When it comes to shipping, speed and accuracy are everything. Whether you run a busy warehouse, manage fulfilment for an online shop, or coordinate logistics for a larger retailer, every second counts. That’s where the tools you use—like direct thermal labels—can make a real difference. But what about coloured thermal labels specifically? Can they help improve sorting accuracy and workflow for Royal Mail and other shipping teams?
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of coloured direct thermal labels, how label metrics will help you streamline package sorting, and why direct thermal labels are growing in popularity in fulfilment centres across the UK.
What Are Direct Thermal Labels?
Before we look at colour, let’s break down what direct thermal labels are.
Direct thermal labels are a type of label that doesn’t require ink, toner or ribbons to print. Instead, the printer applies heat directly to a specially coated label surface, which darkens in response. This makes them simple to use, cost-effective, and perfect for short- to medium-term applications like shipping labels, barcodes, and address stickers.
They’re commonly used by Royal Mail, Hermes, DHL, and other courier services, as well as e-commerce businesses of all sizes.
The Benefits of Using Coloured Direct Thermal Labels
Coloured labels do everything a white label can, but with added visibility and functionality. Here’s how they help shipping teams and mail carriers:
1. Faster Visual Identification
Using colour-coded labels makes it much easier for Royal Mail and fulfilment teams to visually sort and categorise parcels. For instance:
- Green labels could signify first-class post
- Red labels might indicate urgent or tracked items
- Yellow could flag fragile contents or specific handling instructions
This colour-coding can be tailored to your business needs and internal processes.
2. Reduced Sorting Errors
In busy environments where hundreds—or even thousands—of packages are processed daily, it’s easy to misread printed text or scan the wrong code. With coloured thermal labels, the visual cue acts as an extra layer of clarity.
Staff are less likely to place an express delivery into a standard pile or miss a fragile item, simply because the colour draws attention.
3. Improved Workflow Efficiency
Shipping teams often work under pressure. By using different coloured labels for product categories, shipping methods, or destination zones, warehouses can set up faster picking, packing and despatch processes.
Labels can be matched with coloured bins, totes, or packing areas to create a clear, colour-led workflow. This reduces the time spent reading labels line-by-line and improves overall despatch speed.
4. No Need for Extra Training
Colour is universal. Unlike written procedures, coloured labels require very little training or interpretation. Even new staff or temporary workers can quickly understand what each colour means, speeding up the onboarding process and reducing costly mistakes.
Royal Mail and Shipping Centres: How They Use Colour-Coded Labels
Royal Mail and other courier services rely on clear labelling to manage millions of parcels every day. While the core address and barcode systems are standardised, many fulfilment teams add coloured thermal labels for internal organisation.
Common uses include:
- Returns: Blue or orange labels used to mark return-to-sender items
- Tracking levels: Specific colours for signed, tracked, or economy post
- Location-specific sorting: Labels that correspond to delivery zones or collection points
In fast-paced sorting depots, colour-coded labelling helps handlers spot priorities instantly, without having to double-check every printed field.
Which Businesses Benefit Most from Coloured Thermal Labels?
Coloured labels can be used across many sectors, but they’re especially valuable for:
- E-commerce sellers with high order volumes
- Third-party logistics (3PL) providers
- Subscription box companies
- Fulfilment houses serving multiple brands
- Postal centres and Royal Mail franchise hubs
For businesses that send a mix of standard post, next-day delivery, and international orders, colour-coded labels can help staff easily separate items without confusion.
Are Coloured Direct Thermal Labels Easy to Print?
Yes. Most direct thermal printers are compatible with coloured thermal label rolls, provided they are sized correctly for the machine. The label surface is coloured, but the print output remains black (since thermal printers don’t use coloured ink).
The key is to ensure good contrast between the label colour and the black print, e.g. black text shows up best on pastel or light-coloured labels like yellow, pink, or light blue. Dark colours like red or green can also work, as long as they aren’t too saturated.
What Size and Colours Are Available?
Coloured direct thermal labels are available in a wide range of sizes to suit everything from barcode printing to large courier labels. Common sizes include:
- 4×6″ shipping labels (ideal for Royal Mail or Hermes)
- 2×1″ barcode and return labels
- 3×2″ product or picking labels
Popular colour options include:
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Red
- Pink
- Orange
You can also opt for custom-printed labels if your business uses branded colours or specific formats for each shipping method.
Suitable Across Multiple Sectors
Coloured direct thermal labels are not limited to logistics. They’re also widely used in:
- Retail stockrooms – for seasonal stock rotation and markdowns
- Food production – for date-labelling and allergen tags
- Pharmaceutical storage – to highlight temperature-sensitive items
- Schools and nurseries – for property labelling and lost item prevention
However, it’s in postal and courier operations where the benefits are most noticeable. In any environment where parcels are handled manually, colour improves visual communication and speeds up the flow of goods.
Durable Enough for Shipping Demands
While direct thermal labels are not waterproof or UV resistant like thermal transfer labels, they are perfectly suited for short- to medium-term use. For most shipping purposes—where items are sent, handled, and delivered within a few days—coloured thermal labels remain legible and securely attached throughout the journey.
Adhesive quality matters too. For parcel surfaces like cardboard, polythene or jiffy bags, high-tack adhesive ensures the label stays put. Always check compatibility with your packaging materials to ensure a firm hold.
Final Thoughts
Coloured direct thermal labels are more than just visually appealing—they offer real, measurable benefits when it comes to improving sorting accuracy and speed. In fast-paced environments like Royal Mail sorting centres and busy e-commerce warehouses, even small time savings and fewer errors can make a big difference.
Whether you’re a small seller or managing hundreds of orders a day, incorporating colour-coded thermal labels into your workflow is a low-cost way to boost organisation, reduce mistakes, and get packages where they need to go—faster.
If you’re looking for high-quality coloured direct thermal labels that work with leading thermal printers, browse our range online or get in touch for custom orders.
