Linerless Labels: A Complete Guide to Waste-Free and Sustainable Labelling

Linerless labels are pressure-sensitive adhesive labels supplied without a backing liner, making them a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional self-adhesive labels. Using silicone release strips and adhesive zones, they self-wind and apply cleanly using Ravenwood’s Nobac applicators – eliminating waste and increasing efficiency. Ravenwood’s Circle of Linerless system ensures reliable performance from coating to application.

What Are Linerless Labels?

Linerless labels are a sustainable labelling innovation designed to eliminate traditional liner waste. Unlike self-adhesive labels that require a backing paper (liner), linerless labels are supplied on a continuous roll of pressure-sensitive material.

When applied using Ravenwood’s network of specialist printers and Nobac applicators, the label is cut or applied directly onto the product – reducing waste, improving efficiency and lowering environmental impact.

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How Are Linerless Labels Made?

Linerless labels use a unique combination of release strips on the face of the label and pressure-sensitive adhesive on the underside. Linerless labels are precisely made using Ravenwood’s Com500 linerless coater, which applies pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back and release strips on the face in a controlled pattern. This combination allows the labels to self-wind without a liner while ensuring that only the adhesive touches the product during application. The Com500’s accurate coating, curing and rewinding systems make high-speed, consistent and reliable linerless label production possible.

• Silicone release areas prevent layers from sticking together.

• Adhesive strips align with tray edges or product surfaces.

• This pattern allows labels to self-wind without a liner.

• During application, only the adhesive touches the product.

• Silicone zones ensure smooth separation on application.

• This engineered coating pattern is essential for consistent, high-speed, reliable linerless performance.

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How Linerless Labels Work

Linerless labels use advanced substrates, adhesives and coatings to deliver performance without a liner.

Ravenwood’s Circle of Linerless ensures all elements work together seamlessly –  from coating to inspection and application.

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The Benefits of Linerless Labels

Sustainability

• Zero liner waste – no backing paper.

• Lower carbon footprint – fewer raw materials.

• Reduced transport impact – more labels per roll.

Efficiency

• Longer roll lengths = fewer roll changes.

• High-speed, clean application with the Nobac 5000 range of applicators.

• Compact storage and reduced downtime.

Cost Savings

• No liner disposal costs.

• Less stoppage and higher uptime.

• More labels per roll = lower shipping and warehousing costs.

Applications of Linerless Labels

Ravenwood linerless labels are trusted across industries:

• Food: ready meals, bakery, meat, fish, poultry, fresh produce.

• Logistics & Retail: wholesale packaging, promotional labels.

• Beverage: bottles, cartons, cylindrical products.

High adhesion, print quality and compatibility support demanding environments.

Comparison: Linerless vs Self-Adhesive Labels

Nobac 5000 Range of Linerless Applicators

At the centre of Ravenwood’s linerless ecosystem is the Nobac 5000 range, designed specifically for precision, reliability and high-speed linerless label application.

Key benefits:

• Handles multiple label formats and tray styles.

• Integrates with barcode printing, weigh-price systems and vision inspection.

• Built for demanding food production environments.

• Part of the Circle of Linerless workflow.

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Case Studies

Ravenwood’s linerless solutions are used worldwide to reduce waste, streamline operations and enhance branding.

Read examples in:

• Supermarket-ready packaging.

• High-speed food production lines.

• Brands moving from self-adhesive to linerless.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Linerless Labels

Q: Can linerless labels be used on any product?

A: Yes – linerless labels are compatible with many shapes, substrates and packaging formats.

Q: Do linerless labels require special equipment?

A: Yes –  they require dedicated applicators such as Ravenwood’s Nobac 5000.

Q: Are linerless labels more expensive?

A: The initial setup may be slightly higher, but long-term costs are significantly lower due to reduced waste and increased uptime.

Q: Can linerless labels be recycled?

A: Yes –  Ravenwood-approved materials support recycling and circular packaging initiatives, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions.

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Ready to Go Linerless?

With a global network of machinery distributors and printers, we’re helping brands worldwide transition to sustainable, waste-free labelling. Join the movement and be part of the future of responsible branding.

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Ravenwood’s Global Machinery & Printer Network

Delivering linerless label solutions worldwide through trusted partners.

Our Network at a Glance

• Ravenwood works with a carefully selected network of machinery distributors and printer partners across the globe.

• Together, we deliver reliable, high-performance linerless solutions to food, beverage, retail and logistics industries.

• Key stats:

  • 24 countries served – across 6 continents

  • 38 certified machinery distributors and 24 printer partners

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