RRD Expands Linerless Label Capacity to Meet Demand with a More Sustainable Alternative

Availability, sustainability, and productivity became key drivers in the company’s investment in linerless labeling solutions

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD), a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions, today announced it has increased its capacity for direct thermal linerless label production by approximately 40% as a direct response to client demand. With the recent installation of an additional linerless press at its plant in Monroe, WI, RRD is positioned to provide an innovative and readily available labeling solution that answers calls for both heightened productivity and sustainability.

In the early 1990s, RRD was the first to develop, utilize commercially, and patent linerless labels. Today, this solution continues to improve profitability for RRD clients through operational effectiveness due to the elimination of the backing paper (liner). Conventional labels have a liner, where the label is pulled off a silicone-coated backer which is typically non-recyclable. This is one of the biggest drivers of waste in a label’s lifecycle. RRD’s linerless labels, however, deliver:

• Up to 60% more labels per roll, reducing the downtime required to change rolls
• Greater sustainability by eliminating liner waste
• Minimized costs through reduced freight, warehousing, and liner disposal
• Improved workplace safety through the elimination of slick silicone liners

According to a survey RRD recently conducted of packaging decision makers, almost all (94%) respondents agree that sustainability is a key consideration in packaging and label decisions. This finding supports the idea that companies are turning to linerless labels as a sustainable alternative that eliminates waste and reduces their carbon footprint.

“In a market where businesses find themselves getting pinched by material availability, converting to linerless, in many cases, has presented itself as a more viable, greener, market-ready option,” says Lisa Pruett, President of Packaging & Labels at RRD. “This investment to extend our linerless labels capacity aligns with RRD’s commitment to ensure our clients meet their operational needs with uninterrupted access to a more eco-friendly labeling solution.”

In addition to direct thermal, RRD’s linerless label capabilities extend to include preprinted and variably-imaged — all available with CleanTac^® (repositionable), VersaTac™, or permanent adhesives. The linerless label solution includes the option to add timing bars as a start/stop gap sensing mode and perforations, which increases efficiency for the end user with faster, easier, and cleaner tears. The product line is customizable and includes decorative linerless for glass, window, and door manufacturers.

Alongside its linerless offering, RRD delivers best-in-class labels across a broad range of other product types, including case and shipping, industrial/durable, integrated form/labels, healthcare, pharma/med-device, and prime labels. RRD’s extensive range of label capabilities combined with industry-leading expertise and in-house lab testing facilities results in cost-effective solutions for clients looking to improve efficiency, maintain regulatory standards and compliance, and improve engagement with customers.

The company will be attending PACK EXPO 2022 in Chicago (Oct. 23-26, 2022; McCormick Place; Booth W-22000) to display a range of its paperboard packaging solutions along with labels, including linerless labels. Contact RRD to plan your visit to our exhibit space to learn more.

For more information, please visit www.rrd.com/labels.

About RRD

RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the complete customer journey. The Company offers the industry’s most trusted portfolio of creative execution and world-wide business process consulting, with services designed to lower environmental impact. With 25,000 clients, including 92% of the Fortune 100, and 32,000 employees across 29 countries, RRD brings the expertise, execution, and scale designed to transform customer touchpoints into meaningful moments of impact.

For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.rrd.com.