Ravenwood Packaging: Linerless becoming more mainstream

The conference was held at The Abbeygate Picturehouse in Bury St Edmunds and attracted attendees from across Europe and the US to Australia, who are promoting the use of linerless adhesive backed labeling systems. 

Ravenwood Packaging said the findings from the conference showed that minimalistic labeling is gradually becoming more mainstream, and new options within the technology are being welcomed by all sectors, particularly food packaging.

Ravenwood Packaging has been developing linerless labeling technology for a decade and recently celebrated the sale of its 1,000 linerless applicator.

Two new concepts from the linerless professionals were showcased by the company during Foodex 2014 in the UK, and will be featured again internationally during the autumn at Labelexpo Americas 2014 and Pack Expo.

It has just introduced ‘slideable’ labels which are made from thicker materials up to 300gsm. These are linerless labels that can be applied automatically by Nobac 500 applicators. Unlike conventional linerless labels they slide on the pack allowing the customers to view the product inside. The ‘slideable’ labels, which can be produced 500 x 200mm, are supplied on a roll.

Also new for 2014 is ‘skin pack’ labeling which can now also be produced by Nobac linerless labeling machines. The main benefit of ‘skin pack’ technology is that various products can be packed in fewer trays as the product can be applied to fit to a standard tray which can simply incorporate large and smaller items.

Ravenwood Packaging managing director Paul Beamish said: ‘Backingless labels are now big news worldwide.

‘More and more attention is turning to linerless labelling as producers and packers realise the benefits of cutting the waste product out of the packaging production process.

‘What started 10 years ago as a novel packaging idea has become widely adopted on the grounds of cost savings and as a result of the fast-growing green agenda. The fact that over 40 world delegates are here with us talking these issues through in the UK is a sign of how pivotal we are in this field. We are leading this changing technology.’

Ravenwood Packaging stated that ‘backing-free’ labeling started as a niche idea, although the concept is now being adopted for widespread use around the globe due to its positive environmental credentials, such as the elimination of waste that is left behind with standard pressure-sensitive labels. 

It added that as greener labels are being specified by an increasing number of buyers due to the drive towards sustainability and cost reduction gaining momentum, labels and sleeves are continuing to win ground over other more-elaborate packaging formats, and linerless labels are ‘surging forward’.

Beamish concluded: ‘Manufacturers and retailers are now doing everything they can to take practical steps towards sustainability and this is what is feeding this growth in linerless labeling.’