Cutting out half of what’s bad while increasing what’s good is always a good idea. Why ignore the opportunity? If you are still using self-adhesive labels with a backing film, it is worthwhile checking if a switch to Linerless might be possible for your Label Printer, Scales or Wrapper. Although seeing as you’ve found this guide, you may have already realised that. So let’s get down to what you need to know.
Introduction to Linerless Labels
The only thing that is difficult about Linerless Labels is trying not to sound evangelistic when describing them. Bear in mind, that we do produce both Linerless and the alternative backed labels, so we are neutral. However, Linerless Labels are easier to use, and they are proven to save time, money and carbon footprint. They also result in a better looking label, because they automatically cut to the right length. So while you might think Linerless Label distributors such as ourselves seem over-zealous about them, it’s only because we have seen the difference they have made to our customers.
What are Linerless Labels
Linerless Labels are rolls of self-adhesive labels without backing film, i.e. that glossy yellow paper that goes straight to landfill. They are used in label-printing Scales and Wrappers, and in label printers. They’re commonly used by delis, bakeries, butchers, cafes and pharmacies; also in logistics and warehousing, and in some cases, manufacturing. Switching from traditional labels to Linerless brings benefits including cost savings, reduced waste, and improved operational efficiencies.
We at DIGI are the people who first brought the Linerless Label to Ireland. We tested several options before finding a manufacturer in Europe who met our standards. A bad Linerless Label will leave sticky adhesive residue in all the wrong places, dulling your machine’s cutting blades, shortening its lifespan and reducing the quality of the print. Composition is key. The Linerless Labels we provide use the perfect combination of coating and adhesive to eliminate these downfalls of alternative brands, while also remaining recyclable!
Benefits of Linerless Labels
Save money
Let’s start with saving money as it’s a key concern for every business. Linerless Labels will save you money on both your label spend and the cost of your waste disposal. One of our customers, Scally’s SuperValu in Clonakilty, saved €30,000 in year one alone by switching to Linerless Labels. With Linerless you’re –
- Getting more labels from each roll (as your labels will be automatically cut to the required length, unlike with die-cut labels, which are all a set length regardless of label content).
- Sending a lot less waste to landfill.
- Saving the cost of ordering, transporting and storing rolls of various label sizes.
- Freeing up labour time, which is expensive.
Save time
Yes, labour time is expensive and getting the best value from it means freeing up staff’s time to help customers. There are a few ways the switch to Linerless will improve your operational efficiency and save you and your team a noticeable amount of time.
The job of changing an empty Linerless label roll out for a new one takes approximately 14 seconds, which is 2.5 times less than the 36 seconds it takes (an expert) to change out a regular roll of labels with backing film – watch one of our engineers demonstrate the difference here. Not only that, you will get more labels from each roll of Linerless and one roll will do all of your label sizes as they automatically cut to the right length. This cuts your downtime and saves you all the admin time involved in ordering various rolls often, storing them and swapping them in and out of your machine.
Sleeker
With die-cut labels, you have one set length for each label on the roll. If your label only has a little information on it, you can be left with unsightly and wasteful-looking empty space. With Linerless, the label is continuous on the roll and automatically cut to the right length for its contents. This gives your label a sleeker look, as well as being more efficient in every way. Also, our in-house graphic design team can design your Linerless Labels to feature bespoke brand designs down the sides and in the background.
And with DIGI Scales and Wrappers, you can have various bespoke graphics, logos and images there to choose from that will print at the top of each of your labels. You could even add a temporary message, such as a seasonal greeting.
Better for the environment
Self-adhesive label backing film is not recyclable. It adds up to tonnes of waste going to landfill, which is expensive and detrimental to the environment. DIGI Linerless Labels are recyclable. Linerless Labels reportedly have a 40-50% better carbon footprint than die-cut labels with backing film.
Technical considerations
Before you switch to Linerless, you will need to make sure your label printer, Scales or Wrapper is compatible. It will need to use a direct thermal print head, but you can double-check with our team.
Secondly, before choosing a Linerless Label provider, make sure you trust their quality. If the adhesive used isn’t right, it will leave a residue on the cutting blade that will shorten the machine’s lifespan and prevent a clean-cut label. Additionally, the top surface of the label needs to be made in such a way that it offers good release from the roll, along with stable print quality. As mentioned, DIGI’s Linerless Labels are tried and tested for quality and all technical considerations.
We can help you switch to Linerless Labels
DIGI Labels has been producing labels since 1987, and as mentioned, we were the first to bring Linerless Labels to the Irish market. We have an expert team who know Labels, Scales, Wrappers and Label Printers inside out and are ready to help you. Call us on 044 934 3746 or send us a message here.