Thermal papers are widely used across many industries in applications from food labelling to barcodes and receipts. The paper is coated with heat sensitive chemicals and requires a thermal printer to create an image or text by applying heat directly to the label material. In the case of direct thermal printing no printer ribbon is required. This offers great reliability for use with short-life applications and products. Thermal printing material comes in two different forms which are coated and uncoated. Uncoated thermal material is ideal for sell by dates on fresh produce, whilst coated thermal printing material has a layer of protection that adds to performance value by giving a longer lasting life. This type of material would be used on fresh meat products or cheese. Just like normal coated papers the layer of coating is applied to the surface and improves performance capabilities such as adhesion and water resistance but can also add to the aesthetic look.