What Are Labels?
Self-adhesive labels are a pre-coated material combining a face stock, an adhesive layer, and a release liner. The face stock (the visible surface of the label) can be paper, polypropylene, polyester, or other materials depending on the application. The adhesive bonds the label to the target surface when applied, in either permanent or removable grades. Labels are supplied on rolls for use with thermal label printers or label applicators, or as A4 sheets for use with laser and inkjet printers. Choosing the right combination of face stock, adhesive, and print technology for your application determines how well the label performs in use.
Label Types
Direct Thermal Labels
Direct thermal labels use heat-sensitive paper that reacts directly to a thermal print head to produce text, barcodes, and graphics without ink, toner, or ribbon. They are the most widely used label type for shipping, logistics, and warehousing applications due to their low running cost and straightforward printer setup. Available in a wide range of sizes from 38mm x 25mm up to 101.6mm x 152.4mm (4" x 6"), in economy and top-coated grades, with permanent adhesive. Browse our full direct thermal labels range.
Thermal Transfer Labels
Thermal transfer labels require a thermal transfer ribbon between the print head and the label surface. The ribbon melts onto the label to produce a printed image that is significantly more resistant to heat, light, and abrasion than direct thermal. Thermal transfer is the preferred choice for labels that need to remain legible over extended periods or in demanding environments. Available in semi-gloss and specialist materials. Browse our thermal transfer labels range.
Coloured Labels
Coloured direct thermal and thermal transfer labels are used for colour-coded identification in warehousing, logistics, and production environments. Our coloured range covers Pantone Yellow and Orange in direct thermal, and yellow in thermal transfer, available in sizes from 50mm x 25mm up to 101.6mm x 152.4mm. Browse our coloured direct thermal labels and coloured thermal transfer labels.
Waterproof and Specialist Labels
For applications requiring resistance to moisture, chemicals, or abrasion, our specialist label range covers glossy polypropylene labels, clear polypropylene labels, polyester labels, and thermal transfer block out labels for overprinting existing labels.
A4 Sheet Labels
For use with standard laser and inkjet office printers, our A4 laser labels are available in a wide range of label counts per sheet, from 1 label per sheet up to 65 labels per sheet, in matt white paper with permanent adhesive. Suited to address printing, office labelling, and low-volume product identification.
Fan Folded Labels
Fan folded labels are supplied in stacked concertina format rather than on a roll, suited to printers where roll labels are not practical or where a fixed stack is preferred. Browse our direct thermal fan folded labels.
Labels by Industry
Shipping and Mailing
Our shipping label range covers address labels, shipping, courier and packaging labels, printed handling and shipping labels including fragile, handle with care, and do not bend formats, and Royal Mail compatible labels for Despatch Manager Online.
Retail and Food
Our retail and food label range covers food labels including day dot and halal labels, scale labels for CAS and other weighing systems, retail and promotional labels, and arts and crafts labels.
Pharmacy and NHS
Our NHS and pharmacy labels cover the most widely used dispensing label sizes in direct thermal economy and top-coated grades, supplied in bulk quantities for dispensaries, hospital pharmacies, GP surgeries, and independent chemists.
Electrical and PAT Testing
Our PAT test labels cover standard passed, 4th Edition, and fuse rating formats, manufactured in-house on vinyl and matt white polypropylene with permanent adhesive.
Why Choose CDM Labels?
CDM Labels manufactures labels in-house from our facility in Hull, East Yorkshire, supplying businesses, retailers, NHS dispensaries, couriers, and food producers directly without intermediary costs. Our range covers the full breadth of label applications from a single supplier, and our team is available to advise on the right specification for your application. Browse our thermal label printers for compatible hardware, or contact us on 01977 879101. Free delivery is included on all orders to the UK mainland.
