Complete Guide
What is Linerless Labeling?
The sustainable thermal label technology delivering 40% more labels per roll with zero backing waste
How Linerless Labels Work
Linerless labels are self-adhesive thermal labels without a backing liner. Unlike traditional labels that require a silicone-coated paper backing to prevent sticking, linerless labels use a special release coating applied directly to the label face.
No Backing Liner
The label stock is coated on one side with adhesive and on the other with a silicone release layer, allowing the roll to wind onto itself without sticking permanently.
Thermal Printing
Like traditional thermal labels, linerless labels use heat-sensitive paper that creates images when heated by the print head. No ink or ribbon required.
Variable Length
Special cutters in linerless printers allow labels to be cut at any length, from short shelf tags to long receipts, from a single roll.
Continuous Roll
Without the liner taking up space, each roll contains significantly more label material than traditional rolls of the same diameter.
Key Advantages
Why Businesses Choose Linerless
40%
More Labels Per Roll
Without the backing liner, each roll contains up to 40% more usable label material. Fewer roll changes mean more uptime and lower labour costs.
0g
Liner Waste
Traditional labels generate mountains of silicone-coated liner waste that cannot be recycled. Linerless eliminates this problem entirely.
∞
Label Lengths
Print any label length from a single roll. No more stocking multiple SKUs for different label sizes - one roll does it all.
50%
Less Storage Space
Compact rolls mean you need less warehouse space for label inventory. Reduce storage costs and simplify stock management.
Linerless vs Traditional Labels
See how linerless labels compare to conventional die-cut and continuous liner labels across key operational factors.
| Factor | Linerless | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Waste per 1,000 labels | 0g - no backing waste | ~150-200g liner waste |
| Labels per roll (same diameter) | Up to 40% more | Standard amount |
| Roll changes per shift | Fewer changes needed | More frequent changes |
| Storage footprint | Compact - less space needed | Larger - more warehouse space |
| Label length flexibility | Variable - any length | Fixed sizes only |
| Printer compatibility | Requires linerless-ready printer | Works with any thermal printer |
| Environmental impact | Lower - no liner disposal | Higher - liner cannot be recycled |
Linerless labels offer significant operational and environmental advantages for high-volume labelling operations. The main consideration is ensuring your printers are linerless-compatible.
Applications
Industries Using Linerless Labels
Linerless technology has been adopted across industries where high-volume labelling, waste reduction, and operational efficiency are priorities.
Quick Service Restaurants
Order tickets, kitchen prep labels, drive-thru receipts. Zero liner waste in food prep areas.
Retail & POS
Price labels, shelf tags, receipts. Variable-length printing for different product sizes.
Logistics & Shipping
Shipping labels, pallet IDs, pick lists. High-volume operations benefit most from fewer roll changes.
Food Manufacturing
Production line labels, date codes, traceability. Food-contact safe materials available.
Healthcare & Pharma
Specimen labels, pharmacy labels, patient wristbands. BPA-free options for sensitive applications.
Printer Compatibility
Linerless labels require printers with specific features. Here's what to look for:
Linerless Cutter
A guillotine or rotary cutter to cut labels at variable lengths. Standard tear bars won't work.
Platen Roller
Special coating to prevent adhesive buildup. Standard platens will gum up with exposed adhesive.
Label Sensor
Gap sensors won't work. Linerless printers use black mark sensors or measure print length directly.
Compatible Printer Brands
- Star Micronics (TSP143IIIU, TSP654II)
- Epson (TM-L90 Linerless)
- Bixolon (SRP-S300 series)
- SATO
- Zebra (select models with linerless option)
Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
What printers are compatible with linerless labels?
Are linerless labels food-safe?
How much can I save by switching to linerless?
Can linerless labels print barcodes and QR codes?
What label widths are available?
How long do linerless labels last once applied?
Ready to Try Linerless?
Request free samples to test with your printers and applications. Our UK-based team can help you choose the right width and specification.