features
  • Please note the labels of a roll are subject to a 5% manufacturing tolerance
  • Zebra media is non-returnable, please call our sales team for guidance

We have recently added new items to this range (highlighted below)


Loading products

Direct thermal & thermal transfer labels

We stock a wide selection of thermal printing labels for desktop and mobile printers. Our direct thermal, thermal transfer and linerless labels are available in core sizes of 19mm, 25mm, 25.4mm, 76mm and 76.2mm. These are compatible with a broad variety of printers, in particular Zebra, TSC and Kite barcode label printers.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch with us at envirolabel@kitepackaging.co.uk.

Need a new printer or looking to upgrade your existing systems? With options for every budget and requirement, we’ve got something for everyone. Explore our range of thermal label printers and printer ribbons now.

Direct Thermal Paper Labels

Direct thermal labels are coated with a special heat-sensitive layer which darkens when exposed to heat. They are designed for use with direct thermal printers which use heat from a thermal print head to create images or text. Popular for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, these labels do not require ink, toner, or ribbons for printing, making them a hassle-free solution for many businesses.

We stock our own brand of linerless direct thermal labels. Kite envirolabels solve the issue of managing backing liner waste by removing it altogether. With zero liner waste to worry about, your business can reduce costs, speed up the flow of goods and experience streamlined processes.

Direct thermal printing method diagramThermal transfer printing method explanation

What are linerless labels and what are their benefits?

envirolabel benefits zero waste to landfill

Linerless, or liner-free, labels are a type of self-adhesive label that do not require liner or backing material. Unlike standard labels which have a liner to protect the adhesive layer, linerless varieties have a silicone coating on their surface to prevent the labels from sticking to each other. This allows them to be wound on a roll without the need for backing material, accommodating more labels on a roll when compared to standard labels with liners whilst reducing waste. For this reason, liner-free labels are the ideal labelling solution for businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact and increase their operational efficiencies.

By eliminating waste and using 40% less paper, these labels offer increased environmental sustainability and can help businesses drive their CSR commitments. However, the benefits of zero liner waste extend beyond just environmental considerations.

Linerless labels also offer:

  • Enhanced cost-effectiveness, offering more labels per roll compared to standard labels with liners, resulting in a lower price per label.
  • Increased efficiency due to reduced roll changes and the elimination of tasks such as peeling, collecting, storing, and disposing of liners.
  • Facilities benefit from improved space and removal of costs associated with collecting, storing and disposing of liner.
  • Improved health and safety by minimising slip and trip hazards.
  • Flexibility in sizing and design, customisable up to the point of printing.

    • Thermal Transfer Paper Labels

    Thermal transfer labels are coated with heat-sensitive ink or resin that is transferred onto the label face using heat and pressure. These labels are designed for use for with thermal transfer printers, which use a thermal print head to melt the ink or resin onto the label’s surface. This printing method provides durable and long-lasting prints, making them suitable for applications where resistance to moisture, chemicals and abrasion is required.

    Thermal Transfer Ribbons

    Thermal transfer ribbons are a consumable component used in thermal transfer printing. Made of a thin layer of ink which is coated onto a polyester film, the ribbon is passed through a thermal transfer printer along with the label. When heat is applied to the ribbon, the ink transfers onto the label, creating desired image or text.

    Thermal transfer ribbons come in wax, wax-resin and resin. We stock wax ribbons from the biggest names in the industry, Zebra and TSC. These are suitable for printing on paper labels, provide good print quality for barcode labelling purposes, and offer the best possible value. Compatible with most coated and non-coated paper labels.

    When selecting a thermal transfer ribbon for your printer, it is worth considering the following factors:

    Durability and Resilience:

  • Wax Ribbons: Suitable for most everyday labelling applications.
  • Wax / Resin Blend Ribbons: A balance of durability versus price.
  • Resin Ribbons: Optimal for long life labelling applications, usually reserved for use with synthetic labels.

    • While we only stock wax and wax-resin ribbons, please do get in touch with us if you would like to explore options in resin as we are always open to expanding our options based on your needs. 

    Remember, the right choice depends on your specific application and label life requirements. Call us for advice if you’re not sure.

    Ribbon Type / Wind Direction:

  • Coated Side Out (CSO) or Out Side Wound (OSW) Ribbons: The ‘ink’ coating faces out. Zebra, TSC and Kite typically use CSO ribbons as do many other printer brands. All of Kite’s listed ribbons are Out Side Wound or Coated Side Out
  • Coated Side In (CSI) or In Side Wound (ISW) Ribbons: The ‘ink’ faces in. Sato and Datamax thermal transfer printers usually require these. You can determine the type by checking reflectiveness on each side. Typically, the plastic sheet will be the shiny side, whilst the wax, resin or blend will be the matt side.

    • Ribbon Size:

  • Choose a ribbon width closest to but slightly larger than your most popular label size. Unused ink on the ribbon may go to waste otherwise, so optimise this where you can.
  • Consider the total length: shorter ribbons (300m) suit desktop printers, while longer ribbons (450m) are for industrial printers.
  • Check the required core size for ribbon in the printer, typically 1 inch or 0.5 inch, all Kite’s listed ribbons are 25mm / 1inch.

    • Loading...