Is linerless labelling right for you?
Linerless labels are a continuous roll of paper where the adhesive is applied directly to the back of the paper, eliminating the need for a backing paper.
This differs from traditional labels/continuous media where the labels are stuck to a backing paper with gaps, notches or black marks in-between each label.
What are the advantages?
Linerless labels provide some great advantages over traditionally labelling. The main advantage is reduced waste and a reduced carbon footprint, linerless labels don’t have a backing paper so there’s nothing to throw away after printing. A standard backing paper is typically non-recyclable, whereas linerless labels can be made out of recyclable or even biodegradable materials so even after their use is spent they are still helping the environment. Less waste leaves your operators more time to concentrate on more important tasks and increase efficiency.
Another advantage is more labels per roll, the continuous paper doesn’t have any gaps or black marks where data can’t be printed so you will get more labels printed for your money. Finally no sensing is required a continuous roll doesn’t need a start position or to be correctly lined up for printing, the roll can just be loaded into the printer and no calibration is required. This will reduce the amount of problems operators encounter, as common errors such as gap not detected or media out are now much less likely to occur.
What applications are they suited for?
Linerless labels aren’t perfect for everything, they are predominantly direct thermal meaning they are suited for short term labelling applications. They thrive in short life applications where labels need to be applied to a product or container straight after printing. A great example of this is a packing station, they normally print shipping labels and apply the label to container straight away.
What do I need to print linerless labels?
Linerless thermal label printers have a special platen roller so the adhesive on the back of the paper doesn’t stick to the roller and constantly cause the label printer to jam. If you don’t have one already you will need a linerless compatible thermal label printer, most newer label printers will have upgrade kits available so you can switch to linerless without buying a brand new label printer. The second thing you will need is linerless labels and that’s it, with this kit you will be able to start printing linerless labels.
TSC Auto ID TH240T Linerless Thermal Label Printer
Looking to switch to linerless?
Switching to linerless has never been easier contact us to discuss if your application is the right fit, we can give you all the advice you need as well as provide thermal label printers, linerless upgrade kits and linerless labels.