HERMA is expanding its linerless labeling portfolio with a new product designed for logistics, shipping, and other industrial applications, as companies face growing pressure to reduce packaging waste ahead of tighter European requirements.
HERMA Labels’ new Linerless Plus is designed for standard desktop printers as well as print-and-apply systems. The company said the product expands its options alongside HERMA InNo-Liner, a silicone-free linerless label designed for automated print-and-apply applications.
The move comes as the European Packaging Waste Regulation, or PPWR, takes effect in August, increasing the focus on reducing material consumption and waste throughout packaging operations. Linerless labels eliminate the backing material used by conventional self-adhesive labels, removing the need to dispose of the liner after application.
HERMA estimates that using linerless labels for 1.5 million labels in the standard 105 x 148.5-millimeter format could save about 1.37 tonnes of backing material while maintaining the same labeling output. The company estimates the change could also reduce CO₂ emissions by 1.42 tonnes.
“There is no single linerless solution that suits every application,” says Sven Pleier, Key Account Manager in the Labels division at HERMA. “The labelling process, the technology used and the requirements placed on the label are all crucial factors. But for almost all labelling applications in logistics and dispatch, we can now offer linerless labelling with InNo-Liner and Linerless Plus.”
Linerless Plus uses the established self-adhesive linerless approach, with a silicone release layer on the top side of the label. It is designed for standard printers and print-and-apply systems that support self-adhesive linerless labels.
HERMA said it developed a multilayer adhesive to address some of the operating challenges associated with conventional linerless products. Traditional solutions often use adhesive-free areas to make labels easier to cut, but those gaps can reduce adhesion and increase the risk of labels lifting or sticking together.
Linerless Plus instead applies adhesive across the full surface of the label while maintaining cutting performance. HERMA said the approach can reduce adhesive contamination of cutting mechanisms, potentially lowering cleaning and component-replacement requirements while reducing downtime.
The stronger adhesion is also intended to expand the range of surfaces on which the labels can be used, including rough cardboard shipping boxes and plastic film wrapped around pallets.
Because Linerless Plus does not require adhesive-free zones, the system also gives users greater flexibility in selecting label dimensions, according to HERMA.
“It is now easier to order roll widths that differ from the usual standard dimensions,” explains Pleier. “This, too, can lead to both environmental and economic benefits.”
HERMA’s two linerless technologies target different labeling processes. InNo-Liner uses a water-activated adhesive that is activated immediately before application, while Linerless Plus uses the conventional siliconised linerless structure. That allows Linerless Plus to be used with compatible print-and-apply systems and desktop printers, as well as for applications involving surfaces such as films.
HERMA is working with cab to offer systems supporting both technologies, including print-and-apply equipment for InNo-Liner and Linerless Plus and desktop printers for Linerless Plus labels. The labels can also be used with compatible linerless equipment from other manufacturers.
“For many companies, the question of how they can reduce material use and waste in labelling without compromising on process reliability and productivity is becoming increasingly important,” emphasises Sven Pleier. “With our expanded range of linerless solutions, we can now provide a suitable answer for almost all logistics and dispatch applications; this even opens up new options for product labelling.”
HERMA GmbH, headquartered in Filderstadt, is a European supplier of packaging and product labeling solutions. The company generated revenue of EUR447.0m in fiscal 2025 across its adhesive materials, labels and labeling machines divisions, with approximately 1,100 employees. Exports accounted for 65.8% of revenue.
Find out more at: https://www.herma.com/