LINERLESS LABEL PRINTERS
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Trends But as demand for linerless printers is increasing, what customers want from them is changing too. “Customers need to be more efficient as well as demonstrate more sustainable practices and linerless labelling enables them to deliver on both counts,” Bob says. Linerless Solutions “Because linerless media is supplied as a continuous roll, for which an inline cutter is required to cut the label to its required length, it means that multiple sized labels can be produced from the same roll and only one printer is necessary to print different sized labels, so there's less media changes, which translates into improved productivity and increased efficiency. More labels per roll means less space required to store them, so the trend is towards lower stock levels.” • A smarter and more sustainable Direct Thermal printing solution. • A perfectly matched printer and linerless label material that offers the flexibility to print labels of any length, on demand from a single roll. Deyon adds that there is increasing demand for sustainable labelling solutions. “Customers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are seeking products with minimal environmental impact,” he says. “This has led to a growing interest in eco-friendly labelling materials, such as recycled paper, biodegradable plastics and linerless labels.” In addition, with the rise of the Internet adhesive build up on cutter blades. • Reducing waste, saving time and keeping the working environment safer, cleaner and greener. of Things, there's growing interest in smart labels that can communicate information beyond static text and graphics, Deyon notes. "Customers are looking for labels with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities, which can track products throughout the supply chain, provide real-time information to consumers, and enable interactive experiences via smartphones or other devices. “The growth of ecommerce has led to increased demand for labels that are durable, tamper-evident, and optimised for automated fulfilment processes. Customers expect labels that can withstand shipping and handling, maintain brand integrity, and provide essential information for online shoppers.” Deyon adds that in crowded marketplaces, brands are increasingly using labels to stand out from competitors. “Eye-catching designs, innovative packaging formats and unique labelling techniques (e.g. embossing, foiling, textured finishes) help brands capture consumers' attention and create memorable experiences,” he says. Food and drink demand One sector in particular that is embracing linerless label printers is food and drink. “This • Offering outstanding print quality and excellent adhesion with minimal
Deyon Antoine product marketing manager
toshibatec.co.uk
sector is expected to account for a significant share of the linerless labels market as many see the media as a means to improve their carbon neutrality,” says Bob. “In grocery/fresh food, for example, linerless labels can be used to indicate freshness or expiry date extensions which helps prolong shelf life. Butchers and deli counters can use them for labelling after they’ve weighed items. Fast food operations can use them for labelling food bags in drive throughs. They can be used in shipping and mailing operations, and for postage and parcel labelling.” Mark Lloyd, sales director, Star Micronics EMEA, agrees. “With the rise in multi-channel ordering in the hospitality industry in recent years accompanied by increasing demand for customer collection, third party delivery and legislation around accurate ingredients and allergy identification, the requirement for efficient food and beverage labelling has surged,” he says. “Without a doubt, among the range of labelling solutions currently available, linerless labels stand out for their eco-friendly properties and operational efficiencies. “Direct thermal linerless labels are self- adhesive labels that can be applied directly to products or packaging. Such labels are supplied with varying levels of adhesion, from high adhesive permanent labels to low adhesive repositionable labels which can be applied to virtually any surface and be removed easily and reapplied without residue.” Mark adds that as linerless media is available in a range of widths, it enables businesses to create labels for any product type including larger labels for food deliveries to smaller, more compact beverage labels. “Equally, variable length linerless labels
“
The core
reason why linerless is gaining
interest and backing (pun intended) is its perceived benefit to sustainability.
”
Rich Barfield printing specialist, EMEA
zebra.com
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