Graphic Controls partners Bixolon to roll out linerless labels for greener logistics

USA – Graphic Controls, a century-old specialist in precision printed materials, has teamed up with Bixolon, a leader in thermal printing systems, to bring linerless labeling to warehouses and shipping hubs around the world. 

The move targets waste reduction in packaging operations, where traditional labels generate tons of discarded backing material each year. 

By ditching the liner, the new system cuts environmental strain while speeding up label application by as much as 50 percent.

The partnership combines Graphic Controls’ expertise in custom consumables with Bixolon’s direct thermal printers, which handle variable data printing for shipping details and barcodes.

Operators can now produce labels of any length on demand, thanks to built-in automatic cutting features. 

This setup minimizes manual adjustments and boosts roll capacity, allowing more labels per spool and fewer changeovers during high-volume shifts. 

In logistics settings, where every second counts, these changes translate to smoother workflows and lower operational costs.

Peter O’Loughlin, vice president and general manager of Graphic Controls’ business media products, highlighted the practical gains in a recent statement. 

“We’re equipping logistics teams with tools that slash waste and downtime,” he said. He added that the technology helps firms meet rising demands for eco-conscious practices without sacrificing speed. 

Bixolon representatives noted that their printers integrate seamlessly with the linerless media, ensuring reliable performance across diverse packaging lines.

Available immediately via Graphic Controls’ international distributors, the solution arrives amid a surge in demand for such innovations. 

A new report from Alexander Watson Associates projects linerless labels will expand at an 18.4% compound annual growth rate through 2025, fueled by adoption in transportation and retail. 

Variable printing applications, which account for 55% of current use, drive much of this momentum, especially in food logistics where quick labeling supports just-in-time delivery.

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