In manufacturing, sustainability has transitioned from a peripheral concern to a central operational imperative. With increasing regulatory pressures and a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, manufacturers are seeking ways to reduce their ecological footprint without compromising efficiency.

One such solution is linerless print and apply labelling systems. At Cobalt, our NEXUS20 Linerless Print and Apply system embodies this approach, offering a practical pathway to more sustainable packaging practices. As a UK-based Carbon Neutral Manufacturer, partnering with CarbonNeutral® certified linerless media from UPM Adhesive Materials, we provide a tangible eco-friendly labelling solution for manufacturers across the UK and Europe.

Understanding Linerless Labelling

Traditional self-adhesive labels come with a backing liner, which, after application, becomes waste. In high-volume production environments, this adds up to a huge amount of waste going to landfill. Linerless media, however, eliminate this backing liner from the process. This not only decreases the volume of waste but also enhances operational efficiency by allowing more labels per roll and reducing the frequency of roll changes.

The Role of Material Selection in Recyclability

The choice of label material significantly impacts the recyclability of packaging. By integrating direct thermal linerless material into our NEXUS20 systems, we ensure that our clients benefit from materials that support recycling efforts, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

Operational Benefits for Manufacturers

Beyond environmental considerations, the NEXUS20 system offers several operational advantages:

  • Increased efficiency: With more material per roll, downtime due to roll changes is minimised, leading to improved production throughput, as well as fewer media deliveries.
  • Reduced storage requirements: Eliminating the liner reduces the overall volume of label materials, freeing up valuable storage space.
  • Enhanced safety: Removing the need to handle liner waste reduces potential slip hazards on the production floor.

Aligning with Regulatory Trends

The UK’s regulatory environment is increasingly focused on sustainability with the onus on manufacturers to manage the environmental impact of their packaging. By adopting recyclable and efficient labelling solutions like the NEXUS20 Linerless, manufacturers can proactively address these regulatory requirements, potentially reducing associated fees and demonstrating environmental stewardship.

Sustainability in manufacturing is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. The NEXUS20 Linerless Print and Apply system represents a convergence of operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. By eliminating liner waste and utilising recyclable materials, it offers UK manufacturers a viable solution to meet both current and future sustainability challenges.

Click here to can learn more about linerless and our linerless labelling systems for packs, cases and pallets. To explore whether linerless print and apply labelling fits within your operational setup, get in touch with our team for advice tailored to your application.