Food manufacturers managing rising numbers of SKUs are rethinking how labelling is handled on increasingly automated production lines. The advantages of linerless labels are becoming clear, as they help meet retailer demands for product variation and stricter compliance requirements while reducing pressure on traditional self-adhesive labels. Across meat, poultry, ready meals, bakery and fresh produce, frequent changeovers and short production runs are now common. While self-adhesive labels continue to work well on long stable runs, they can introduce inefficiencies when multiple label variants are required.

Linerless Labelling for High-Mix Production

Linerless labelling removes the backing liner allowing longer rolls fewer changeovers and smoother line operation. Variable data printing enables multiple SKUs to be produced using a single label format with product-specific information applied at the point of application.

For multi-SKU environments this approach supports speed, accuracy and flexibility without increasing operator involvement.

Key advantages include:

• Faster changeovers between SKUs
• Simplified label inventory
• Reduced risk of mislabelling
• Improved line efficiency
• Elimination of liner waste

Industry Insight

David Gooding, Ravenwood’s Commercial Director: “SKU proliferation is now a defining challenge for food manufacturers. Linerless labelling allows rapid product changeovers while maintaining accuracy and compliance. It also removes unnecessary waste making it a practical solution for both efficiency and sustainability.”

Supporting Compliance and Sustainability

Automated linerless systems reduce manual handling and link labelling directly to production data, helping to ensure allergens, batch codes and use-by dates are applied correctly.

A Future-Ready Approach

As food packaging operations become more dynamic, linerless labelling is increasingly seen as a scalable solution for manufacturers managing complex SKU portfolios. By supporting automation compliance and sustainability, it is well aligned with the future direction of the industry.

A case study demonstrating the advantages of linerless labels for multiple SKUs will be published soon.

For further information, contact Marketing on +44(0)1284 749144.