Skip to main content

Linerless Technology at Ipack-Ima

One of the most prominent innovations on display at the Arca stand at Ipack-Ima 2009 was no doubt its Linerless self-adhesive labelling technology.

These are self-adhesive, square or rectangular labels that do not require a "release liner"; i.e. they do not make use of a traditional silicone liner support, which normally directs labels and imposes a significant cost, as well as raising an environmental issue that is an increasing concern for customers today.

In essence, linerless labels are drawn from a self-adhesive continuous band wound over itself, exactly like an adhesive tape, and "cut" to a desired length (defining the label format) at the moment of application.

Self-adhesive linerless labels are ideal for all logistical uses, whether they are applied on boxes, bundles or pallets, presenting multiple advantages compared to traditional self-adhesive labels:

# INCREASED PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY
A roll of linerless material contains, for an equal diameter, at least double the number of labels compared to a traditional roll of self-adhesive material. Labelling operators thus dedicate less time to changing rolls and overall system downtime is cut at least in half.

# REDUCED INDIRECT COSTS
Less clearance is required, thanks to the contained thickness, which translates into lower costs for packaging, shipping and storage; above all, costs for disposing of silicone liners are totally eliminated.

# IMMEDIATE SAVINGS
The absence of liners and waste for each label means that "linerless" labels cost less than traditional self-adhesive labels.

# ECO-FRIENDLY
Every year, millions of square meters of silicone liner paper are disposed of in dumping grounds and incinerators. Linerless labels do not produce any waste products! Companies favouring environmentally friendly policies contribute to tomorrow's world while improving their own image on the market.

Arca presented its new Bi-Fuel print apply unit,
which can print, cut and apply these innovative labels, together with a linerless material (polypropylene) with high quality specifications.

The machine and material are the two basic components for a complete solution that overcomes the limitations and problem issues posed by similar materials on the market until now.

Above all, the linerless material proposed by Arca has excellent printability and thermal transfer characteristics, even at high operating speeds (250 mm/sec), using standard or resin based t.t. ribbons for indelible printing.

The permanent adhesive has proven extremely tenacious, while remaining exempt from the "bleeding" (lateral leaking) that is typical of linerless materials, especially under higher summertime environmental temperatures.

The Bi-Fuel print apply presents a range of interesting specifications which differentiate it from alternatives on the market. Among these features are a large capacity roll housing (360 mm in diameter) and minimum cleaning requirements, thanks to its special cutting system.
SOURCE

Comments