Mondi and UPM to discuss future of linerless labels
The program targets people in R&D, technical sales and marketing and debunks the myths to analyse the ‘hype’ around the product.
Most self-adhesive labels have a liner material (backing paper) that protects an adhesive layer until it is ready for application. With linerless labels a coating is applied to the label facestock, on which it is wound, stopping the adhesive on the underside from becoming attached to the label below.
Reduction in waste material
Linerless labels remove a release liner and reduce the amount of waste material including costs for waste disposal, storage, shipping/freight and paper consumption.
Mike Cooper, business development director, Catchpoint, told FoodProductionDaily.com it is taking part in a machinery panel discussion at the event and is confident linerless labels will come to fruition in five years’ time.
It has already entered the European and US market and plans to expand further with its machinery, including Japan.
“We have been a developer of linerless labels for some time and create a full range of label application equipment. Our USP (unique selling point) is we do not cut the label,” he said.
“In our technology we put the label on to the bottle or pack before it is separated from the rest of the web (printed material) which is better for accuracy.
“Manufacturers tried to introduce the concept of linerless labels in the 1980s, none of which was a success. Now though, there appears to be a groundswell because of environmental and cost pressures as materials get more expensive.
“All the benefits that flow from going linerless depends on its successful application.”
Renewed interest
Cooper said linerless label use and its technology is experiencing a resurgence of interest from end users and CPG (consumer packaged goods) companies such as Nestlé and Unilever.
"Nestlé has been invited to the event as has Unilever - most big CPG companies are aware of the technology and what we’re trying to do,” added Cooper.
“A lot of businesses will go linerless because of the speed and reduction in production costs.
"For example, about 95% of all Heineken beer bottles are pressure-sensitive labelled and the changes in packaging and labeling laws are a major concern for today’s packaging industry.”
The seminar features companies involved in the development and commercialization of linerless materials, technologies and machinery. There will be presentations and discussions looking at key drivers and trends, market data and independent research with case studies.
Speakers include Georg Michels, product line manager EMEA Surface Technologies, Evonik Industries; Richard Southward, market development manager, Labels, Innovia Films and Tomas Rink, president, Ritrama, which has developed a linerless system in collaboration with finishing specialist Prati and labelling equipment supplier ILTI.
Avery Dennison
Ronald Wiegers, research associate, Functional Coatings, Avery Dennison Materials Group and Geert Jan Kolkhuis Tanke, global product manager, Labeling and P&A, Avery Dennison Retail Branding and Information Solutions will discuss its LightSmart technology, which uses a no-tack, liner-and-silicone-free material to print and apply tacky labels on secondary packaging, (cartons, trays and pallets).
The event is being held at Amsterdam’s Park Plaza Hotel Amsterdam Airport on March 19, along with a separate seminar on silicone technology – in parallel with AWA’s (Alexander Watson Associates) annual Global Release Liner Industry Conference 2014, which takes place at the same location over the following two days, March 20-21 2014.
Click here to register and get more details about the event.
