As the label and package printing industry continues to grapple with paper constraints, several trends have emerged in the release liner space. Not only has there been a shift to filmic liners, but linerless product lines are gaining significant interest.

According to Avery Dennison, several factors have spurred the shift to film-based PET liners. For starters, the paper shortage has played a role. Numerous converters have made the switch, with Hub Labels’ Thomas Dahbura being an early adopter.

“I think we’ve made some good decisions in past years,” says Dahbura, discussing the paper shortages. “I was an early adopter of polyester liners. As the market is having trouble sourcing a 40# paper liner I don’t have that problem because we had already converted a lot of our operations and a lot of our customers over to polyester liners.”

There has been an increased focus on circularity and legislation such as EPRs, too. “While film and paper liners have been around for a long time, these factors are shifting what is being used most,” Avery Dennison notes. “Many are learning PET liners can be an effective alternative to paper liners and are used in all segments – HPC, beer and beverage, wine, food, durables and more. We are seeing film-based release liners growing quickly.”

The company adds that film liners are less prone to nicks and tears that can result in web breaks. They can run faster because of their inherent strength, which improves productivity. Plus, the combination of these factors leads to excellent registration, diecutting and productivity.

From a productivity standpoint, film-based liners offer advantages when it comes to conversion, dispensing and strength. For starters, diecutting quality is paramount. “PET liners are reliable and accurate as the strength and orientation of the film ensures tight registration and consistent diecuts,” says Avery Dennison. “PET liners also exhibit minimal curl and better dispensing at the peel plate as PET liners are less reactive to extreme humidity ranges, and they are moisture resistant, as well.

More companies are considering the environmental impact of products, too, which has prompted a shift to PET liners. In addition to the sustainable benefits, an added bonus is fewer changeovers.

“Depending on caliper of control versus PET caliper selection, it could lead to more labels per roll – approximately 15-20% more labels per roll – reduced transportation costs and less inventory space,” states Avery Dennison. “Film liners offer the opportunity for recycling after dispensing to drive circularity, as well. PET liners can be used as ingredients for new materials and eliminated from landfill waste streams.”

According to Avery Dennison, the emergence of rPET is a big trend. There are products in the market today that are 25-30% PCW and, in some cases, even more.  

Avery Dennison has also established partnerships to further promote circularity in the supply chain, especially as it relates to liner technologies. Avery Dennison and Mitsubishi recently launched a new program to enable liner circularity. Through the agreement, Mitsubishi will offer a closed-loop process for PET liner recycling, helping to increase the recycled content in PET liners supplied to Avery Dennison and the industry. 

“Avery Dennison will identify converters and brands utilizing film liners, working to collect this material at Mitsubishi,” the company says. “The recycled content will be added into the film liner manufactured, moving towards circularity and helping to meet growing demand for film liners with recycled content.” 
 
At Labelexpo Americas, Avery Dennison unveiled a new linerless portfolio that drew considerable interest at the company’s booth. The company’s direct thermal (DT) Linerless label platform has been optimized for variable information labels used in e-commerce, food delivery and pickup, quick serve restaurants, weigh scale, and transportation and logistics applications.

“By providing a DT Linerless solution for these growing, technology-enabled applications, we are eliminating the liner waste associated with label printing while offering converters a DT labeling solution that reduces matrix waste and improves process efficiency and productivity,” Avery Dennison explains.

The new DT linerless platform uses emulsion adhesives to support semi-permanent and removable applications and ensures consistent adhesive and silicone coating. Plus, it’s 32% thinner than linered labels, and features up to 50% more labels per roll, the company notes.

“Customers and visitors to the booth were very excited to learn more about our new DT Linerless product, as well as interested in signing up for our liner recycling program,” the company adds.