linerless labels hit the mark

LINERLESS LABELS

CAN YOUR CUSTOMERS BENEFIT FROM THIS SUSTAINABLE OPTION?

BY REBECCA OSTERMAN

Linerless labels have been around for quite some time, but their adoption has been relatively slow. However, as the technology has improved and demand for more sustainable labeling and packaging options has skyrocketed, use of linerless labels has increased. Read on to learn more about the benefits and uses of linerless labels and the potential they hold for your customers.

What Are Linerless Labels?

Traditional pressure sensitive labels are usually produced with a silicone backing or liner. Once the label is applied, the liner is discarded. In comparison, linerless labels adhere to themselves, essentially serving as their own liners. This is accomplished by applying a release coating to the top of the label facestock. The labels are easily peeled off the surface of the label underneath, but they will securely grip the surface when applied.

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Benefits of Linerless Labels

MORE SUSTAINABLE

Because they contain silicone, label liners do not decompose, and they are not able to be burned. Silicone release liners are also especially hard to recycle, because recycling the liners requires that the silicone is first separated from the paper. The result is that the bulk of silicone coated release liners end up in landfills. Switching to linerless labels removes this waste from the environment, for a more sustainable solution.

SAVE ON WASTE DISPOSAL

Disposing of release liners is a significant time and money expense. With linerless labels, there are no liners to discard or gather up from your production area. Workers will no longer need to spend time managing and disposing of label liners – leading to operational savings.

LESS DOWNTIME

Each time production, warehouse or retail staff needs to change a label roll, it is creating down time. Additionally, in many manufacturing operations each roll change requires that a portion of the labels are wasted. Without the physical space taken by the liner, it is possible to fit up to twice as many labels on a roll. This means that rolls last twice as long leading to fewer roll changes for less down time and wasted labels.

FASTER APPLICATION

For those who apply labels by hand, there can be significant time savings without the need to remove and dispose of liners.

LESS STORAGE SPACE

More labels per roll means that almost twice as many labels can fit into a carton – decreasing the need for storage space by almost half.

DECREASED
SHIPPING COST

Release liners make up much of the weight of traditional pressure sensitive labels. With linerless labels, you not only fit more labels per shipping carton, you also remove the weight of the additional liners, which equals lower freight costs.

SAFER WORK ENVIRONMENT

As silly as it may sound, silicone release liners can create a significant workplace hazard. The slick material can create a slip and fall hazard if the liners are on the floor of a warehouse or production facility. Linerless labels eliminate this potential danger, helping decrease workplace accidents.

PROTECTED LABELS

The release coating that is applied to the facestock to keep linerless labels from sticking to themselves also creates a barrier to protect against UV, moisture, or chemicals – leading to more durable labels.

FLEXIBLE LABEL SIZING

Unlike traditional labels that are cut to a predetermined size, linerless labels can be cut to size depending on the amount of information – without unnecessary white space. This makes it possible to print a detailed shipping label as well as a smaller barcode label – all on the same printer from the same roll of labels.

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Additional Linerless Label Considerations

While there are significant cost and operational benefits to linerless labels, it is also important to note some of their limitations.

For some users, especially those with automated application, it may be necessary to purchase additional equipment that will work with the linerless labels.
Linerless labels are also limited in terms of shapes. With traditional pressure coated labels, label shapes are created with die cutting. Die cutting usually requires a release liner to keep the label in place. Without the ability to die cut them linerless labels are usually limited to square and rectangle shapes.

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Uses of Linerless Labels

Linerless labels are a versatile option that can prove beneficial for a wide range of uses. Linerless labels like those sold by DLS are especially useful for applications utilizing thermal printers and variable information. These uses include:

Shipping and Mailing – Linerless labels can be used to quickly print and apply shipping labels and barcodes – fulfilling more orders faster at lower cost.
Healthcare/Pharmaceutical Labels – Healthcare workers can utilize mobile printers and linerless labels for prescription labeling, asset tracking and patient data management.
Warehouse and Logistics – Linerless labels are ideal for barcode labels used for inventory management, asset tracking and goods movement. They are especially useful for small roll hip printers that are carried at a warehouse employee’s side.
Retail – Retail businesses can use linerless labels in their deli or meat department to label individually counted or weighed orders. Linerless labels are also useful for mobile printing of pricing or UPC labels.
Quick Serve Restaurants – By printing custom orders on linerless labels, quick serve restaurants can cut down on inaccurate orders while also providing their customers with branding, nutrition and allergy information.

DLS - Your Linerless Label Supplier

As a nationwide label supplier, DLS offers an extensive collection of linerless labels. In addition, we can also help you provide the printers, printheads and thermal transfer ribbons your customers need for a complete linerless solution.