Linerless: breaking the code

Asked how the idea evolved, Rink said, “The idea of developing it came from ILTI. They were doing some tests on substrates when he expressed his wish to meet me and discuss something. He asked me why we can’t find a way out to eliminate the liner all together. That's when I came out with the solution of developing a traditional material with traditional technology which then can be later converted into a linerless solution.”

For even a labelstock manufacturer like Sahni the idea is facinating, “I find the idea so simple that it boggles me why nobody could came up with this solution earlier. They have eliminated the liner completely. The technology is not taking it to a 12micron liner thickness and then taking it to a 50 micron film. Normally, one would print on a 50micron film and then laminate it to a liner and use it. However, here the labelstock is only 37micron, and it remains the same in thickness. So in per se, you are using the same grammage and weightage for each reel of labelstock and nothing is going in the landfill,” he commented.

The patented technology is simple yet intricate in application. In Core Linerless Solution, once the facestock is printed, the liner is split and using a patented technology imposed as a laminate over the facestock to render as a protective layer. Currently, the machine highlighted at the show is a prototype. ILTI, which offers dispensing solution for the technology, uses a microperforation before slitting the label and dispensing it on the material. Microperforation is done in order to help the splicer get a clear edge on the label. Since, both the liner cum laminate and the facestock are clear films, the need for die-cutting the labels is also eliminated.

According to Scapinelli, this means that the machine will enable printers to print 1 to 1.5metre continuously and then slit it to finish it. “They will not continue printing in the 60cms because one of the limitations was die-cutting the label, and Core Linerless solution eliminates the need for die-cutting.” It also means that there are lesser machine stops and higher productivity period.

Sahni raised valid point when he asked if Ritrama and ILTI expect this technology to develop further, and if they also feel threatened that the technology can be adapted by other players since the technique of the Core Linerless Solution’s labelstock is not very different from the traditional methods of labelstock manufacturing.

 In response, Rink replied that, “It is a patended technology, especially the process of using the liner as a laminate. Therefore, any form of copying will be violation of the patent. As far as future development is concerned, every technology, including this, is open for development in future; that’s how they evolve. However, I do not see many changes in this technology.

Asked when the machine would be launched in India, Rink said, “We are working on finding a good pilot project to begin supplying this technology in India. We recently have found a Brazil paper and paperboard label printing company who have aligned with us for the pilot project.”

Rounding off the conversation, Sahni said, “Around 1bn sqm of plastic is wasted in India. Solutions like these would most certainly make a big impact. However, manufacturers like Ritrama should push the government to bring in legislation regarding this.”