Labels – Linerless

In South Africa’s retail and food sectors, the choice between linerless and standard scale labels is a critical decision for balancing operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. Linerless labels represent a modern, eco-friendly advancement; they lack the traditional backing paper, which eliminates waste and allows for up to 40-60% more labels per roll. This increased capacity significantly reduces downtime by halving the frequency of roll changes, while also lowering storage and transport costs due to lighter, more compact rolls. Furthermore, linerless systems utilize automatic cutters to adjust label length based on the specific information required—such as allergens, ingredients, or nutritional facts—minimizing blank space and ensuring material is used only when necessary. This flexibility makes them ideal for high-volume environments like butcher shops and delis that use compatible printing scales like the Ishida Uni-3 L2 LL.

Conversely, standard die-cut labels remain a reliable and accessible choice for lower-volume operations where specialized linerless printers may not be available. While they produce waste in the form of discarded siliconized backing paper—which is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills—they do not require the initial capital investment for specialized cutting mechanisms or anti-adhesive printer kits. However, the shift toward linerless technology is rapidly growing in South Africa, with usage reportedly increasing by 28% between 2022 and 2023 among major chains. This trend is driven by both sustainability and safety; by removing the slippery silicone liners that often clutter workplace floors, businesses can reduce potential slip-and-fall hazards while simultaneously lowering their carbon footprint. Ultimately, while standard labels provide a traditional solution, linerless labels offer a leaner, greener alternative that supports corporate sustainability goals by significantly reducing post-consumer waste.