Direct Thermal Labels In direct thermal printing no printer ribbon is required, which can reduce costs. Direct thermal labels are heat sensitive, which is how images, text, or barcodes are applied to this label type. The process is efficient and inexpensive, however it makes the image susceptible to elements over time. Direct sunlight and high temperature environments accelerate deterioration. Direct thermal printing is recommended for general-purpose labeling, warehouse pick ticketing, distribution, shipping, address labeling, packaging, and shelf and retail product labeling. Direct thermal paper labels are an excellent choice for light duty applications like retail, shipping/receiving, inventory, document tracking, shelf labeling, and customer management records. Since direct thermal printers only print in black, these labels are perfect for standard barcode labeling applications which utilize common 1D barcode types , like UPC, Code 39, Code 128, and Codabar, or 2D barcodes, like PDF417 and QR Codes.