In the push toward zero-waste packaging, few innovations have reshaped the labelling world as quietly—and as decisively—as linerless labels.
EU PPWR regulation on packaging materials
By eliminating the silicone-coated backing paper that traditional self-adhesive labels depend on, linerless technology cuts material consumption, reduces transport weight, and removes an entire waste stream from production lines and packing stations alike.
The comparison of the structures between a typical label and a linerless label
But this elegant simplification comes at a cost: it places extraordinary demands on the one component that has to do double duty—the hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive (HMPSA).
What Makes an HMPSA "Linerless-Grade"?
A standard HMPSA for conventional labels is formulated to bond well to a substrate and release cleanly from a liner. A linerless-grade HMPSA must satisfy a far stricter set of criteria simultaneously:
1. High Tack and High Shear Resistance on UV Silicone Release
The adhesive must grip the end-use substrate firmly—even at low temperatures in chilled or refrigerated environments—while maintaining sufficient cohesion to avoid stringing, oozing, or leaving residue on printer platen rollers.
2. Resistance to Edge Bleed and Stacking Ooze
Because there is no liner, the adhesive is exposed at the edges of the roll. Under the pressure of stacking and the heat inside a shipping container (which can reach 60°C), a soft conventional HMPSA becomes fluid and seeps out—a defect known as edge bleed. Linerless-grade adhesives are formulated with enhanced softening points and higher cohesion to remain dimensionally stable in transit.
3. Narrow Melting Window and Thermal Printer Compatibility
During printing, the adhesive passes directly against a thermal printhead operating well above 70°C. The adhesive must soften only slightly, never melt or flow, or it will accumulate on the guillotine blade, smear the platen roller, and force frequent shutdown for cleaning. A narrow melting range is therefore essential—the adhesive stays solid enough to avoid deposition, yet tacky enough to perform on the substrate.
4. Low Coating Weight Without Performance Loss
Linerless applications can drive coat weights down to 15 gsm while still meeting end-use performance, delivering meaningful energy savings in the coating process and maximizing the number of labels per roll. Achieving this requires an HMPSA with high cohesive strength and efficient wetting capability at minimal film thickness.
5. Excellent Die-Cut and Converting Properties
The adhesive must cut cleanly under high-speed guillotine or rotary die-cutting without stringing, smearing, or building up on blades—directly reducing production downtime.
Jaour’s Solutions
Jaour has been deeply involved in the R&D and production of hot melt adhesives for 20 years. Based on a thorough understanding of the entire linerless label ecosystem — including materials, coating, and labeling — it has developed its own solutions to address all your concerns.
Better bonding, better life
Please contact Jaour’s team to find the most compatible adhesive solutions to empower your business.
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