Linerless labeling is no longer a niche application in our industry. In fact, suppliers are investing significant resources into the technology to meet demand in a range of markets.

During Labelexpo Americas 2022, substrate suppliers showcased their newest innovations. As the industry prepares for the 2024 iteration of the event, R&D has ramped up in this space. Demand has seen greater popularity in the labeling industry, especially as companies target more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions.

“The growth in linerless labeling is driven by several key factors, including operational efficiency, productivity, and environmental benefits,” explains Angel Harvey, senior marketing manager, Paper, Avery Dennison. “By eliminating the need for a liner, companies can streamline their processes, eliminate waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. The trend towards sustainability and efficiency in packaging will further drive the growth and adoption of this technology in the industry.”

Linerless labeling continues to trend as the requisite equipment has seen continued development and improvement. Plus, the increasing awareness and drive for sustainability will aid in this technology’s growth trajectory.

“Linerless labels allow for longer rolls with more labels, reducing roll changeovers and minimizing downtime in operations,” says Yara Ghoussoub, strategic project manager, Avery Dennison. “In addition, technological advancements in linerless equipment and adhesive technology have enhanced efficiencies and enabled the adoption of linerless labeling materials. Previous challenges related to label application, reliable coating, and versatile performance have been addressed through the development of linerless materials suitable for various industries. Finally, linerless labels can be easily customized to meet specific requirements, offering flexibility in functionality and design.”

This technology has seen continued adoption in variable information printing, carrying functional non-graphic information such as barcodes, product numbers, and tracking numbers. Typical applications are in product tracking in warehousing, transportation and logistics, retail/weigh-scale, and quick serve restaurant (QSR) food labeling. These applications employ equipment that prints and dispenses labels using direct-thermal printing.

“In transportation and logistics, linerless labels support a continuous label supply, less roll changeovers, quick on demand printing and customization of shipment requirements, which reduces downtime and enables efficient tracking and labeling,” remarks Harvey. “The absence of a liner also helps reduce slips hazards. In the retail and QSR sectors, linerless increases accuracy of customer orders, provides customizable labeling solutions and complement workflows that adapt to changing information.”

Avery Dennison has prioritized the linerless label market, which requires different types of adhesives to meet the diverse needs and applications across various industries. Specifically, applications that require strong adhesion on cardboard and closure functionality need a permanent adhesive that offers performance versatility under different environmental conditions, notes Ghoussoub.

“Our product line includes S2030 and AT-20 adhesives,” states Ghoussoub. “The S2030 adhesive enables good initial tack and adhesion performance on a variety of substrates (i.e. PET/HDPE) while allowing for short-term repositionability. AT-20 is an all-temp adhesive compatible with a wide range of substrates, and it is designed to maintain bond strength in extreme temperature conditions on a variety of substrates.”

In the future, advancements in labeling materials and printing equipment technologies, sustainability trends, regulatory pressures, and the need for effective and customizable labeling solutions across various industries will only promote further growth.

“Linerless labels will increasingly incorporate smart technologies for enhanced tracking and inventory management,” says Harvey. “Further developments with high speed application equipment will enable real-time data collection and management of labeled products throughout the supply chain. Advancements in direct thermal and digital printing technologies will allow for more intricate and multi-color printing on linerless labels, enabling entry into a wider range of applications. Finally, the significant drive toward sustainable innovation will lead to engineering of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable linerless label materials, further reducing the environmental impact of labeling.”