Exploring linerless labels: Benefits, drawbacks, and applications
What are linerless labels?
Linerless labels offer an innovative labelling solution that eliminates the need for traditional backing material, commonly known as the liner, from adhesive labels. Unlike conventional labels, which consist of a face stock (the actual label) and a liner (a paper or film backing), linerless labels are constructed without the liner. This technology has gained traction in various industries due to its environmental and operational advantages.
How linerless labels work
Linerless labels are made of continuous rolls of adhesive material that can be printed on and cut to size without the need for a separate backing. The labels are coated with a special release coating on the back, allowing them to stick to surfaces without adhering to each other when wound in a roll.
To print on lineless labels, you must have a compatible linerless printer.
Key advantages of linerless labels
Linerless labels present a range of benefits across several areas, making it an appealing choice for businesses aiming for sustainability and efficiency.
Environmental benefits
Linerless labels eliminate the need for backing, resulting in no liner waste and significantly reducing the amount of waste generated during labelling. This also decreases the use of raw materials, promoting more sustainable practices. Additionally, the reduction in materials and waste lowers resource consumption and energy use in both production and disposal, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.Cost efficiency
Removing the liner from labels can lower material costs, potentially leading to savings, though the additional processing required may increase the overall cost to the end user. However, with no liner to dispose of, businesses save on disposal fees, aligning with sustainability and environmental policies they must adhere to.
Operational advantages
Linerless labels allow for more labels per roll due to the absence of a liner, reducing the frequency of roll changes and improving efficiency. They are versatile, as they can be cut to any size, offering flexibility for various design and application needs. Additionally, the lack of a liner enhances safety by eliminating the risk of slips or jams from discarded backing material.
Improved aesthetics and functionality
Linerless labels offer customisable lengths, making them ideal for products of varying sizes while minimising unnecessary label waste. Additionally, the absence of liners reduces downtime, as there are fewer interruptions for maintenance and clean-up during the labelling process.
Illustrative comparison: linerless vs. traditional labels
Feature | Linerless labels | Traditional labels |
Waste production | Minimal (no liner) | High (liner waste) |
Material cost | *Lower (no liner) | *Higher (liner cost included) |
Roll Capacity | Higher (no liner bulk) | Lower (bulkier due to liner) |
Application Versatility | High (customisable sizes) | Limited to pre-cut sizes |
Operational Efficiency | Higher (fewer roll changes) | Lower (frequent roll changes) |
* not always seen due to the manufacturing processes that linerless products need to go through
Potential drawbacks of linerless labels
While linerless labels offer numerous advantages, there are some challenges businesses may face when transitioning to this type of labelling system.
Initial investment
One of the primary hurdles is the upfront cost. Switching to linerless media often requires new or modified printing and application equipment, which can be a significant investment. For businesses accustomed to traditional labels, this initial expense might seem daunting, especially for smaller operations looking to modernise.
Compatibility issues
Not all adhesives are suitable for linerless applications, which can limit their use to specific products or environments. Specialised adhesives may be required to ensure the labels adhere properly, and this can restrict the range of items that can be labelled effectively with linerless media. Additionally, existing labelling machinery may need adjustments or even complete replacement to accommodate the different operational requirements of linerless systems, further complicating the transition.
Technical challenges
Maintaining the right level of adhesion without a liner can be tricky. Depending on the operational or environmental conditions, such as temperature or humidity, the absence of a liner may affect the performance of the adhesive. Linerless labels may not be suitable for all applications, especially in more demanding environments. Additionally, linerless systems do not support batch printing as traditional labels do. Instead, each label is cut and applied immediately after printing, which may slow down processes where batch labelling is typically used.
Practical applications of linerless labels
Linerless media is versatile and can be used across a variety of industries, offering numerous practical applications that enhance both efficiency and sustainability.
Transport & logistics
In logistics, linerless labels are used for shipping labels and parcel tracking. Their ability to fit more labels on a single roll reduces downtime for roll changes, making the labelling process faster and more efficient.
Mobile printers with linerless media allow workers to print labels on demand, streamlining operations and reducing downtime associated with roll changes or clean-up. This enhances productivity while maintaining a safe working environment, particularly in transport and Logistics where speed and mobility are crucial.
Retail
In retail, linerless labels are widely used for price tags, product labelling, and shelf-edge labelling. Their ability to be cut to any size makes them ideal for labelling products of various dimensions, reducing waste and ensuring clear, accurate pricing. In inventory management, linerless labels are useful for tracking and managing stock, as they offer customisable label lengths suited to different package sizes and barcoding needs.Hospitality
In the hospitality industry, linerless labels offer practical solutions for labelling and hygiene management, particularly in food and beverage settings. Linerless labels provide a clean, efficient solution for marking take-away items like coffee cups or packaged food, ensuring clear product identification without contributing to excess waste from liner disposal.
Linerless labels are also well-suited for displaying ingredient lists and nutritional information. Their ability to accommodate variable data makes them perfect for updating ingredient information, allergen warnings, or nutritional content.Food and beverage industry
Linerless labels are ideal for food packaging and labelling, as they provide flexible and efficient labelling for items of varying sizes, from deli containers to fresh produce weighted goods through weigh scales and other such environments where information can vary. The absence of liner waste is particularly beneficial in this sector, where sustainability is increasingly important. Moreover, the reduced roll changeover helps maintain smooth operations in fast-paced environments like grocery stores and food processing facilities.
Linerless media technology represents a significant advancement in the labelling industry, offering a blend of environmental, economic, and operational benefits. While there are challenges associated with its adoption, the overall advantages do make it a compelling option for businesses looking to enhance sustainability and efficiency. As the technology evolves, we can expect to see even broader applications and improved solutions that further leverage its potential.
Speak to our labels and consumables team today on our contact us page or via calling 0330 131 1111, to see how moving to linerless media could improve your green credentials and potentially save you money.
