Print in the Channel - issue #24

SUSTAINABILITY – LINERLESS LABELLING

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handling, and optimised for automated fulfilment processes, but can also be easily recycled with the packaging they are affixed to,” he says. Lewis Cook, co-founder and CEO of Catapult Print, notes that demand for linerless labelling is increasing in the meat, poultry and fish industries, and the fruit and vegetable sectors are catching up too. “Perishable goods are ideally suited to linerless labelling because it’s easy to overprint the sell-by date, weight and price onto the linerless label,” he says. “A linerless label also enables a design where the consumer can see the product in the pack, which is important when they are selecting perishable foods. It also provides aesthetic benefits to the pack design. With one roll and no backing liners, packing fresh produce is much faster and more agile, getting products to shelf more efficiently.

business operations and back-end systems. “Companies are also prioritising media compatibility, with many opting for certified linerless label materials to extend printer lifespan and reduce maintenance requirements,” he adds. Packaging innovation Lewis notes that the packaging sector is innovating to reduce the amount of packaging used and the waste materials sent to landfill. “Linerless labels enable innovative packaging design that uses fewer materials,” he says. “Because there is no backing liner, there is no need for the release liners required for conventional labels. This means that none of the paper or plastic waste associated with release liners, which typically ends up in landfill, enters the waste stream when linerless labels are used. “Linerless labels can be made using thinner materials too, and, since the adhesive is directly applied to the label material itself, there is no need for additional adhesive layers. “Moreover, since the labelling process is simplified and faster, producing a pack with linerless labelling is more energy efficient end-to-end than a comparable conventionally labelled product.” Reseller conversations With increasing numbers of businesses in various sectors waking up to the benefits of linerless labelling, it means there are a growing number of opportunities for resellers to sell these products. So when resellers are talking about linerless labelling solutions and printers, there are various benefits that should be highlighted. Deyon says that eco-friendly cost- effective solutions should be noted. “Linerless labels eliminate backing paper, reducing waste and support eco-friendly practices,” he says. “This aligns perfectly with customers' sustainability goals, helping them reduce their environmental

Jay Kim managing director

bixoloneu.com

Companies are also

prioritising media compatibility, with many opting for certified linerless label materials to extend printer lifespan and reduce

maintenance requirements.

“A UK supermarket has ditched plastic packaging for some fruit items, which are now packaged in a brightly coloured, recyclable cardboard box for which the linerless label not only provides the important information, such as the origin of the produce and sell-by date etc but also forms a durable and lightweight handle.” Demands are changing for the printers too. Jay notes that with ongoing advancements in IT infrastructure, there is a growing demand for wireless connectivity in linerless printers, enabling seamless integration into modern

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