Quick Service Restaurant 500+ locations • Nationwide UK

12 Tonnes of Waste Eliminated Annually

A major UK quick service restaurant chain transforms their labelling operations with linerless technology.

12 tonnes/year

Liner waste eliminated

40%

Roll changes reduced

500+

Locations converted

6 months

Implementation time

The Challenge

With over 500 UK locations, this QSR chain was generating significant liner backing waste from traditional labels. Kitchen teams spent valuable time managing backing paper disposal, and the waste stream created storage and disposal costs.

The Solution

Rolled out linerless labels across all UK locations, starting with a 50-store pilot. Standardised on 58mm linerless rolls for prep labelling and 80mm for order marking. Trained kitchen staff on the new format during regular shift briefings.

The Results

Complete elimination of liner backing waste. Kitchen operations streamlined with no backing paper to manage. 40% fewer roll changes during peak service. Measurable progress toward corporate sustainability targets.

The Challenge: Hidden Waste Costs

Like many QSR operations, this chain relied heavily on date-coded prep labels for food safety compliance. Traditional die-cut labels meant every kitchen was generating backing paper waste throughout every shift. Across 500+ locations, this added up to over 12 tonnes of silicone-coated backing paper annually—waste that couldn't be recycled and had to go to landfill. Beyond the environmental impact, the backing paper created operational friction: bins filling up during service, staff stopping to clear workstations, and the ongoing cost of waste disposal.

The Pilot: Starting Small

The facilities team selected 50 stores across different regions and formats for an initial pilot. Each location received linerless-compatible printers (Star TSP654II units they were already using for receipts, configured for linerless) and an initial supply of 58mm and 80mm rolls. Kitchen managers received brief training on loading the new rolls—the main difference being no backing to peel. The pilot ran for 8 weeks, with feedback collected from kitchen teams and waste data tracked.

The Results: Operational Wins Beyond Waste

Pilot feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Kitchen staff appreciated not having to deal with backing paper—no more sticky scraps on work surfaces, no more bins overflowing during rush. The 40% reduction in roll changes meant fewer service interruptions. Waste audits confirmed complete elimination of liner waste. Based on pilot success, the rollout expanded to all UK locations over the following 4 months.

Looking Forward

With linerless labels now standard across the UK estate, the chain is exploring extending the format to customer-facing order labels and promotional stickers. The waste reduction contributes to their published sustainability targets and has been highlighted in their annual environmental report.

"The switch to linerless was simpler than we expected. Kitchen teams adapted within days, and the waste reduction is exactly what we needed for our sustainability commitments."

Facilities Director

Major UK QSR Chain