Labelexpo: Liner-free labelling system with smart paper-saving

The combination of tried-and-tested print and apply technology and innovative, initially non-sticky, silicone-free shipping and logistics labels without backing material is now possible. At Labelexpo 2025 in Barcelona, the self-adhesive material specialist HERMA and the label printing specialist cab Produkttechnik will be presenting a unique solution for logistics and shipping labels without backing material (HERMA: Hall 3, Stand A46; cab Produkttechnik: Hall 3, Stand B93). It is based on the award-winning InNo-Liner material from HERMA and the innovative further development of the successful HERMES Q print and apply system from cab Produkttechnik. "This means that there is now an economical solution that enables labels to be produced which minimise waste. They are therefore more sustainable at the same price as conventional self-adhesive labels," says Clément Kleinclauss, Managing Director of cab in France. The trick: "The HERMES Q print and apply system is widely used around the world. It was already available with modules for conventional self-adhesive labels and for classic linerless labels. For InNo-Liner labels, we have only developed a new module for activating the adhesive and applying it. The result is the HERMES QLI," explains Kleinclauss. For users, this means: the same interfaces, the same operation, the same maintenance and servicing and practically the same spare and wear parts as the tried-and-tested HERMES Q. The result: "The cab system for InNo-Liner labels pays for itself just as quickly as a cab system for classic self-adhesive or linerless labels." But above all: With the new HERMES Q applicator type 4034, customers can now use three different label types with relatively little changeover effort: InNo-Liner, classic linerless and conventional self-adhesive labels. However, the innovative automatic paper-saving function is exclusive to the QL variants. "We may be the first in the world to offer something like this," says Kleinclauss. A label is automatically cut to the length required for the respective content. This saves a considerable amount of paper. "The automatic paper-saving function also increases the service life of the print heads, as they no longer drag over paper for an unnecessarily long time," explains Kleinclauss.

Excellent adhesion to shipping boxes

The cab Managing Director sees the InNo-Liner approach as a sustainable evolution of labels, and not just because it saves on paper and backing material: "Unlike conventional linerless material, InNo-Liner is not initially sticky. That is why the applicators we have developed have a very durable cutting device that requires no maintenance over millions of labels. No maintenance means lower costs and less downtime for the label user." Another advantage is the significantly better adhesion: "With conventional linerless material, it has never been possible to achieve the adhesive strength of a conventional self-adhesive label. This was a particular problem on shipping boxes. InNo-Liner labels have excellent adhesion to cardboard transport packaging. They adhere much more securely than conventional linerless labels. And because they don't need to be equipped with silicone, they also help to optimise the recycling of the boxes." Last but not least, InNo-Liner offers a greater variety of materials, for example for both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing. "For InNo-Liner self-adhesive material, the same lightweight label quality can be used as for classic self-adhesive labels without making any modifications. This also conserves resources and contributes to sustainability," adds Ralf Drache, Director Sales & Marketing at HERMA. The joint project between HERMA and cab has come at the right time: "The PPWR, the EU’s Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation, encourages most companies to take a close look not only at their packaging, but also at their logistics labelling processes," emphasises Drache. "Switching to InNo-Liner labels will be a great advantage. With cab's technology, this can now be realised very efficiently and economically."