• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Rotary Diecutting

    Workforce Challenges

    Label Insights: Wilson innovates for evolving diecutting market

    Flexo Platemaking Update

    Penmar Industries
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    ACTEGA teams with Makro Labelling to advance Signite technology

    Constantia Flexibles and SB Packagings commence joint venture

    Inland donates new VersaStudio printer to local high school

    Redfern Labels installs new MPS EF 340 flexo press

    Loftware announces NiceLabel Cloud Designer
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    A global first: Canada to require warning labels on individual cigarettes

    A dancing label

    Constantia Flexibles and SB Packagings commence joint venture

    Beontag launches global rebrand

    Lumene partners with UPM and SABIC for biobased packaging
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Mactac addresses recent growth

    Constantia Flexibles and SB Packagings commence joint venture

    Nazdar SourceOne names Matthew Dominguez insides sales rep, US

    Sandon Global joins FINAT

    EskoWorld promotes networking, inspiration in Orlando
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    ACTEGA teams with Makro Labelling to advance Signite technology

    Rotary Diecutting

    Label Insights: Wilson innovates for evolving diecutting market

    Flexo Platemaking Update

    Penmar Industries
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Penmar Industries

    Redfern Labels installs new MPS EF 340 flexo press

    Loftware announces NiceLabel Cloud Designer

    Asahi to show water-wash equipment at new Gallus Experience Center

    BlueStone Label adds two Mark Andy Performance Series presses
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    ACTEGA teams with Makro Labelling to advance Signite technology

    Rotary Diecutting

    Label Insights: Wilson innovates for evolving diecutting market

    Flexo Platemaking Update

    Nazdar SourceOne names Matthew Dominguez insides sales rep, US
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    D.P.R. Labeling LLC

    Delta ModTech

    KTI

    K Laser Technology (USA) Co., Ltd.

    Epson America, Inc.
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Substrates
      • Pressrooom Supplies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Linerless Labels

    Despite some limitations, this niche, eco-friendly segment offers several benefits.

    Linerless Labels
    Hub Labels utilizes the Comac coating machine from Ravenwood Packaging to manufacture its linerless labels.
    Linerless Labels
    Granby Sausages, looking to move away from traditional self-adhesive labels, turned to Ravenwood for a linerless solution that highlighted the freshness of the product.
    Linerless Labels
    ETI Converting offers linerless solutions for a host of applications, including the logistics and retail label markets.
    Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor09.10.18
    Linerless labels, while not a new technology, is a segment that is seeing a rise in relevancy and usage. While there are limitations, these labels provide a host of advantages for certain markets.

    A typical pressure sensitive label features a facestock, adhesive and release-coated liner. By definition, pressure sensitive linerless labels do not utilize a silicone-coated release liner or a dispensing agent for application. According to Baudry Bayzelon, international sales manager for Canada-based ETI Converting Equipment, a linerless label is essentially a tape. “It is a mono web product with silicone (release coating) on one side and adhesive on the other,” explains Bayzelon. “Obviously, if it is a printed product, printing must be done prior to any coating, so the web will be printed, silicone will be applied on one side, and the adhesive on the other side. Then, this coated material is wound on itself.”

    UK-based Ravenwood Packaging is a leader in linerless labeling technology and commonly sees usage in food markets such as produce and meat. Jeremy Woodcock, technical consultant for Ravenwood, notes, however, that the company is constantly striving to break into new markets, including those outside of food.

    For I.D. Images, a label converter headquartered in Brunswick, OH, linerless labels are useful in a wide range of applications, from health and beauty and food services to hospitals and medical markets.  Linerless labels are suitable for aisle shelf labeling, price tags and receipts in the retail space, as well.

    Release liners can be costly and are the source of a significant amount of waste. According to AWA Alexander Watson Associates, liners account for 19-20% of the total applied cost of a pressure sensitive label. AWA notes in AWAreness Report: Linerless Labeling 2017 that printers and end users can experience a 60% cost savings on each label reel. In total, linerless labels represent about 4% of the total current pressure sensitive label market. AWA also notes that variable information print serves as the largest market for linerless labels. This includes functional uses such as warehouse tracking and logistics.

    According to Ravenwood’s Woodcock, there are two different types of linerless labels: the logistics form using Chemi-Thermal paper, which has little or no printing on it, and the decorative header label market, which Ravenwood supplies.

    ETI’s Bayzelon adds that linerless products are common in the logistic and retail label markets, where they are thermal paper applications. Most direct thermal desk printers and hand printers will accept linerless materials, he says.

    Hub Labels, a Maryland-based label converter, specializes in linerless labels. Although the company is exploring new markets, proteins such as fish, poultry and meat occupy the lion’s share of its work. In addition to sustainability and cost savings, John Doyle, linerless specialty segment manager at Hub Labels, says that there is a significant visual benefit to going linerless. He says, “What we focus on is presentation.You’re dealing with a marketing team that needs to tell a story. They need to have traditional information and create brand awareness. When we’re doing linerless, we’re literally putting a full-wrap label around a tray, and it’s giving brands the ability to market their product and tell a story. You have top panels, side panels, base panels, and then on top of that, once you take the whole linerless label off, you also have the backside of the label for space for additional content like recipes, coupons or a 2D bar code.”

    According to Doyle, Hub Labels works with companies that have seen 12% efficiency gains by going linerless, including a customer that has sold over 19 million trays and noticed savings of $600,000.

    Hub Labels has partnered with Ravenwood Packaging, which has developed a compact linerless coating machine, the Comac. “When we produce a linerless label, we’re reducing the adhesive by 85% and we’re reducing the silicone by 85%,” explains Doyle. “Just coming out of the gate, that’s 65% of material that we’re taking out of the equation.”

    In addition, Ravenwood emphasizes that linerless rolls also weigh up to 40% less and take up 40% less space than label rolls with carrier backing paper, which equates to increased profits by decreasing shipping and storage costs. The labels run more efficiently and are quicker to change over than traditional self-adhesive with little or no waste, Woodcock says.

    For Ravenwood, linerless labeling is a two-stage production. Labels are printed on a normal self-adhesive UV printing press using continuous paper, card or film. There is no diecutting required and no matrix to be removed, and the company states that the process is faster and more efficient than traditional self-adhesive production. The printed roll is then taken to the Ravenwood coater, where the silicone and adhesive are applied in stripes to match a template. The template is designed to fold around a tray or pack, and the fold lines determine the position of the stripes. Label rolls are cut and finished on the coater on a turret rewinder and are then ready for dispatch.

    Ravenwood machinery can adapt in order to create linerless labels to suit many packaging challenges on a range of materials, including paper, film and card from 170 – 300gsm. The labels are wound on a roll or reel and feature a silicone strip applied to the top of the label, which prevents the adhesive from the underside sticking to the label below.

    Spotlight on Sustainability
    When linerless technology began to gain acceptance some 10 years ago, sustainability was a driving force. With lower costs, enhanced marketing opportunities and greater efficiency, sustainability is now just one of several key benefits.  “There are less disposal costs,” says Ashley Clelland, marketing associate at I.D. Images. “Getting rid of the 50-60% of waste that comes from the liner and matrix means less product and waste ending up in landfills, which is a big benefit.”

    Hub Labels sees a dramatic decrease in label waste by going linerless. Not only do linerless labels decrease the waste associated with liners and silicone, they allow for the maximization of labels on a roll. “There is so much to applying a pressure sensitive label with a liner,” says Hub Labels’ Doyle. “When a printer runs out of labels, they’ll end up throwing away about 20 labels to get that machine to rethread with new labels. With linerless, you’re wasting just one or two labels every time you change out the roll.”

    There are also fewer required changeovers because printers can put more labels on a roll because of the absence of a liner. “Without the liner, you get up to 50% more labels per roll, which means longer runs, increased uptime, less time cleaning up and less changeover time,” adds Clelland.

    In addition to packaging waste, linerless labels applied to food-safe SkinPacks deter food spoilage. “In the US, you see a lot of Styrofoam trays with plastic wrapped around them. As retailers become more serious about protecting food waste – 50% of the food is being thrown away – we can increase the shelf life by changing packaging,” says Doyle. “To do that, they’re going to be using our technology to protect the trays. We’re still in the early part of this change in food packaging, but it’s coming.”

    Ravenwood boasts that on 2017 its Linerless Labeling System eliminated the need for the production of over 2,500 metric tons of siliconized liner around the world. “Sustainability plays a major role in the transition to linerless labeling, and many converters are waking up to the cost and environmental benefits,” says Woodcock. “Our paper and card go from the mill to the printer. No expensive conversion is needed such as adding a siliconized liner paper, which is high in energy as well as cost. This means less transport is required to make fewer journeys. And that’s not just in the UK, but on a global scale. Linerless offers an eco-friendly, efficient replacement for traditional self-adhesive labels and cardboard sleeves.”

    Barriers to Adoption
    In order to enter the linerless label market, converters ultimately need to make a capital expenditure on equipment that is unique to this application. “I think the barrier has always been that in order to get started with this technology, you have to buy specific equipment to apply it,” says Hub Labels’ Doyle. “Typically, you go to any label producer and they have a label applicator, which they had to pay for at one time. But they’ve forgotten that.”

    Doyle adds that a $100,000 investment is normally required to enter this market. The onus is on the manufacturer to explain how this investment can generate an ROI in less than 12 months.
    Ravenwood Packaging stresses that linerless labels require an all-in philosophy. “To switch from self-adhesive to linerless is a complete change – there is no halfway house,” stresses Woodcock. “Self-adhesive labels will not run down a linerless applicator and vice versa.”

    Historically, a lack of available label shapes has impeded the crossover to linerless labeling. As I.D. Images’ Clelland notes, liners help with accurate diecutting and perforation, as well as providing a protectant for the pressure sensitive adhesive. “In the past, the only shapes linerless labels came in were square or rectangular, but with technological advancements, some converters have the ability to offer different diecut shapes,” she says.

    Ravenwood has worked extensively to help remedy the shape issue, and it is less prominent today than in years past.

    “In recent months, we have been busy developing this concept further,” adds Woodcock. “We are now able to shape the leading edge of the label for a totally bespoke and creative look across all label formats – a global first in shaped linerless labels. Earlier in the year, Ravenwood assisted Granby Sausages in finding a solution to not only meet its needs but in doing so, created a totally new label concept in the ‘Land of Linerless.’ This shaped label was the first of its kind to go on sale anywhere in the world.”

    Thomas Dahbura, president of Hub Labels, says that the issue of shapes is largely overstated. “When you look at the packaging that a product goes into, people discuss shapes and it’s really a moot point because you’re putting the label on a square container that requires almost a full wrap. People like to bring that up as a shortcoming of linerless, but when you talk to designers, product managers and production people, it’s not something that comes up past the initial sell. But, they have introduced shapes because that is something that is often discussed.”

    Even though shapes might remain a contentious topic for linerless, there is, ultimately, the issue of having enough volume to warrant the expenditure. “There are more possible shapes, but in a linerless mode, it is still limited,” says ETI Converting’s Bayzelon. “In fact, it is possible to do any label shape, but this will require specific equipment. Any traditional label can be converted and applied as a linerless label, it is only a question of having the proper machinery to convert and apply the labels, obviously this means having the volume to justify it.”

    A Linerless Future?
    New technology has spurred increased growth in linerless labeling. Even though the application range is expanding, the technology is still in its relative infancy, especially in North America.

    I.D. Images’ Clelland believes the future of linerless labeling will include more mobile printing, liner manufacturer consolidation, better ways to recycle, and beverage labeling. Health and beauty aids and extended content labeling will also find their place in this market. “Plus,” she continues, “commercial and military aircraft fleets and new airline markets could utilize this technology. There will also be increased development and investment throughout the value chain.”

    Clelland adds that the sustainability aspect of the technology – a drastic reduction in waste – will also serve to promote the proliferation of linerless labeling.

    The team at Hub Labels believes there is plenty of room for linerless labels to grow. “We’re really still at the beginning of this technology taking off,” says Doyle. “If you go over to Europe and you take a look at what’s going on over there, they’re about six or seven years ahead of us here in North America.”

    According to Dahbura, different markets lend themselves to different results. In Europe, shoppers tend to frequent grocery stores more often, whereas the US purchases in bulk. Meal kits and ready-meals, however, are starting to proliferate in North America, which could lead to a surge in linerless labeling. Better packaging could also lead to a reduction in food waste.

    When Hub Labels invested in linerless technology nearly a decade ago, the company initially followed a tip from Avery Dennison. Dahbura tracked the technology and made the leap because of the potential future benefits. “It was what we believed was the future of packaging, and we thought it was going to have a big impact. So we jumped in,” recalls Dahbura. “I always like to say – from an innovation standpoint – linerless offers big-time innovation.”

    “The future for linerless is extremely positive,” concludes Ravenwood Packaging’s Jeremy Woodcock. “It is a good news story for the printer and packer with the ability to run labels more efficiently with less waste. It is also a good news story for the environment, as is eleminates release liner and backing paper going to landfill with less energy required to get the raw materials to the printers. Further developments in materials and machinery will take place in the near future, opening up more opportunities and markets.”
    Related Searches
    • press
    • web
    • plastic
    • Pressure sensitive
    Suggested For You
    ETI Converting Equipment Inc. ETI Converting Equipment Inc.
    Innovia Films Innovia Films
    Hub Labels expands label embellishment capabilities with help of GM Hub Labels expands label embellishment capabilities with help of GM
    Danish label converter turns to Nilpeter Danish label converter turns to Nilpeter's Pre-Owned Program
    Linerless labels help Belona assist meat product client Linerless labels help Belona assist meat product client
    L&NW L&NW's top online exclusives of 2020
    Canada Canada's Imprimerie Ste-Julie goes linerless with Ravenwood
    TLMI recognizes label converters for environmental leadership TLMI recognizes label converters for environmental leadership
    ETI Converting demos 22" Cohesio ETI Converting demos 22" Cohesio
    Avery Dennison joins Plasticity partner program Avery Dennison joins Plasticity partner program
    Avery Dennison looking to Avery Dennison looking to 'Pioneer Change'
    Avery Dennison continues to promote sustainability initiatives Avery Dennison continues to promote sustainability initiatives
    Avery Dennison shortlisted for Label Industry Global Awards Avery Dennison shortlisted for Label Industry Global Awards
    Avery Dennison and L Avery Dennison and L'Oréal collaborate to eliminate label waste
    Plant Safety Plant Safety

    Related Buyers Guide Companies

    • ETI Converting Equipment Inc.

      ETI Converting Equipment Inc.

      ...
      Catherine Mercier, Marketing Advisor 05.05.23

    • Innovia Films

      ...
      Patricia Potts, Communications Manager 03.24.22

    • Finishing | Label Finishing Equipment | North America
      Hub Labels expands label embellishment capabilities with help of GM

      Hub Labels expands label embellishment capabilities with help of GM

      The Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM) HotFB330 standalone hot stamp unit will primarily serve the distillery and wine markets, as well as the health and beauty market.
      08.02.21


    • Europe | Flexo Presses | Flexography
      Danish label converter turns to Nilpeter

      Danish label converter turns to Nilpeter's Pre-Owned Program

      Color Label has installed a newly refurbished 8-color UV FA-2500 flexo press.
      06.09.21

    • Food Labels | Specialty Labels
      Linerless labels help Belona assist meat product client

      Linerless labels help Belona assist meat product client

      The labels contain no liner or backing paper and can be applied to skin packaging at a speed between 80 and 100 labels per minute.
      Steve Katz

    Loading, Please Wait..

    Trending
    • Constantia Flexibles And SB Packagings Commence Joint Venture
    • Mactac Grows Business With Acquisition Of Label Supply
    • BlueStone Label Adds Two Mark Andy Performance Series Presses
    • SATO America Acquires Stafford Press
    • Channeled Resources Installs New Coater In Marathon
    Breaking News
    • ACTEGA teams with Makro Labelling to advance Signite technology
    • Constantia Flexibles and SB Packagings commence joint venture
    • Inland donates new VersaStudio printer to local high school
    • Contiweb becomes Dscoop sponsor
    • Redfern Labels installs new MPS EF 340 flexo press
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    April 2023

    • Slitter-Rewinders
    • Ink Innovation
    • CELAB striving to curb industry’s recycling issue
    • Nutraceutical Labels
    • Narrow Web Profile: Apogee Industries
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Verdure Sciences Receives Award for Sustainable, Ethical Turmeric Sourcing
    BGG Receives Patent for Saw Palmetto ID Method
    Premium Label & Packaging Solutions Receives Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Sherwin-Williams Launches Ultra-High-Solids Epoxy
    IMCD Strengthens North America Technical Capabilities with New Lab
    Sherwin-Williams Leads Global Paints Brands in Value: Brand Finance
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Japanese Regulators Approve EDAP's ExactVu Micro-Ultrasound
    Celanese Forges Agreement With Glaukos for Sustained Release Glaucoma Treatment
    Cardio Diagnostic Holdings, Lifespan.io Collaborate on Heart Disease Research
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    FDA Approves Pfizer’s ABRYSVO Vax for RSV Prevention
    Novartis Buys Avrobio Gene Therapy for $88 Million
    Meiji Seika Pharma, Adcock Ingram Pharma Complete Construction of New Manufacturing Facility
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Beauty Pie Taps Kevin Cornils as CEO
    Selva Ventures Closes $34M Second Fund Backed by Unilever
    Sharon Chuter Steps Down as CEO & Board Member at Uoma Beauty
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    BioFormula Select’s Stop Guessing Expands into Canada
    MAC Cosmetics Launches Day of Giving To Benefit Viva Glam Campaign
    Attitude Cosmetics Enters Makeup Category with Solid Makeup Line in Plastic-Free Packaging
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Graphco and Printing & Finishing Solutions Participate at IPMA
    IMCD Strengthens North America Technical Capabilities
    Arkema Partners with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    ACTEGA teams with Makro Labelling to advance Signite technology
    Constantia Flexibles and SB Packagings commence joint venture
    Inland donates new VersaStudio printer to local high school
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Biodiapers Signs Agreement with Sicam
    Sinaatec Uses Two A.Celli End-Of-Line Solutions
    Mann+Hummel Names President Air Filtration Americas
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Artelon Closes $20M Series B Funding
    Orthofix Unveils Seven-Year Outcome Data for M6-C Artificial Cervical Disc
    Enrollment Completed in Anika Therapeutics' Hyalofast Study
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Arkema Collaborates with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
    Vitesco Technologies, onsemi Sign SiC Long-Term Supply Agreement
    Ambiq Receives 2023 Bronze Stevie Award

    Copyright © 2023 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login