Direct Thermal Printing Film Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis By Type (White Thermal Printing Film, Transparent Thermal Printing Film), By Application (cosmetics and Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage and Luggage Tags), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2034

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DIRECT THERMAL PRINTING FILM MARKET OVERVIEW

The global direct thermal printing film market size is estimated at USD 0.47 billion in 2025 and expected to rise to USD 0.77 billion by 2034, experiencing a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Direct thermal printing film are BOPP films with a special coating that, when in contact with the print head of a thermal printer, facilitates the development of an image or imprint on the film. The coated surface is typically covered with a protective layer to shield it from mechanical wear, environmental influences, chemical compounds, etc. The film provides good water and scuff resistance as a result. The film also prints with a dark picture and a matte texture that is perfect for paper-like surfaces while using less energy.

It has many uses, including information labelling (airport luggage tags), retail tracking for labels made by Track & Trace, POS weight and price labelling, etc. Films for direct thermal printing are extremely heat, water, UV, chemical, and other resistant. Films designed for direct thermal printing are easily adaptable to a wide range of printing processes, including flexography, letterpress, offset, screen printing, gravure, etc. The primary raw materials used to create direct thermal printing film are polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, etc.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Industry Imbalance Causes Market Distortion

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with direct thermal printing film market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels.

For manufacturers of chemicals and materials, the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in unstable markets, a decline in consumer confidence, and issues with import and export business. Due to the lockdown, markets were closed and many stayed at home. This development has led to supply chain breaches, stock market inefficiencies, and vendor instability. The advanced materials and chemical industries' shutdown had an impact on the entire market. Direct thermal printing film were rendered obsolete by the closure of markets because there was no longer a demand for the product. The pandemic impacted the industry dynamics, forcing organizations to revamp their entire operation structures to maintain stability amid the disruptions the financial imbalance that occurs due to shutdown of various stores & large sectors was the main reason that distorted the whole market. Aside from that, the companies' business operations have been affected by the outbreak, which has an effect on the overall thermal printing film industry. This has partially impacted the direct thermal printing film market.

LATEST TRENDS

Product use in healthcare to Boost the Market Growth

The thermal printing industry is anticipated to expand in the healthcare and hospitality sectors. When needed, especially in an emergency, the usage of smart labels aids in the immediate tracking of patients and medical equipment. Labels and tags that are compatible with numerous operations in the healthcare industry are frequently printed using thermal printers, which helps to increase patient flow, bed utilization, and resource allocation. Thus, the use of thermal printers in healthcare industry is a main trend which is creating opportunities for the market to boost. The market's total expansion is primarily due to all these new developments.

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), demand for recyclable and BPA-free direct thermal films has increased by 33% between 2021 and 2024, driven by environmental compliance in retail labeling.

• Based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the volume of air cargo shipments using direct thermal labels rose by 21% in 2023, due to e-commerce fulfillment expansion.

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DIRECT THERMAL PRINTING FILM MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the market is classified into White Thermal Printing Film, Transparent Thermal Printing Film.

By Application

Based on application, the market is categorized into Cosmetics and Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage and Luggage Tags.

DRIVING FACTORS

Preference of Packaged Food that Gives the Market Extra Boost

The region's rapid adoption of thermal paper for a variety of end uses, including supplement packaging and labelling, is credited with spurring market growth. The gaming industry is the primary factor behind this development. The production and consumption of thermal paper in the area are expected to be impacted by manufacturers' increased attention to sustainable production techniques. According to a study recently released by Frontier.org, approximately 100 million tons of food are wasted each year in the EU, accounting for almost 30% of the agri-food supply chain and having a significant negative impact on the environment (high carbon food print and blue water footprint, vain land use, etc.). Thereby, the effective use of thermal printing films on food products may reduce food wastage and will help in the adoption of eco-friendly coatings such as powder and waterborne in the production of thermal paper. As a result, the growth, and increasing preference for packaged food to boost the market will contribute to the expansion of the thermal printing industry and it will improve the overall Global and United States direct thermal printing film market growth.

Barcodes Labels in Warehouses & Airports for Luggage to Encourage Market Expansion

Airport luggage, shipping, logistics, etc. are just a few applications that use barcodes made from direct thermal printing film. Over the projected period, the market for thermal printing film would benefit from the rising demand for safe and secure logistics and transit of goods. Direct thermal printing film are also very durable and robust, which gives them a comparative advantage over the use of other films in thermal printing. The development of this market is also being fueled by the heat-sensitive properties of thermal printing materials. When compared to other types of films, direct thermal printing film are more affordable options, which is one of the few things driving the market's expansion. As a result, during the projected period, the market for chemicals and advanced materials is anticipated to rise rapidly.

• According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global e-commerce shipments grew by 35% from 2020 to 2023, driving higher usage of direct thermal printing films in logistics labels.

• As per the European Environment Agency (EEA), EU directives have enforced a 25% reduction in non-recyclable packaging materials by 2025, accelerating the adoption of recyclable thermal printing films.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Damage from Sunlight to Impede Market Expansion

Despite several advantages, the market for direct thermal printing film has some obstacles that will limit market expansion throughout the projection period. For instance, thermal printing films made of plastic cannot resist prolonged exposure to sunlight and must be replaced after a few months, which restrains the market's ability to expand. Market expansion is constrained because of the damage due to sunlight. If this problem is fixed, the market will start to grow right away.

• According to the U.S. Library of Congress, thermal printouts start degrading in less than 20 months under standard storage conditions, affecting adoption in long-term labeling applications.

• Based on findings from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), direct thermal films begin losing image integrity at temperatures above 70°C, which limits usage in high-heat environments like industrial warehousing.

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DIRECT THERMAL PRINTING FILM MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America Dominating the Market Across the Globe

The market for direct thermal printing film in North America has benefited from the region's expanding industrial development, and various driving factors which has increased the potential sectors as this region is the largest user of the product. The key factor driving the growth of the Global and United States direct thermal printing film market share is the growing demand of product in pharmaceutical, food and beverages and cosmetics industry is one of the major reasons to drive the market. Rapid urbanization developments will further boost the overall market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Leading Firms to Increase Product Demand

The study includes information on the market players and where they stand within the sector. Through appropriate research, mergers, technological development, expanding production facilities, and collaboration, data is being acquired and made available. The study on devices offers details on manufacturers, regions, types, applications, sales channels, distributors, traders, dealers, research findings, and more.

• Cosmo Films: According to data from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Cosmo Films increased their BPA-free thermal film production by 29% between FY2022 and FY2024, catering to food safety-compliant labels.

• Mondi Group: According to the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), Mondi Group reported a 34% year-over-year rise in production of recyclable thermal films in 2023, targeting sustainable packaging mandates in the EU.

List of Top Direct Thermal Printing Film Companies

• Mondi Group (U.K.)
• LINTEC (U.S.)
• Tech Labels (U.S.)
• Ricoh (Japan)
• Smith & McLaurin (U.S.)

REPORT COVERAGE

The study goes into great detail about market segmentation by type and application. The study examines a broad range of participants, including existing and potential market leaders. A considerable market expansion is anticipated as a result of several important factors. In order to provide market insights, the research additionally analyses elements that are probably to boost direct thermal printing film market share. The report makes forecasts for market expansion during the projected time period. The objective of the regional study is to explain why one region dominates the worldwide market. There are a lot of issues that have all been carefully considered that prevent the industry from growing. The research also contains a market strategic analysis. It includes thorough market information.