Innovative New Linerless Labelling

The food industry necessarily carries a weight of responsibility for reducing its impact on the environment.  To meet this challenge Advanced Dynamics, the Bradford-based distributor of packaging and labelling solutions, is spearheading the drive with a solution which promises to tread significantly lighter on the planet and at the same time deliver substantial cost savings.

Advanced Dynamics is committed to maintaining its reputation as a trusted adviser and supplier to the food industry. To this end it must address one of the most pressing political requirements of our time - that of reducing businesses’ impact on the environment.

The key challenges the food industry face today are retaining a competitive advantage and maintaining consumer appeal and loyalty, at the same time as honouring its ethical obligations to the planet. With these commitments in mind Advanced Dynamics is set to distribute a revolutionary ‘liner less’ labelling system which lessens the environmental impact by dispensing with the paper backing - hitherto fundamental in the production of labels and now happily made redundant. This innovation reduces weight and waste and has the advantage of allowing more labelling to be transported at less cost.  The system, developed by the Italian labelling technology firm Irplast, has already been keenly adopted by different European packaged food marketers. 

The breakthrough formula incorporates bio-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) coated with a solvent-free adhesive which provides grip but will not stick on contact with itself. 

The arrival of the linerless label heralds clear environmental benefits which also translate into a significant cost saving in the production process of up to 30% on traditional labels.  With more than 50% reduction in the need for label change-over, the machines can effectively double-up on labelling output between replenishment.  There is also an aesthetic pay off to the liner-less labelling alternative as removing the risk of paper flecks and adhesive smearing gives the label a pristine, untarnished finish.  Furthermore the method of reverse printing results in a totally protected graphic (scratch-proof), high definition appearance which is more appealing than its paper backed forerunner.  This new standard in label production has important implications for supporting brand integrity and will improve consumers’ perception of the product - the initial shelf appeal being a pivotal moment in consumers’ response.

The implications for food retailers are also important: The Producer Responsibility Regulations incorporated the EU Packaging Waste Directive into UK law in March 1997. This legislation advances the concept of ‘polluter pays’ with the retailer, as the final member in the supply chain, bearing the greater burden at 47 per cent of waste recovery targets.

The requirements will clearly exercise the creativity of the food industry to find new ways to lighten the load at every opportunity. Different multinational organizations have already adopted specific programs, appointing “Sustainable Packaging Managers”

As a leader in the market, Advanced Dynamics is positioned at the vanguard of technological developments which support the packaging and labelling industry’s responsibility to reduce its environmental footprint. The success of the company’s services is owed to its relationships with other pioneering companies who are also at the forefront of packaging and labelling technologies.  Irplast is typical of the manufacturers Advanced Dynamics represents all of whom can provide timely solutions often developed in close co-operation with some of the world’s leading food companies. 

All labels are dispensed using an end of line compact labelling machine which can be employed on almost any packaging line.  The system supports a variety of applications including primary labelling, multi-pack labelling and re-seal features which reduce food wastage by maintaining freshness in food products such as coffee, pasta, rice, biscuits and dried fruit.

To meet such challenges Advanced Dynamics are introducing three specific patented solutions.  These comprise ‘Take Away^®’ - a linerless labelling concept which is formulated to hold multi-sales and is compliant with all international regulations for reducing packaging impact.  The method supports the marketing technique of bringing sales forward as buyers commit to higher volume.  When compared with traditional solutions, such as shrink wrap and cardboard cases, the quantity of packaging needed to achieve the same performance is greatly reduced and is significantly cheaper on a cost per unit basis.  Furthermore the water-based adhesive formula will not compromise the primary packaging when the label is removed.  As it is available in a range of formats ‘Take Away^®’ can be used on a wide variety of packaging products including plastic bottles (PET and PE) as well as multi-layer laminates, rigid and flexible packaging, boxes and cases. 

Traditional bottle shapes can be grouped up to three, and square shaped drinks cartons/bottles can be grouped up to six.  The ‘Take Away^®’ concept also facilitates product traceability as barcodes and indicators  can be printed.

 In order to keep the continuous upgrading process, biodegradable and degradable Take Away^® solutions are under development.

Complementary ‘Label Tape^®’ - a reel-fed, liner-less wraparound formula for primary labelling, which has the advantage of partial or complete adhesive coating for ease of tear off. It is innovative, as the gluing system is not required on the labeller, and a cost efficient alternative to traditional self adhesive labels.

Label Tape^® can also be shrinkable (MD direction) and is a valid alternative to sleeves as saving can reach the range of 30% on unit basis. It can be customised as the options are: transparent (no label look), metalised or white.

Label Plastic^® – the final member of the trio – and refers to reel fed wraparound OPP labels and PVC and PET  shrink sleeves (tubular reel fed).

This lends itself to use in a wide range of products which include mineral waters, soft drinks, milk and dairy, beer, food and detergents.

Reel fed OPP wraparound labels are cost efficient (due to the material’s light weight) and very high performing.

The special advantage of shrink sleeves is that they are adaptable to the product shape. The reverse printing offers protection from scratching - thus safeguarding the finished product’s appearance. A further marketing advantage is that a wider product area can be used to hold print.  Sleeves are therefore a good choice when considering sales promotions where a more detailed sales message is called for. To top it all, Sleeves can accommodate tamper-proof closures which provide the reassurance of security for consumers who are particularly concerned about the risk of food contamination.