Direct Thermal Labels Market Information Report by Face stock Material (Paper and Plastic), by Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Retail and Others) and By Region - Forecast To 2030.

Direct Thermal Label Market

The direct thermal label market is expected to gain a market value of USD 4.02 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 4% from 2022-2030.

The thermal label is a chemically treated roll that uses heat to create an image on the base. These heat-sensitive labels are printed without the use of a ribbon. The thermal labels are not very costly, have a shorter life span, and the image eventually fades when it comes to exposure of light with time. Direct thermal labels are cost-effective labels made using a thermal print head to heat specific areas of coated, thermo-chromatic paper selectively. The paper runs over the thermal print head and then turns black where it's heated, producing the desired image.

The growth of the direct thermal label market is driven by the rise in the need for safe and secure transport and logistics of goods across the globe. Furthermore, the increase in the adoption of direct thermal film labels is expected to accelerate market growth due to the protective layer on their surface, the high-quality resolution of graphics, text, and bar codes, and the heat-sensitive nature of direct thermal printing films. There is also an increase in the inclination towards direct thermal film labels over other films in thermal printing. Because of their heat resistance and strength, the direct thermal label's cost-effectiveness further influences the market. Additionally, the expansion of end-use industries, rapid industrialization, and growth in the food and beverages market positively affect the direct thermal label market. Also, e-commerce's growth and low-cost alternatives to conventional labeling will provide lucrative opportunities for the market in the forecast period. On the other hand, direct thermal films are expected to cause less market growth due to the replacement of films with ultraviolet exposure because of sunlight exposure. Issues with the outdoors and harsh conditions, which present challenges for direct thermal films, are also predicted to harm the market.

COVID-19 Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected most manufacturers. The global economy and the supply chains of the markets have been badly impacted because of the lockdown. The decline in manufacturing and the shortage of raw materials severely hurt production rates, and potential end-users were turning to other solutions. On the other hand, the market players are getting great opportunities for new developments. They are also providing low-scale industries a better experience with their service or product. The market has returned to normal levels after the pandemic and will continue to accelerate at a safe pace. Some factors that were present during the COVID-19 crisis are now returning to their previous state.

Competitive Landscape

The major analysis solely has a section that is dedicated to the major players in the Direct Thermal Labels Market. The market players are set by the market analysis by the financial statements and the product developments. It is followed by the product benchmarking and SWOT analysis by the market analysts. The business overview and the financial information are the criteria and that is fulfilling the client’s requirements.

In the Direct Thermal Labels Market, many key players have changed the market trends and are contributing in their specific domains. Below are some market players in the Global Direct Thermal Labels Market.

• Label makers Group Pty Ltd.


• Blanco Inc.


• 3M Company


• AM Labels Ltd


• Brady Corporation


• Constantia Flexibles GmbH


• Labelmakers Group Pty Ltd


• Müroll GmbH


• Consolidated Label Co


• Resource Label Group


• Hub Labels


• Premier Label Company Inc.


• Thermal Label Warehouse LLC


• A & S Labels Pvt Ltd.


• Technicode, Inc.


• Avery Dennison Corporation

Market Dynamics:

The growing popularity of thermal labels in various applications is driving the global market. The Point of Scale (POS) machine used in retail transactions, the detailed labeling of constituents in the food and beverages at the grocery stores, to alter the adulteration practices in the pharmaceuticals is expected to propel the Direct Thermal Labels Market in the upcoming years as well. One of the growing technologies in the healthcare industry, the growing usage of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags is a favorable factor in the industry and market growth of the Direct Thermal Labels.

Segment Overview:

These electronic imaging thermal labels have been designed in various sizes and can be die-cut into any size to fit in all the makes and models of the printers and this is an advantage to provide small quantities and thousands of labels can be used. The Thermal transfer labels are segmented based on product, application, and region. This offers a choice to print variable information as per the demand of the purpose on different materials as per the usage.

As per categorization, by-products of paper, plastic, and polyester will increase the market growth for all kinds of application usages and the regional growth also depends on the availability of raw materials. The paper is good, the plastic usage is better and the polyester is the best material to be used for the Direct Thermal Labels.

The paper is used for packaging and shipping labels that have a good print quality and permanent adhesives are used as per the purpose. The plastic labels are waterproof, have smudge resistance, and are flexible. It is used for asset tracking, product marking, drums, and other textured labelings. So, it has more strength and is flexible with the climate. On the other hand, polyester labels are super durable, waterproof, scratch and tear-resistant and are used for outdoor durable labels, circuit board marking, and instrument making.

The market has been divided

By Product

• Paper


• Plastic


• Polyester

By Application

• Food & Beverages


• Pharmaceuticals


• Personal Care


• Retail


• Others

By Region

• North America


• Europe


• Asia Pacific


• Rest of the World


• Latin America


• Middle East & Africa

Regional Analysis

As per the regional analysis, the developer countries like North America and Europe have already set up a wide industry and are generating profitable shares in the global market. Western Europe and North America are the driving stakeholders in the Direct Thermal Labels Market. The strong presence and the leading manufacturers in the pharmaceutical and other sectors in the developed nations are earning high revenues as well. 

The APAC region excluding Japan(APEJ) is continuing to lead the global Direct Thermal Labels Market capturing about 30% of the total demand of the linerless label market. The flourishing demands for food and beverages and logistic industries in other regions are contributing to the overall growth. Countries like China and India are also major contributors to the market revenues.

Recent Developments 

• In September 2021, Saint-Gobain acquired Chryso, a foremost global construction chemical market player. Chryso could offer inclusive additive solutions for sustainable construction, helping significantly reduce the existing carbon footprint.


• In July 2022, Holcim acquired Cantillana, a foremost specialty building solutions provider based in Belgium, with 2022 estimated net sales of EUR 80 million. This procurement could strengthen Holcim's position in building renovation and energy efficiency solutions.


• In February 2022, Etex accomplished the major acquisition of Australia's top-three plasterboard players. This strategic milestone enables Etex to enlarge its footprint in the country's well-developed construction market. The contribution of Australia's newly developed plasterboard business to Etex's revenue in 2021 accounted for EUR 124 million.

Report Overview:

The Direct Thermal label Market provided the complete analysis of the market growth in the forecast period. The segments have been described and the market trends and factors responsible for the market growth have been discussed. The market dynamics involve the restraining factors and the driving reason of the global market.

The qualitative and quantitative analysis has shown the industry growth in terms of development and product durability. The key opinions for the leading market players have been discussed. The report has given a clear picture of the market scenarios in terms of value, technological advancements, and governing factors to grow the market. The collaborations and growth strategies have also been elaborated.