Abstract: A dual image label web carrying a plurality of labels to be applied to single items of produce is provided and a method of making the same. A transparent label film strip made of either polyester or low density polyethylene has a transparent pressure sensitive adhesive applied to its lower surface. A release liner is carried by the pressure sensitive adhesive. The film strip is heated to between 110° F. and 135° F. and then three ink layers are applied to the upper surface of the plastic film strip. The first ink layer is a water based ink and includes a plurality of reverse printed images. The reverse images may be authentication images or promotional images. A second, opaque layer is applied over the layer of reverse images. The opaque covering is formed with a solvent based ink having a coat weight sufficiently large to prevent images on either side of the opaque coating from being visible through the coating.

Abstract: A multi-layer laminate media is provided on which information may be applied in machine or human readable form on a visible front surface by the output of one or more lasers, or other high intensity light source. In a preferred embodiment, the media has three layers including a substrate, a thermochromic layer and a light absorbent layer located intermediate the media substrate and the thermochromic layer. The light absorbent layer is adapted to absorb light from the light source and convert the absorbed light into heat. The heat is immediately conducted into selected portions of the thermochromic layer which is in thermal contact with the light absorbent layer, causing portions of the thermochromic layer to change visual appearance such as color to create the desired mark. The media optimally includes obscuration materials to reduce the visibility of the light absorbent layer to the naked eye. The light absorbent layer is preferably a low cost absorber such as carbon black.