What’s the Difference Between Color Thermal Paper and Standard Black-and-White Thermal Paper?

1. Color Output Capabilities
Color thermal paper, as the name suggests, can print in multiple colors on a single sheet. This allows for more vivid, clear, and attractive visuals, making it ideal for situations that require colored markings or logos—like supermarket labels or courier tracking labels.

In contrast, black-and-white thermal paper prints only in black. It is best suited for basic printing needs like receipts, transaction slips, and simple text-based documents where color isn't necessary.

2. Application Scenarios
Color thermal paper is widely used in industries that benefit from color coding or branding. For example:

In logistics, it can help highlight key information like tracking numbers or addresses.

In retail, it enhances product labels with names, prices, and promotions.

It’s also gaining traction in banking and healthcare for printing visually distinctive tickets and tags.

Black-and-white thermal paper remains dominant in traditional receipt printing—such as supermarket receipts, restaurant bills, and POS terminal slips—where functionality, speed, and cost-effectiveness are the main priorities.

3. Cost Considerations
Color thermal paper typically costs more due to more complex materials and printing technology. However, as the market grows and production becomes more efficient, the price difference is narrowing, making color thermal paper more accessible.

4. Technical Features
Both types use heat-sensitive printing methods and do not require ink or toner.

Color thermal paper offers fast printing, longer-lasting images, and is less prone to fading.

Black-and-white thermal paper is still faster and cheaper to produce, though it lacks color flexibility.

While both types serve specific needs, your choice depends on what you're printing. If visibility, branding, or color coding is important, color thermal paper is worth the investment. If you are concerned about cost and simplicity, black and white thermal paper remains a reliable choice. Of course, ZYWELL also offers affordable two-color printers. Contact us right away!!！