IMA Phoenix, a manufacturer and provider of labeling solutions for over 30 years, and UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, have partnered to provide a renewed hi-tech experience for Direct Thermal (DT) Linerless Labeling.
From reducing waste and environmental impact to streamlining labeling processes, the Ultimate Print-Apply Linerless Solution designed by IMA Phoenix Innovation Center, looks to reshape the landscape of Linerless Systems.
“Zero Waste | Zero Liner | Zero Complexity | Zero Downtime” is not just a slogan but our mantra that was an inspiration for this project from the very beginning. The primary objective of this endeavour was to break away from traditional methodologies and address any reservations about transitioning to Linerless Print-Apply technology. This breakthrough sets a sustainable precedent in packaging, delivering unmatched print precision and adhesive quality, and sets a new sustainability benchmark in our ongoing mission for eco-efficient packaging solutions.
When using a label, in the common imagination, a part must be discarded and used to cover the adhesive side. That label element is called "liner” which is usually incinerated or recycled after use. Linerless labels don't have liners, which results in lower environmental impact such as carbon footprint and waste compared to standard label materials. Choosing the right linerless solution can increase printing performance, reduce downtime, and improve cost efficiency. That's why a Linerless Print-Apply Solution is the best answer.
The engineering challenge was to overcome problems related to label cutting in the printer. The adhesive from the label often accumulates on the cutting knife and platen roller, causing residual buildup that result in label jams and printer downtime. IMA Phoenix Innovation Center implemented the right design, components, and user experience improvements.
In collaboration with UPM Raflatac, renowned for its pioneering efforts in sustainable labeling, we have developed the new Zero print-apply system testing the innovative UPM Raflatac Linerless OptiCut™. This breakthrough product, set to debut at the PackExpo Chicago trade show (November 03-06, 2024), embodies our commitment to sustainability, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional labels without compromising functionality. OptiCut™ is a testament to UPM Raflatac's unwavering dedication to advancing sustainable packaging solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our industry.
Zero represents the pinnacle in print-apply technology, enhancing the Direct Thermal (DT) Linerless Labeling process with cutting-edge precision. This solution embodies UPM Raflatac's fervent dedication to labeling innovations - symbolized by our vibrant passion for responsible labeling solutions - and our steadfast commitment to sustainability, marked by our pursuit of 'zero' liner waste. Zero offers crisp print, extraordinary adhesion, and clean cut.
Zero provides all the functionality one would expect in a fully automatic print-apply but more compactly because no liner rewind is needed, and the print engine doesn't require ribbon handling capabilities. Combining the IMA Phoenix engineering and UPM Raflatac linerless labels, it eliminates label adhesive residue and prevents paper jams.
Zero adapts to intense and continuous work cycles. It is an ideal solution for serving fast-paced, high-volume work environments.
Increased in productivity and efficiency. These are two key words in all end-of-line stations. By using a linerless solutions, companies gain more than 40% on paper length per roll, reducing the need of frequent roll changes and improving total system efficiency. Limited downtime for loading new rolls of paper translates into labor and maintenance cost savings. Direct thermal printing is a widely used technique for labels with variable information, where print definition, image quality, and readability are essential. Linerless is a state-of-the-art labeler typically used on stationary or moving boxes, packets, trays, pallets, and many other products.
Cost reduction. Linerless labels have fewer raw materials that are used in production, and do not generate liner waste compared to traditional labels, resulting in reduced business disposal costs. Additionally, because linerless labels offer more labels per roll, companies can reduce shipping costs and warehouse space.
We are focusing on sustainability. Switching to linerless labels reduces waste and can help you reach your sustainability goals. The UPM Raflatac linerless range is certified as a CarbonNeutral® product for the entire life cycle. While we continue to reduce our carbon footprint, we also compensate for the unavoidable product-related GHG emissions until the product's end-of-life. This result means you can also promote the printed labels as carbon neutral.
Flexibility is a must. Zero linerless print-apply enables flexibility when printing varying label lengths. This option can be utilized various applications and industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and parcel delivery.
Speed up your success. Zero with Linerless Technology eliminates the need for additional steps of peeling the label from the liner and disposing the liners, allowing for faster processing.
“Driven by sustainability trends and the need for increased efficiency, linerless has quickly gained ground alongside traditional labeling technologies,” noted IMA Phoenix Sales Director, Matteo Renzi. “We are thrilled to present Zero at PackExpo Chicago. The first goal for IMA Phoenix was to find a label company that would provide reliable products, fostering a collaborative approach to meet customers' evolving needs. We found UPM Raflatac's Linerless OptiCut a great choice to test our ultimate system and show the first DEMO Station during one of the most important packaging and processing industry expos in North America.
UPM Raflatac's OptiCut, a certified CarbonNeutral® solution by Climate Impact Partners, revolutionizes labeling with superior adhesion and a significantly reduced carbon footprint, validated by the Carbon Trust. This innovation not only extends service cycles, minimizing operational downtime, but also proves more cost-efficient over traditional systems," affirms Marko Tiainen, Manager, New and Emerging Technologies, UPM Raflatac.."
About IMA Phoenix
Experimenting, daring, always setting new goals and limits to overcome has been our spirit since 1994.
An entrepreneurial adventure that began 30 years ago thanks to the intuition of our founders who chose a name full of meaning for the company. Now a new era opens for the company as we enter our fourth decade with the desire and determination to continue our mission, yesterday as today. On July 13th 2023, we joined IMA Group world leader in the design and manufacture of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, tea and coffee. A wealth of experience and know-how gained over the years, a starting point for our next challenges into the future!
About UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products including label materials, graphics solutionsand removable self-adhesive products. We operate 12 factories and deliver our innovative and sustainable products through our global network of distribution terminals. We are one of UPM’s growth businesses and employ around 3,100 people. Our sales reached almost EUR 1,5 billion (USD 1,6 billion) in 2023. Find out how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils at www.upmraflatac.com
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