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The busiest time of the year is just around the corner! November and December have a sneaky way of creeping up on us every year — and suddenly, you’re shipping more parcels than you ever imagined, with every second counting toward getting orders out the door on time.

That’s why September is the perfect month to get ahead and place your label and packaging orders. Our labels are made to order and customised exactly to your needs. We pride ourselves on fast production, but as the peak season ramps up, lead times can stretch… and nobody wants a last-minute panic over missing labels!

Place your orders now, and you’ll have everything ready well before the madness begins — helping your operation run smoothly, efficiently, and without any hiccups.

The same goes for our packaging products. Most items are made to order, so forward ordering over the next three to four months is the smartest way to avoid delays. Think of it as a little peace-of-mind insurance for your busiest months.

Get ahead this September! Order your custom labels and packaging now to ensure fast turnaround, avoid peak-season delays, and keep your operations running smoothly when it matters most.

Direct Thermal Vs Thermal Transfer:

What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right type of label printing method is crucial for ensuring your labels last as long as you need them to — and perform in the right conditions. At Acorn Labels, we manufacture and supply both direct thermal and thermal transfer labels, but which one is best for your business?

What is Direct Thermal Printing?

Direct thermal printing uses heat-sensitive paper. When heat is applied by the printhead, it causes the label to darken where needed — no ink, toner, or ribbon required.

Ideal for short shelf-life applications, such as; shipping labels, barcode labels, receipts or tickets!

Keep in mind:

Direct thermal labels fade over time, they are sensitive to heat, light, and abrasion and best used indoors or for temporary labelling!

What is Thermal Transfer Printing?

Thermal transfer printing uses a thermal ribbon, which melts onto the label surface via heat. This creates a more durable print that resists fading and can withstand tougher conditions.

Ideal for asset labels, such as; product identification, outdoor or industrial labels and long-term storage or tracking!

Keep in mind:

Requires a ribbon and often used with synthetic or more durable label materials. The print is sharper and more durable than direct thermal!

Need Help Deciding?

At Acorn Labels, we offer expert advice and custom solutions tailored to your printing setup. Whether you’re running Zebra, SATO, Toshiba, or any other industrial or desktop printer, we can supply the right labels, materials, and ribbons for the job.

Contact us today to discuss your label application — or ask us about free sample rolls.

Understanding Thermal Ribbons:

What You Need to Know

What Are Thermal Ribbons?

Thermal ribbons are essential consumables used in thermal transfer printing technology. This printing method involves a heated print head that transfers ink from a ribbon onto a printing surface — typically paper, labels, or other materials.

A thermal ribbon consists of a base material, usually polyester (PET) film, coated on one side with a special ink layer. This ink contains pigments or dyes that melt when heated by the print head, transferring the image or text onto your chosen surface. The type of ink used varies depending on the application and the desired print quality.

Do I Need a Ribbon?

If you are printing on materials such as Vellum Perm or Semi Gloss, you will require a ribbon for your printing process.

What Size Ribbon Should I Choose?

The ribbon size depends on several factors: the printer model you are using, the width and length of your label, and your choice of colour and ribbon type. Selecting the correct ribbon ensures optimal print quality and efficiency.

If you have any questions about which thermal ribbon suits your needs, feel free to get in touch!

PRINTED TAPE AND IMPORTED PACKAGING

In addition to our core label production, we also operate a dedicated secondary site focused on converting custom-printed packaging tape, allowing us to provide even greater value to our customers as a complete labelling and packaging partner.

Using three-colour flexographic print technology, we work with a range of substrates including Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and paper. This enables us to produce high-quality, durable tape that not only secures your parcels but also strengthens your brand with every dispatch.

Whether you require tape for sealing cartons, enhancing presentation, or providing clear handling instructions, our custom-printed solutions are designed to be flexible, reliable, and visually impactful.

To support businesses with shorter lead times or simpler requirements, we also import and hold stock of a wide range of plain packaging tapes in various sizes and materials—ready for immediate despatch. This complements our comprehensive label offering, providing a one-stop shop for all your labelling and packaging needs.

Whatever the application, you can rely on Acorn Labels to

deliver with our trademark strengths;

Outstanding quality

Quick turnaround,

Dedicated customer service tailored to your business.

This isn’t just a new machine — it’s a game-changer for our entire label printing operation.

With the Edale FL3, we’re now able to offer our clients even more in terms of quality, efficiency, and creative flexibility. Whether you’re looking for small, high-end product labels or need to produce large volumes of packaging, this press is built to handle it all — beautifully.

What makes the Edale FL3 so exceptional?

Unrivalled Colour Brilliance

Thanks to its advanced 8-colour system, we can now produce labels with deeper, more vivid colours and complex gradients — making your brand stand out on any shelf.

Superior Print Precision

Sharp details, crisp text, and flawless registration — the FL3 delivers consistently professional results, even on the most intricate designs.

Faster, More Efficient Turnaround

Improved automation and streamlined changeovers mean faster production times without compromising on quality. That means we can deliver your orders more quickly and meet tight deadlines with confidence.

Material Versatility

The Edale FL3 handles a wide range of materials, giving you more options than ever before.

Why does this matter for you?

We know that your labels are more than just packaging — they’re a powerful branding tool. With the Edale FL3, we can help you create eye-catching, high-performance labels that capture attention and communicate quality from the very first glance.

We’re incredibly proud of this investment and the enhanced capabilities it brings to our team — and to our clients.

Looking to elevate your packaging with standout labels?

Let’s talk about how our new press can bring your vision to life.

Labelling Tip of the Month

Do not store in damp conditions. Store in original box in a closed warehouse ideally at room temperature, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity levels. Do not stack boxes more than five high. Recommended Shelf Life is 1 year.