The vast majority of labels used today are pressure-sensitive. They are easy to print and come as rolls, where the labels are lined with silicone paper, which facilitates its removal and preserves the adhesive. This layer is called a silicone liner, and as we have already seen, some companies are trying to recycle it.
However, in most cases, the liner ends up not being recycled.
On a roll of labels, the liner takes up 40% of weight and space. If you think about it, 40% is wasted storage space, and 40% of shipping and handling fees.
Logically, pressure sensitive labels without liners arrived on the market. How does it work? A silicone layer is applied on the front of the labels. The labels are then wound without sticking, thanks to the silicone on the front.
This allows for more labels on a roll of the same weight and size. Thus, the costs associated with handling, transport, packaging and storage are reduced.
Regarding their application, these stickers without liners work perfectly with many types of processes, infrastructures and applications. A printer-applicator will not need to take off the liner and, an application on a smaller scale will also be facilitated and enhanced by the absence of the liner. Indeed, it’s one step less!
Labels without liners are ideal for thermal label printers. In addition, as there are more labels on a roll, it means that you can print for longer periods without changing the roll. This is a significant gain in productivity!
It’s an economical and an ecological choice. This prevents the accumulation of liners while optimizing the use of label rolls.
