As sustainability continues to make inroads with companies throughout all levels of the label manufacturing supply chain, linerless has emerged as a viable option. Linerless labels allow for longer rolls with more labels, reducing roll changeovers and minimizing downtime in operations.

Plus, linerless technology has advanced drastically in recent years. Linerless equipment and adhesive technologies have both improved to where this labeling option is far more efficient. Adoption has continued.

“The growth of linerless labeling technology was prompted by a combination of factors, including environmental sustainability, elimination of waste, and efficiency,” explains Brett Borovicka, product manager, VI, Avery Dennison. “Linerless labeling is in high demand across industries like grocery – deli, bakery, weigh scales – quick-service restaurants (QSRs), shipping and logistics – parcel labeling, inventory tracking – and retail/warehousing – variable information printing.”

Overcoming challenges

For linerless labeling to become a greater reality, converters must clear several hurdles. Suppliers have addressed reliable coating and versatile performance through the development of linerless materials suitable for various industries. In addition, converters can easily customize linerless labels to meet specific requirements, offering flexibility in functionality and design.

“Recent advancements include improved adhesive formulations, enhanced direct thermal (DT) printing reliability, and equipment that supports variable-length printing,” states Yara Ghoussoub, business development manager, E-Commerce & QSR, Avery Dennison. “Emerging smart technologies also enable better tracking and inventory management, making linerless solutions more versatile and efficient.”

Smart technology will play a role in this market, too. Linerless labels will increasingly incorporate smart technologies for enhanced tracking and inventory management. Further developments with high speed application equipment will enable real-time data collection and management of labeled products. This will take place throughout the supply chain.

“Advancements in direct thermal and digital printing technologies will allow for more intricate, multi-color printing on linerless labels, enabling entry into wider applications,” notes Yara Ghoussoub. “Plus, the significant drive toward sustainable innovation will lead to the engineering of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable linerless label materials, further reducing the environmental impact of labeling.”

“Linerless technology is poised for significant growth, driven by advances in labeling materials and printing equipment technologies, sustainability trends, regulatory pressures, and the need for effective and customizable labeling solutions across various industries,” adds Borovicka.

Getting started

For converters yet to enter the linerless labeling arena, Avery Dennison offers several first steps to take.

According to Borovicka, converters should prioritize promoting the inherent, long-term benefits of linerless technology to their customers. This value proposition centers on sustainability, as there is less waste from the absent liner, and significant operational efficiency gains. Converters can also position themselves as partners in their customers’ drive for continuous improvement and cost reduction.

“A crucial step is investing in the correct end-user technology,” adds Ghoussoub. “Converters must ensure that the materials they produce are fully compatible with reliable Direct Thermal (DT) printers. This involves collaborating closely with both material manufacturers and printer OEMs to guarantee seamless adoption and successful performance in the field. This collaboration is key to delivering a complete solution, not just a product.”

Converters should also target the aforementioned growth areas such as grocery, QSRs, and logistics/transportation. “By strategically targeting these established markets, converters can quickly leverage the technology’s proven ability to enable efficient tracking, labeling, and product customization,” says Borovicka.

Products

The linerless label market requires different types of adhesives to meet the diverse needs and applications across various industries. Specifically, applications that require robust adhesion on cardboard and closure functionality need a permanent adhesive. The product must deliver performance versatility under different environmental conditions.

“Our product line includes AT-20 and R2035 adhesives,” remarks Ghoussoub. “The AT-20 is an all-temp adhesive, offering reliable bond strength across a wide range of substrates, even in extreme temperature conditions. For applications requiring flexibility, the R2035 is a removable adhesive that ensures consistent adhesion and easy repositionability on diverse substrates.

“Additionally, our no-phenol-added facestocks and FSC-certified materials align with sustainability and regulatory requirements,” adds Ghoussoub.