Understanding Linerless Label Printers vs Traditional Printers

A lot is changing across many sectors as the world goes green. More environmental practices are becoming common in your workplace, especially in labelling. The eco-friendly linerless label market is booming across various industries.  You may have noticed this if you work in transport and logistics, quick service and takeaway, food and beverages, or E-commerce and retail.

As a result, many operation managers and logistic officers like you are debating their labelling solutions. Do you continue with traditional printers or keep up with modern eco-friendly practices?

Choosing the right label printer can significantly impact your business's efficiency and environmental footprint. Linerless label printers and traditional printers each have unique benefits to consider. Both types of printers affect your operations and sustainability efforts.  We want to make your decision easier, so let's explore the differences between linerless label printers and traditional printers.

Linerless Labels Specialised Design and Functionality

Linerless label printers use special rollers that don't get sticky, allowing them to use labels without backing paper (also known as "liner"). This makes the labelling process more efficient and creates less waste.  Even better, it’s easier to dispose of the labels. By using linerless label printers, you can help reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Traditional printers, on the other hand, need labels with backing paper to support the sticky side. This makes the printing process more complicated and produces waste that needs to be thrown away after the labels are used. As a result, traditional printers create more waste and have a larger impact on the environment.

‍

Linerless Labels Efficiency in Label Management

‍

Linerless label printers have built-in cutters that allow them to produce labels of different lengths. This flexibility reduces waste and makes the labelling process more efficient by needing fewer roll changes, which means less downtime.

In contrast, traditional printers usually use pre-cut labels that come in fixed sizes. Sometimes these sizes don't fit perfectly for what you need, leading to more roll changes and inefficiencies. Over time, this can result in higher costs.

‍

Linerless Labels Capacity and Operational Benefits

‍

‍

Linerless printers can handle larger amounts of labels per roll. This makes production smoother and reduces the need for frequent roll changes. As a result, less storage space is required, and transportation costs go down. This is a great bonus for high-volume labelling tasks.

Although traditional printers offer flexibility with different label types, their smaller roll capacity and frequent roll changes can slow down operations. This increases packaging waste and costs due to the need for more frequent replenishments and disposal of the backing paper.

‍

Linerless Labels Environmental Impact

‍

Linerless label printers are better for the environment. By eliminating the backing paper, they significantly reduce waste throughout the label's lifecycle. Studies show they can produce up to 50% less waste compared to traditional printers. They also help lower CO2 emissions and the use of raw materials during production.

In contrast, traditional printers produce a lot of waste from the backing paper. Often, this backing paper isn't recyclable. This adds to landfill waste and has a bigger impact on the environment. They may also use more energy and emit more greenhouse gases during production compared to linerless options.

‍

Linerless Label Considerations and Compatibility

‍

While linerless label printers offer great benefits in reducing waste and improving efficiency, you need to check if they are compatible with your current labelling processes. Switching to these printers might require som changes in workflows and investment in new equipment.

Traditional printers are still useful because they can handle different types and sizes of labels, including those with backing paper. However, you need to balance this flexibility with the higher environmental impact and operational inefficiencies that come with traditional printers.

‍

Choosing the Right Printer for Your Business

‍

Choosing between linerless label printers and traditional printers is important for optimising your labelling process and sustainability goals. Linerless label printers are excellent for reducing waste, improving efficiency, and being environmentally friendly, making them ideal for modern, eco-conscious businesses.

Consider your specific needs, compatibility with existing systems, and long-term sustainability goals when you select your printer. Remember, you will need one that will run efficiently, reduce waste, and support environmental responsibility.

To learn more about linerless label printers and their benefits, check out our linerless labels at LinerlessUK.