Henkel teams up with Ravenwood for eco-friendly linerless labels

GERMANY – Henkel Adhesive Technologies has entered a strategic partnership with Ravenwood Packaging to create specialized hotmelt pressure-sensitive adhesives for linerless labelling systems. 

These adhesives work with Ravenwood’s Com500 Coaters and Nobac Applicators, fitting into the company’s Circle of Linerless ecosystem that links materials, equipment, and support services.

In a statement, Henkel explained that the adhesives perform well in logistics, weight scaling, and fresh food packaging, even in cold chain settings. 

They help linerless labels meet Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation recyclability standards, delivering a pulp yield above 93.75 percent. This setup cuts down on release liner waste, which often clogs recycling processes.

Philippe Daval, global market strategy manager for specialty tapes and labels at Henkel, noted that the collaboration merges adhesive know-how with linerless tech to cut waste, reduce CO₂ emissions, and enable large-scale recycling.

The duo is highlighting their work at Labelexpo Europe 2025, with Henkel at stand 4C56 and Ravenwood at stand 5A52. 

Over two decades, the companies have built this alliance, focusing on clean converting and strong application in diverse packaging needs.

A report by Ravenwood points out that its linerless tech prevented 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2024, matching the load of 37 Boeing 737 aircraft. 

All machinery comes from the UK, with over 90 percent of Nobac 5000 parts sourced within four miles of the Norwich factory, keeping supply chains local and efficient.

Recent developments build on this momentum. In August, Ravenwood linked with Siegwerk to push BPA-free release varnishes for linerless systems, aiming to trim material use and shipping costs further. 

Earlier in June, Ravenwood rolled out the Nobac 40B Bottle Labeller, an affordable airless applicator for labels up to 200mm long on bottles in beverages, personal care, and household goods. 

These varnishes and the new applicator expand access to linerless options, using FSC- and PEFC-certified materials to support forest management and lower carbon impacts.

At the expo, Henkel is also unveiling other tools like Aquence PS 3017 RE, a wash-off adhesive for PET bottles, and repulpable options for paper labels that break down fully in recycling.

Philippe Daval added that upcoming regulations demand integrated approaches to sustainability and performance, with adhesives forming the core from design to rollout.

This partnership and fresh innovations show linerless labelling gaining ground in sustainable packaging, offering practical gains in waste reduction and efficiency for global converters and brands.

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