In a world where waste reduction and sustainability are paramount, one innovative solution has emerged to revolutionize the labeling industry: linerless labels – labels that defy convention, eliminating the need for wasteful liners and embracing a greener approach. These labels represent a convergence of efficiency and environmental consciousness, paving the way for a brighter, and more sustainable future.
Let’s uncover the game-changing potential of these extraordinary labels in this ultimate guide.
What are Linerless Labels?
Linerless labels are pressure-sensitive labels that have self-adhesiveness and no liner or backing paper. Unlike traditional adhesive labels that are produced with a backing or liner, linerless labels adhere to themselves. The adhesive coating on the backside of these labels facilitates easy removal from the underlying label surface while ensuring a secure grip on the intended application surface. These linerless adhesive labels offer flexibility in label length as they can be printed at varying lengths to suit different requirements.
How do Linerless Labels Work?
As we have already learned, these labels are self-adhesive labels without liners on them. These labels are made by several processes. Here are the steps involved in its working.
- Step 1: The process begins with converting rolls of face stock into smaller sheets or fan folds with the adhesive applied.
- Step 2: Once the adhesive is dried, it is applied to the substrate in multiple layers for the desired tackiness.
- Step 3: Sometimes a top coating is added for more durability or printability.
- Step 4: The next step is to properly cure the adhesive, which can be done using UV light exposure, heat energy, or a combination of both, depending on how quickly the adhesive needs to set.
- Step 5: After curing, a set of rollers is used to remove excess adhesive to create a smooth surface finish.
- Step 6: Finally, the linerless labels are cut to distinct roll sizes or based on customer requirements.
Novel Innovations: What’s New in Linerless Labels?
Linerless label manufacturers are utilizing different techniques and methods to maximize the advantages offered by these labels. Here are a few latest innovations that are contributing to the growing popularity of linerless labeling.
● Direct Thermal Linerless Labels
Avery Dennison launched AD XeroLinr DT, a phenol-free and FSC-certified linerless solution for direct thermal printing. This innovative product enhances productivity and also contributes to waste reduction and sustainability efforts. AD XeroLinr DT is especially beneficial for the logistics and e-commerce sectors, which constantly increase parcel volumes. By offering up to 60% more labels per roll and minimizing the need for roll changes, this eco-friendly alternative significantly boosts efficiency while also reducing carbon emissions.
● Linerless Printers
To fully optimize the benefits of linerless labeling, manufacturers are employing linerless printers in their workforce. With this idea, Toshiba America Business Solutions has recently introduced its industrial printer, the Duplex Linerless Thermal Printer (DL1024). This linerless label printer efficiently facilitates day-to-day packaging in logistics and shipping industrial processes. The printer prints on the label’s two sides using linerless labeling material, eliminating the need for additional packing bags. It helps in reducing labeling costs by up to 40%, minimizing labor time, and offering a 3,000-label roll capacity.
● Carbon-Neutral Linerless Labeling
In response to growing pressure from governments and customers to enhance sustainability, UPM Raflatac, a multinational consumer brand, introduced RAFNXT+, the world’s first CarbonNeutral®-certified linerless labeling material. The company uses more renewable and recycled materials than raw materials to easily recycle the products. UPM Raflatac’s dedication to achieving carbon neutrality is a significant stride towards reducing emissions and fostering sustainable products.
Composting Linerless Labels: A Natural Approach to Waste Management
Traditional labels usually have a silicone-coated backing, which is removed during application and is generally not recyclable, making them a significant contributor to waste in the lifecycle of a label. Furthermore, the presence of silicone prevents label liners from being incinerated or decomposed. In contrast, linerless labels offer several environmental benefits, including promoting sustainability, enhancing production capacity, minimizing applicator downtime, and reducing inventory space. Moreover, these labels possess a self-adhesive property, thereby eliminating the need to collect and discard liner waste for linerless label applicators.
Summing It Up
Linerless labels have emerged as an innovative and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional adhesive labels. Their unique design, free from wasteful liners, not only reduces environmental impact but also offers cost-effective solutions for various industries. With increased label capacity, improved efficiency, and the elimination of liner waste, linerless labels have proven to be a game-changer in the labeling industry. As we strive towards a more sustainable future, embracing linerless labeling is a step in the right direction, demonstrating our commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility.
