What Are Printer Labels?
Printer labels display information such as delivery addresses, product codes, barcodes and inventory details. They help businesses identify, organise and track products, parcels and stock.
Printer labels are supplied in rolls for use with compatible label printing equipment. Depending on the label material and printer, they may use direct thermal or thermal transfer printing.
What Are Printer Labels Used For?
Printer labels are widely used by ecommerce retailers, warehouses, manufacturers, and logistics teams for parcel identification, stock management, and order fulfilment.
They are also used for:
- Displaying delivery addresses, tracking numbers, and parcel information.
- Printing product barcodes, stock codes, and identification numbers for scanning.
- Labelling products, cartons, and stock for warehouse organisation.
- Identifying stock locations, product groups, and storage containers.
- Matching packed orders with the correct shipping and dispatch information.
- Printing product references, item numbers, and other identification details.
- Colour-coding stock groups, order types or internal handling categories.
When used with suitable barcode systems, printed labels can also support inventory management and goods tracking.
Different Types of Printer Labels
Printer labels are available in different formats and materials depending on the printing equipment and intended application.
Direct Thermal Printer Labels
Direct thermal labels use a heat-sensitive coating that changes colour when heated by a compatible printer.
They do not require a separate printing ribbon and are commonly used for shipping labels, parcel identification, and short-term warehouse applications.
Thermal Transfer Printer Labels
Thermal transfer printing uses a heated printhead and ribbon to transfer the printed image onto the label surface.
They are commonly used where printed information needs to remain readable for longer periods, such as product identification and some inventory labelling applications. Performance depends on the combination of label material, ribbon, and printer settings.
Fluorescent Printer Labels
MPS Packaging offers fluorescent-coloured printer label rolls for commercial labelling, warehouse identification, and dispatch applications. The fluorescent colours help printed information stand out against cartons, packaging and other labelled surfaces.
Use them for:
- Colour-coding warehouse stock and inventory groups.
- Identifying dispatch batches and product categories.
- Highlighting internal handling or inspection instructions.
- Distinguishing between different shipment types or storage locations.
- Creating visible product and carton identification labels.
How to Choose the Right Printer Labels
The choice depends on these factors:
- Printer compatibility: Check the printer make and model to confirm which labels it supports.
- Printing technology: Determine whether the printer requires direct thermal or thermal transfer labels.
- Label dimensions: Choose a width and height that provide enough space for addresses, barcodes or product details to remain clear and readable.
- Roll core size: Check that the roll core fits your printer or external label holder.
- Roll diameter: Confirm the maximum roll size your printer can accommodate.
- Adhesive type: Check whether the label adhesive is suitable for the intended packaging or product surface.
If you are uncertain about compatibility, contact MPS Packaging with your printer model and required label specifications. Our team can help you choose a suitable option.
Printer Labels for Shipping and eCommerce
Printer labels can be used for delivery addresses, tracking information, barcodes and parcel identification during order fulfilment and dispatch. Before ordering shipping printer labels, check the required label dimensions against your printer specifications and the requirements of your courier or shipping platform.
Complete Your Warehouse Packing and Labelling Supplies
Printer labels work alongside other packaging products used for order fulfilment, packing and dispatch.
MPS Packaging also stocks:
Buy Printer Labels at MPS Packaging
Browse our range of printer labels online or contact our team for help choosing compatible label sizes, roll formats and materials for your printer and application.
