Variable Information Paper
Product
Self-Adhesive Sticky Backed Thermal Paper from Targanix is a factory-direct, high-sensitivity direct thermal labeling material engineered for logistics, retail, food service, and healthcare operations. No ink. No ribbon. Instant peel-and-stick application — with Grade A barcode accuracy at speeds up to 150 mm/s.
Manufactured at our Jiaxing facility and certified to meet international environmental and quality standards, every roll ships factory-direct with customizable width, adhesive grade, and liner options.
Full Technical Specifications — Self-Adhesive Sticky Backed Thermal Paper
The table below summarises standard parameters. All values are available for customisation. Contact our team for OEM specification sheets.
| Parameter | Standard Value / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Method | Direct Thermal (no ink or ribbon) | Compatible with all major thermal printers |
| Paper Weight (gsm) | 55 – 80 gsm | Custom weights available on request |
| Surface Smoothness | 300 – 600 s (Bekk) | Top-coated & non-top-coated grades |
| Optical Density (OD) | ≥ 1.20 | Ensures legible barcodes and text |
| Print Speed | Up to 150 mm/s | High-speed logistics & POS applications |
| Barcode Accuracy Grade | Grade A | ISO/IEC 15416 standard |
| Adhesive Types | Permanent / Removable / Freezer / Ultra-High-Tack | Specify when ordering |
| Adhesion Strength | 12 – 18 N / 25 mm | Varies by adhesive grade & substrate |
| Adhesive Service Temp. | -20°C to 70°C | Freezer grade rated to -30°C available |
| Storage Temperature | 0°C to 50°C | Keep dry; away from direct sunlight & UV |
| Liner Material | Glassine or Kraft | White or yellow liner options |
| Liner Weight | 50 – 65 gsm | — |
| Roll Widths | 40 / 58 / 80 / 100 mm (custom) | Slit to any width in-house |
| Core Diameter | 25 / 40 / 76 mm | Custom cores available |
| Roll Length | 15 m – 300 m | Depends on gsm & application |
| BPA / BPS-Free Option | ✔ Available | Required for food & healthcare use |
| Shelf Life (unused) | 1 – 2 years | Under recommended storage conditions |
| Print Durability (indoor) | 2 – 5 years | Top-coated variants recommended for longer life |
Roll Size & Width Selection Guide
Choosing the correct roll width and core ensures jam-free feeding and compatibility with your printer. Use the reference table below to match your equipment:
| Roll Width | Typical Core | Common Use Case | Typical Printer Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 mm | 25 mm | Small receipts, jewelry tags, price stickers | Compact POS / desktop label printer |
| 58 mm | 25 / 40 mm | Supermarket receipts, pharmacy labels, food packaging tags | POS printers, portable thermal printers |
| 80 mm | 40 / 76 mm | Logistics shipping labels, restaurant order tickets, office labels | Mid-range POS & logistics label printers |
| 100 mm | 76 mm | Large shipment labels, warehouse shelf labels, pallet tags | Industrial thermal label printers (Zebra, Honeywell, etc.) |
| Custom Width | Custom | OEM, specialty labeling, non-standard equipment | Specify printer model & feed mechanism when ordering |
Adhesive Grade Comparison
All Targanix self-adhesive sticky backed thermal paper rolls are available with one of four adhesive grades. Select based on your substrate and environmental requirements:
| Adhesive Grade | Adhesion (N/25 mm) | Temp. Range | Removable? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Permanent | 12 – 14 | 0°C to 60°C | ✗ No | Retail, logistics, general office |
| Removable | 8 – 11 | 5°C to 60°C | ✔ Yes — clean removal | Promotions, temporary price tags, reusable packaging |
| Freezer-Grade | 13 – 16 | -20°C to 60°C | ✗ No | Cold chain logistics, frozen food, pharmaceutical cold storage |
| Ultra-High-Tack | 16 – 18 | -10°C to 70°C | ✗ No | Rough/textured surfaces, industrial assets, outdoor containers |
Self-Adhesive Thermal Paper vs. Alternatives
Why choose direct thermal label paper over ink-based or laser label solutions?
| Feature | Self-Adhesive Thermal Paper Targanix | Thermal Transfer (Ribbon) | Inkjet Label | Laser Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink / Ribbon Required | ✔ None | ✗ Ribbon required | ✗ Ink cartridge | ✗ Toner cartridge |
| Running Cost | ✔ Low | ● Medium | ● Medium–High | ● Medium |
| Print Speed | ✔ Up to 150 mm/s | ● Up to 100 mm/s | ✗ Slow | ● Moderate |
| Barcode Accuracy | ✔ Grade A | ✔ Grade A | ● Grade B–A | ● Grade B–A |
| Print Durability | ● 2–5 yr (indoor) | ✔ 5–10 yr | ✗ Fade-prone | ✔ 5+ yr |
| Printer Complexity | ✔ Simple | ● Moderate | ● Moderate | ✗ Complex |
| Ideal Volume | ✔ High-volume daily use | ● Medium-to-high | ● Low-to-medium | ● Low-to-medium |
| BPA-Free Option | ✔ Available | ✔ N/A (no coating) | ✔ Available | ✔ N/A |
Why Targanix Self-Adhesive Sticky Backed Thermal Paper?
High-Sensitivity Thermal Coating
Our proprietary top-coat formulation responds rapidly to thermal print heads, delivering consistent optical density ≥ 1.20 across the full width of every roll — essential for scannable barcodes in fast-moving supply chains.
Water & Abrasion Resistance
Top-coated variants form a protective barrier against moisture, light oils, and surface contact, making them suitable for refrigerated transit, food service counters, and humid warehouse environments.
BPA-Free & Eco Options
Bisphenol-A-free and BPS-free formulations are available for healthcare, food packaging, and markets with chemical-compliance regulations (EU, US FDA, etc.). See also our ECO Top Coated Thermal Paper.
Jam-Free Precision Feeding
Tight caliper control (±2 gsm tolerance) and a smooth, static-reduced surface eliminate paper jams and skewing in high-speed POS and logistics printers, reducing machine downtime and maintenance costs.
Custom Roll Configurations
Every dimension is configurable — width, length, core size, gsm, adhesive, and liner. Our in-house slitting lines handle runs from sample quantities up to full-container FCL orders with consistent quality.
Factory-Direct Quality Assurance
Manufactured and 100% inspected at our Jiaxing ISO-certified facility. Each batch is tested for OD, adhesion strength, and barcode grade before dispatch.
How to Use Self-Adhesive Sticky Backed Thermal Paper
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Verify Printer CompatibilityConfirm your device is a direct thermal printer. If it uses a ribbon, it is a thermal transfer printer — select our label material range accordingly.
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Select the Correct Roll Width & CoreMatch the roll width and core diameter to your printer's media specifications. See Table 2 above for a quick guide.
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Load with Thermal Side Facing the Print HeadThe thermal-sensitive face is the smooth, shiny side. Insert the roll so this face contacts the print head. Loading it backwards produces blank labels.
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Calibrate Print Density & SpeedSet print density to the manufacturer's recommendation for your paper weight. Higher density improves darkness but may reduce print head lifespan over time.
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Peel & Apply on Clean, Dry SurfacesFor maximum adhesion, apply labels to clean, dust-free, grease-free surfaces at room temperature. Press firmly from centre to edges to eliminate air pockets.
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Store Unused Rolls CorrectlyKeep in original packaging in a cool (5–25°C), dry location away from UV light, solvents, and plasticisers. Use within 1–2 years of manufacture date for optimal imaging.
Industries & Applications — Quick Reference
| Industry | Typical Application | Recommended Grade | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistics & Express Delivery | Shipment labels, tracking barcodes, waybills | Standard Permanent / Ultra-High-Tack | Grade A barcode, strong adhesion on corrugated |
| E-Commerce Fulfillment | Packing slips, return labels, pick & pack tags | Standard Permanent | High print speed, consistent feeding |
| Retail & Supermarkets | Price tags, shelf labels, promotional stickers | Removable | Clean removal, frequent updates |
| Pharmacy & Healthcare | Prescription labels, patient wristbands, specimen IDs | BPA-Free Permanent | Compliance, clarity, skin-safe adhesive |
| Food Service & Restaurants | Order tickets, takeaway labels, expiry date marking | BPA-Free / Food-Safe | Food-contact compliance, oil resistance |
| Cold Chain & Frozen Food | Frozen product labels, cold-store asset tags | Freezer-Grade | Adhesion at sub-zero temperatures |
| Manufacturing & Warehousing | Inventory tags, bin labels, asset identification | Ultra-High-Tack | Adhesion on rough or powder-coated surfaces |
| Office & Administration | File labels, address labels, temporary reminders | Standard Permanent / Removable | Cost-efficiency, clean printing |
Frequently Asked Questions — Self-Adhesive Sticky Backed Thermal Paper
What is self-adhesive sticky backed thermal paper and how does it work?
Self-adhesive sticky backed thermal paper is a label material made up of three layers: a thermal-sensitive print layer on the face, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in the middle, and a release liner (backing) on the reverse. When a thermal print head applies localised heat, the leuco-dye coating on the face darkens to form text, barcodes, or QR codes — requiring no ink, toner, or ribbon. The peel-off liner exposes the adhesive, allowing instant label application.
Is Targanix thermal paper BPA-free and safe for food or healthcare use?
Yes. BPA-free (Bisphenol-A-free) and BPS-free formulations are available across our variable information paper range. These comply with EU REACH, US FDA food-contact standards, and healthcare procurement requirements. Specify compliance requirements at the time of inquiry so the correct formulation is selected. Our standard commercial grades may contain BPA sensitisers — confirm before ordering for regulated applications.
What roll widths, core sizes, and lengths are available?
Standard widths in stock: 40 mm, 58 mm, 80 mm, and 100 mm. Core diameters: 25 mm, 40 mm, and 76 mm. Roll lengths range from 15 m to 300 m depending on gsm. Custom dimensions — including non-standard widths, lengths, and core sizes — are available for OEM and bulk orders. Contact our sales team with your printer model and volume requirements.
How long does print last on self-adhesive thermal paper?
Under standard indoor conditions (away from UV, heat above 60°C, and chemical exposure), prints remain clear for 2–5 years. Top-coated variants provide enhanced resistance to moisture, light abrasion, and oils, extending effective readability. For applications requiring extended outdoor durability, we recommend our Composite Thermal Paper or Thermal BOPP film label options.
Which thermal printers are compatible with Targanix thermal paper?
Our self-adhesive sticky backed thermal paper is compatible with all major direct thermal printer brands including Zebra, Honeywell, SATO, Brother, Bixolon, Epson TM-series, Citizen, and Star Micronics. The paper is not compatible with thermal transfer printers (those requiring a ribbon). Please verify the printing mechanism of your device before ordering.
Can I order custom sizes, adhesives, or branding (OEM)?
Yes — full OEM customisation is available. Parameters that can be specified include: roll width, roll length, paper weight (gsm), core diameter, adhesive grade (permanent, removable, freezer, ultra-high-tack), liner colour and material (glassine or kraft, white or yellow), and surface coating type. Minimum order quantities apply; contact info@targanix.com or visit our service page for details.
How should unused thermal paper rolls be stored?
Store rolls in their original packaging in a cool (ideally 10–25°C), dry environment with relative humidity below 65%. Keep away from direct sunlight, UV sources, fluorescent lighting, heat above 40°C, chemical solvents, plasticisers (e.g., PVC wrapping), and oils. Under these conditions, unused rolls remain viable for 1–2 years from manufacture date. Improper storage can cause pre-imaging (background darkening) or reduced adhesive performance.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
MOQ varies by configuration. Standard stocked sizes (58 mm × 40 m, 80 mm × 80 m, etc.) are available in smaller trial quantities. Custom OEM configurations typically require a minimum of one production run. Contact our sales team for current MOQ schedules and pricing tiers for your target volume.
