Introduction
Adhesive label paper is a composite material consisting of a face stock (paper, film, or specialty material), adhesive coating on the back, and a silicone-coated liner for protection. Because they don’t require glue, paste, or water, these labels save application time and reduce pollution.
Two of the most common label types in the market are:
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Thermal Paper Labels
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Coated Paper Labels
Understanding the difference between them helps businesses choose labels that meet both cost and performance needs.
What is a Thermal Paper Label?
Thermal paper is specially designed for thermal printers and fax machines. The simplest way to test it is by scratching the surface with your fingernail — a black mark will appear.
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Common uses: supermarket scales, cold storage, retail price tags.
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Standard size: often 40mm x 60mm.
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Features:
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Not waterproof
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Not oil-resistant
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Easy to tear
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Durability: typically lasts 6 months; high-quality “triple-proof” thermal paper can last up to 1 year.
Limitation: Text can fade quickly when exposed to heat (above 30°C), sunlight, or friction.
What is a Coated Paper Label?
Coated paper (also called art paper) is a semi-glossy material commonly used in barcode printers with a ribbon (carbon tape).
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Thickness: ~80 g/m²
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Features:
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Semi-gloss, smooth surface
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More durable under temperature ranges -50°C to +90°C
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Requires ribbon to print
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Applications: widely used in inventory management, apparel tags, industrial production lines, food and cosmetics labels.
Advantage: Labels can last up to 2 years and resist temperature changes better than thermal paper.
Key Differences Between Thermal and Coated Paper Labels
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Thermal Paper Label | Coated Paper Label |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Method | Direct printing (no ribbon needed) | Requires ribbon (carbon tape) |
| Durability | 6 months – 1 year | Around 2 years |
| Resistance | Sensitive to heat & light, fades easily | Stable under -50°C to +90°C |
| Cost | Lower (no ribbon required) | Slightly higher (ribbon needed) |
| Applications | Short-term labels (fresh food, receipts) | Long-term labels (cosmetics, exports, storage) |
Which Label Should You Choose?
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Choose Thermal Paper Labels if:
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Your products have a short shelf life (e.g., bread, fresh food).
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You want cost efficiency without investing in ribbons.
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You are printing receipts or temporary tags.
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Choose Coated Paper Labels if:
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Your products need labels that last 1+ years (e.g., electronics, export goods).
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Your items face temperature variations during storage/transport.
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You need high-quality, semi-gloss labels for branding.
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Conclusion
Both thermal paper and coated paper labels play critical roles in modern packaging, retail, and logistics. The choice depends on your product’s storage duration, environmental conditions, and cost considerations.
👉 For short-term labeling, thermal paper is ideal.
👉 For long-term durability and premium appearance, coated paper is the better investment.
