Direct thermal labels durability is absolutely critical for industries such as shipping, retail, warehousing, and food packaging. Printed using heat-sensitive materials, eliminating the need for ink, toner, or ribbons, direct thermal labels are often found on shipping parcels, product barcodes, and receipts. They’re simple to use, make labelling more efficient, and are a lot more cost-effective than other options. It’s no wonder they’re a popular choice, however, one of the main challenges with direct thermal labels is durability and lifespan. This is because they are highly sensitive to environmental factors such as heat, light, and abrasion, which can cause the printed information to fade or smudge over time. So, how can you fix the problem? Well, let’s take a look at some of the main issues that affect direct thermal labels lifespan, and then we’ll share some helpful tips on how you can go about improving durability.

Key Factors Affecting Direct Thermal Labels Durability

Here are the three common causes that impact thermal labels durability and lifespan:

Heat and Light Exposure

Heat and light exposure is definitely a significant factor affecting direct thermal labels lifespan. Since direct thermal labels are printed using heat-sensitive materials, they are highly susceptible to environmental conditions. When exposed to high temperatures (learn more here about how temperature affects thermal labels), the label can darken prematurely, making the printed information difficult to read or entirely illegible. Similarly, prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light can cause the labels to fade, as the heat-sensitive coating reacts to light over time. This degradation can make important information difficult to read and scan, compromising the label's usefulness.
 

Moisture and Humidity

Moisture and humidity is another factor that can negatively affect direct thermal labels lifespan. The heat-sensitive coating on these labels is vulnerable to water and high humidity, which can cause smudging or fading of the printed information. When exposed to moisture, the labels may absorb water, leading to distortion or even degradation of the material. High humidity can accelerate the breakdown of the label's surface, further reducing its legibility and lifespan. This makes direct thermal labels less suitable for environments with high moisture levels or exposure to liquids. For businesses relying on accurate and long-lasting labels, the only way to protect them is by keeping them away from wet conditions, or consider some moisture-resistant alternatives.

Handling and Abrasion

Touched, scanned, or moved multiple times, direct thermal labels are often subjected to frequent handling in high-traffic environments. The surface of direct thermal labels is particularly sensitive to friction, and repeated contact can cause wear and tear, leading to smudging or complete removal of printed information. Abrasion from rough surfaces or excessive rubbing can also damage the heat-sensitive coating, making the label unreadable and compromising its effectiveness. Wear and tear not only affects the legibility of important details, it shortens the overall lifespan of the label, necessitating more frequent replacements.

Tips to Extend Direct Thermal Labels Lifespan

Extending the life of direct thermal labels will help to keep printed information clear and legible throughout its intended use. 

Here’s some simple tips to extend the life of your direct thermal labels:

• By properly storing labels in a cool, dry place you can maintain the quality by avoiding exposure to any heat, light, and humidity.
• Minimise exposure to direct sunlight to prevent premature darkening of the label surface.
• To increase thermal labels durability and lifespan, you might want to add protective coatings or laminates in high-friction environments to shield labels from abrasion and handling damage.
• Apply moisture-resistant treatments if labels will be exposed to water or high humidity.
• Avoid placing labels on uneven or rough surfaces that may cause unnecessary wear and tear during use.

By following these tips, your business can improve your direct thermal labels durability, so they stay looking good for longer.