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Linerless Label Paper Vs. Traditional Label Paper: Which Is Right For Your Business?
Learn about the various types of label paper and their respective applications and advantages to empower you to make an informed decision.
May 19, 2023
Navigating the world of label paper can be more of a complex task than most would assume. The choice is no longer as simple as picking between small and large label paper. Now, businesses have an array of options to choose from, including traditional label paper, linerless, permanent linerless, and more. Each type comes with unique applications and benefits, so it would be wise to know enough about each to identify the right fit for your business.
This article offers a comprehensive guide, demystifying the various types of label paper and their respective applications and advantages to empower you to make an informed decision. So, let’s explore the fascinating world of label paper!
Traditional Label Paper
Traditional label paper is perhaps the most commonly used type in the market. It comes in a simple geometric shape (square, circle, etc.) with a paper, polyester, or polypropylene facestock, an adhesive layer, and a liner. The liner protects the adhesive until the label is ready to be used.
Traditional label paper, often referred to as direct thermal labels, is a classic choice that has stood the test of time in various industries. It’s used extensively across various industries, such as retail, logistics, and manufacturing.
Key attributes of traditional label paper include:
- Versatility: Traditional label paper is adaptable to a wide array of applications, including shipping, barcoding, inventory tracking, and more. This versatility makes it a strong contender in many business contexts.
- Dependability: With a proven track record of performance, traditional label paper is reliable and trusted by many businesses. It offers consistent quality and performance, providing clear and durable prints.
- Printer Compatibility: Traditional label paper can be used with various types of printers, including direct thermal and thermal transfer printers. This makes it a flexible option compatible with various printing technologies.
However, traditional label paper is not without its limitations. Traditional label paper may not have the look or shape you desire. Labels also incur waste generation. Each label comes with a liner that is discarded after the label is used, contributing to waste. This can be a concern for environmentally conscious businesses.
Moreover, these labels are sensitive to heat and light, which may cause the ink to fade over time or the labels to darken if exposed to extreme conditions.
Die-Cut Label Rolls
Die-cut labels differ from traditional labels because they are specifically cut around the label designs. They come pre-cut, allowing for a clean and professional finish in various applications. This makes die-cut labels a popular option among businesses for their precision, customization, high quality, and ease of use.
Key features of die-cut label paper include:
- Precision: Each label is pre-cut with precision, ensuring consistent and accurate dimensions across the entire roll.
- Customization: Die-cut labels are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit various branding needs. This allows businesses to find the perfect fit for their specific labeling requirements.
- Ease of Use: Since die-cut labels are pre-cut and separated from each other, they can be easily peeled off from the liner and applied to the desired surface. This feature can save time, especially when dealing with a large volume of labels.
- Compatibility: Die-cut labels can be used with various types of printers, including thermal, inkjet, and laser printers. This broad compatibility makes them a versatile option for many businesses.
However, there are some reasons not to use die-cut label paper. The pre-cut designs limit flexibility, as the size and shape of the labels are fixed. Businesses may need to buy several different customized labels to use for various applications. Also, the presence of a liner contributes to a lot of waste generation, which can be a concern for some businesses.
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Linerless Label Paper
Linerless label paper, or sticky paper, presents a unique solution for businesses looking to enhance efficiency and sustainability. As the name suggests, linerless labels don’t have backing paper, which is unlike traditional label rolls. This leads to a significant reduction in waste, making linerless labels a more environmentally friendly choice.
Many industries are now using linerless labels. They’re ideal for takeout orders, food packaging, retail price marking, and logistics.
Linerless label paper offers the following advantages:
- Less Waste: As there is no liner, there’s significantly less waste produced, making this option better for the environment.
- Increased Efficiency: Without a liner, the roll can hold more labels. This means fewer roll changes and increased productivity in high-volume environments.
- Versatility: The length of the label can be customized on the spot without changing the roll, making it versatile for varying product sizes and shapes.
- Cost-Effective: Less material is used in the production of linerless labels, and they take up less storage space. This can lead to cost savings in the long run.
However, like any other type of label paper, linerless label paper might not be the perfect fit for all businesses. These labels require special printers designed to handle them and may not be suitable for some applications where a long-term label is required. They also might not be the best choice if you need pre-printed labels, as the print can wear off over time.
Permanent Linerless Label Paper
Permanent linerless label paper has emerged as an innovative addition to the lineup of label solutions. It offers the same environmental and efficiency benefits as standard linerless labels but with an added level of adhesion.
Permanent linerless labels are suitable where a more robust label is required, such as outdoor use, chemical containers, and high-traffic areas. If your business needs labels in challenging environments, these labels would be your go-to choice.
Features of permanent linerless label paper include:
- Strong Adhesion: As suggested by the name, permanent linerless labels are designed to stick and stay put. This makes them an ideal solution for applications where long-lasting labeling is necessary, such as product identification, shipping labels, or asset tracking.
- Environmental Benefits: Like their linerless counterparts, permanent linerless labels eliminate the waste associated with liners. This contributes to an eco-friendlier labeling solution.
- Maximized Efficiency: With more labels per roll due to the absence of a liner, businesses experience fewer roll changes, increasing productivity in fast-paced environments.
- Customizable Lengths: The lack of a pre-cut shape allows the label length to be adjusted as per the requirement, providing flexibility for different product sizes.
Of course, permanent linerless labels are not without their considerations. The increased adhesion means they stick firmly, and removing them can be difficult without leaving a residue. Therefore, they may not be suitable for applications where labels need to be removed cleanly. Also, like standard linerless labels, they require specific printers designed to handle repeatedly cutting the adhesive.
Wrapping Up: Picking the Right Label Paper for Your Business Success
In conclusion, the label paper you choose will significantly influence your business operations, affecting everything from efficiency to sustainability. Whether it’s the precision of die-cut labels, the eco-friendly appeal of linerless labels, the reliability of traditional labels, or the versatility of permanent linerless labels, each type brings unique merits to the table. Understanding these differences is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your business’s unique needs and goals.
Remember, the right label paper is not just about meeting your current needs; it’s about anticipating your future demands and staying ahead in the ever-evolving marketplace.
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Star Micronics
Always Leading, Always Innovating
Star Micronics, a world-leading POS and labeling solutions provider, has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, and customer engagement tools for any retail and hospitality establishment with a POS or mPOS environment.
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