Linerless Labels: An Evolving Technology
Early adoption
Several market segments have committed to make the switch to linerless. Generally, these primary markets are ones that are the most exposed to very competitive pricing.
One of the market segments that has changed over from p-s labels to linerless labels, is the print-and-apply, direct-thermal labels industry. What was a 4˝ x 6˝ direct thermal label is now a linerless direct thermal tape. Companies such as Arca, Etiquettes Labels Ltd, Alltech, and many others have introduced linerless print-and-apply labeling equipment. The direct thermal face material is printed and converted into a tape format. With the help of an eye mark or just calculating the length of the label, the tape gets dispensed and cut with a blade, eliminating the use of release liners. The label is approximately 35 percent less expensive versus a conventional p-s label and will hold 35 percent more labels per roll.