Barcode Labels

Barcode Labels

Barcode labels are used to identify products, parcels, and equipment for inventory management, logistics, and stock control. Depending on the application, they are available in paper (vellum, thermal) or synthetic materials (polypropylene, polyester), as well as security versions, either blank or pre-printed, in roll format or A4 sheets. The right material depends on the environment, print volume, and the equipment used. This category covers barcode labeling needs ranging from everyday office use to demanding industrial stock environments.

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Blank and printed adhesive barcode labels - SBE Direct

Choosing the Right Barcode Label

Choosing the right labelling solution is an important step to ensure the durability and readability of your information over the long term.

  • The selection will primarily depend on your working environment, the volume of barcode printing required, and the computer hardware and software you use.
  • The type of barcode label printer you use will strongly influence your purchasing decision (inkjet, laser, thermal transfer).

Our advice: to help you choose the right equipment for your barcode labels, feel free to read our guide before making your purchase.

While evaluating your equipment, here are some key criteria to help you choose the right consumable.

In rolls or on sheets?

Packaging plays a role in your daily productivity.

The self-adhesive barcode label in roll format (or spool) is ideal for large print runs. It is compatible with industrial or office machines and enables high-speed production without the need for constant paper reloading.

In contrast, A4 sheet formats are perfect for occasional printing or smaller batches. This format allows you to create a printable barcode label directly from a standard laser or inkjet printer, without requiring any additional hardware investment.

Depending on the material (vellum, thermal, polypropylene)

The material determines the resistance of the self-adhesive barcode label to external conditions. Friction, humidity, solvents or UV exposure: each constraint requires a suitable material and adhesive to ensure the barcode remains perfectly legible.

Below is a summary table to help you easily select the right material for your barcode labels:

MaterialRecommended useMain advantages
Vellum / Coated PaperDisposable shipping labels, transport, food industryNo ink ribbon required, immediate use
Thermal PaperLong-term (several years)Assets, shelving, industry
Polypropylene / PlasticIndustrial environments, outdoor use, highly demanding stock conditionsTear-resistant, resistant to water, oils and grease
PolyesterDemanding environments, long-term marking, outdoor useExcellent resistance to UV, temperature and abrasion
VOIDTamper-evidence control, proof of opening, warranty, after-sales serviceVisible tamper evidence, non-reusable, non-transferable
AluminiumLong-lasting identification plates, permanent asset markingVery high mechanical and thermal resistance, maximum durability

Self-adhesive and personalized

Every company has unique identification needs. That is why choosing a custom self-adhesive barcode label is often the best approach.

You can integrate your own brand guidelines, add your full-colour logo, warning messages, or generate complex sequential numbering.

Do not hesitate to use our printing service to create your custom label on the material of your choice and obtain a fully ready-to-use product.

And if your traceability needs evolve towards contactless and automated inventory technologies, we also offer a complete range of high-performance RFID labels.

What are barcode labels used for?

These small adhesive labels are essential for business organization. They streamline daily operations, speed up inventory processes, and drastically reduce human data entry errors.

Here are their main professional applications:

  • Inventory management: ultra-precise tracking of incoming and outgoing goods in your warehouses.
  • Logistics and shipping: automated parcel routing, returns management, and delivery tracking.
  • Retail: used as barcode price labels for fast and efficient checkout processing.
  • Traceability and maintenance: lifecycle tracking of products, machinery, or IT equipment.

Our advice: when paired with a suitable barcode scanner, these labels transform and optimize your entire supply chain. You can also learn how to optimize inventory management with a barcode scanner in our advice section.

Why order your barcode labels from SBE Direct?

SBE Direct is a trusted partner for companies seeking durable and efficient identification solutions. We guarantee reliable products with optimal print contrast for immediate scanning. To complete our offering, we cover all your needs, from supplying blank rolls to fully customized printing of your databases, for both small and large volumes.

In addition, we support you in selecting your printing equipment through our catalogue of professional label printers. Our experts are available to provide technical guidance and quickly prepare a tailored quotation.

To deepen your understanding of this universal technology and better understand how it works, feel free to explore the documentation available on our website.

FAQ

What are the 3 types of barcodes?

The three main types are:

  • Linear codes (1D such as EAN-13 or Code 128),
  • Two-dimensional codes (2D such as QR Code or DataMatrix),
  • Postal codes.

1D codes are ideal for storing short sequences of numbers. 2D codes, on the other hand, can contain much more complex data (web links, full text) within a smaller surface area.

Which barcode label should I choose for my business?

The choice depends on your environment. For standard shipping or document management, paper vellum or thermal labels are sufficient and cost-effective.

For industrial use, outdoor storage, or asset tracking (e.g., IT equipment inventory), you should opt for synthetic materials such as polypropylene or polyester, which are tear-resistant and resistant to humidity.

What are the lead times for custom barcode labels?

Delivery and shipping times for your SBE barcode labels generally range from a few days to up to two weeks, depending on the technical complexity of your request.

Standard blank labels in stock are shipped within 24 to 48 hours. However, printing variable data, specific codes, or color logos requires dedicated production time in our manufacturing facilities.

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