Linerless Labels: The Triple Win of Sustainability, Efficiency and Cost Savings in Warehousing and Manufacturing
Linerless Labels: The Triple Win of Sustainability, Efficiency and Cost Savings in Warehousing and Manufacturing
Sustainability is no longer a choice for businesses—it has become a necessity. Government regulations, consumer expectations and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) targets are driving companies to seek environmentally friendly solutions. Yet focus often shifts to major transformations such as electric vehicles or solar-powered facilities. However, faster environmental gains in warehousing and manufacturing operations can be achieved with linerless label technology.
What are linerless labels?
Linerless labels, unlike traditional adhesive labels, are self-adhesive labels without a liner (backing material) carrier. This system both reduces material waste and increases production efficiency per label.
With the elimination of the liner, thermal paper consumption decreases.
Waste management requirements are eliminated.
With the same amount of paper, higher label production volume is possible.
In this way, businesses reduce operational costs while leaving less waste for the environment.
Historical development
Linerless labels first entered the market in the 1990s as an environmentally friendly alternative. However, adhesive quality, label curling and printer compatibility issues prevented widespread adoption.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, advances in materials science and printing technologies increased the durability of linerless rolls.
Through zone coating, labels contain adhesive only in required areas, eliminating sticking and buckling issues.
New top coating technologies made labels compatible with direct thermal printing and more durable.
Industrial transition: OEM and paper manufacturers' interest
From 2015 onwards, major manufacturers began developing linerless-compatible desktop and mobile printers.
Paper giants like Avery Dennison and UPM Raflatac increased their R&D investments in linerless materials.
Following 2020, the pandemic-driven growth of e-commerce and regulations such as the European Union's PPWR directive to reduce packaging waste accelerated demand for linerless solutions.
Printer technology advances were also recorded after 2018. New generation thermal printers became compatible with linerless rolls through anti-stick blades and advanced cutting mechanisms.
The triple win: Environmental, economic and operational benefits
The advantages of linerless labels fall into three main categories:
1. Environmental benefit
Approximately 370,000 tons of label liner waste is sent to landfills annually in the United States (IPS Packaging & Automation data). Linerless technology completely eliminates this waste, directly reducing the carbon footprint.
Matt Sterner, global marketing leader at Honeywell, says:
"Now customers are starting to recognize the environmental logic behind the linerless shift. The complete elimination of liner waste is revolutionary from a sustainability perspective."
2. Economic benefit
Since the liner material is eliminated, cost per label decreases. More labels can be printed from the same roll, and production efficiency increases.
Rene Schrama, CTO of Peak Technologies, explains this shift:
"As demand increased, production costs fell. Now linerless labels have reached the same cost level as traditional labels."
3. Operational efficiency
Linerless labels can reduce labeling time by up to 25%. This is because:
Since label liners are not peeled, 2–3 seconds are saved per print.
Rolls contain 50% more labels, meaning fewer roll changes and less downtime.
With label waste eliminated, labor efficiency increases.
Matthew Hayes from Peak Technologies describes linerless labels as a "small but impactful sustainability move":
"Companies are focused on major environmental investments, but linerless labels deliver immediate results. A small change provides gains for both the environment and operations."
Conclusion: Linerless labels are now mainstream
Once limited by high costs and quality concerns, linerless labels have become a mature, economical and scalable solution.
Honeywell and Peak Technologies are increasing investments in new printers and media to standardize this technology across warehouse, manufacturing, 3PL and e-commerce operations.
With rising production capacity and falling per-unit costs, linerless labels are positioning themselves as the future labeling standard that enhances both environmental sustainability and operational speed.
Key Takeaways:
Linerless labels reduce environmental waste by eliminating liner waste.
Avery Dennison, UPM Raflatac, Honeywell and Peak Technologies are scaling the technology to mass production.
Benefits:
Zero liner waste,
Up to 50% more labels,
25% faster labeling process.Post-pandemic e-commerce growth and EU environmental regulations are accelerating demand.
Linerless labels are becoming the new standard for sustainable, efficient and cost-effective labeling systems.
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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