Marking on backless labels

Catchpoint has created a backless label which renders the wasteful backing on labels obsolete, thus helping to reduce the 104,200 tonnes of waste produced a year attributed to self-adhesive label production. The company is currently trialing Sherwood Technology's DataLase colour change solution for marking directly onto the backless labels.

Catchpoint backless labels match the practicality and versatility of traditional self-adhesive labels while reducing waste. The backless labels are stored in rolls, but are prevented from sticking to each other by a silicone coating that is incorporated into the lacquer on the non-adhesive side of the label. They remain non sticky until the label is peeled from the roll when it can be attached to almost any substrate.

It has been identified that the silicone coating on the backless labels is non compatible with some traditional printing materials, for example thermal transfer ribbon. Catchpoint has since discovered that Sherwood Technology's DataLase technique is an effective and efficient alternative for imaging onto the backless labels.

The DataLase technology is able to image more labels, quicker and more efficiently as it does not require the changing of consumables on the production line. This technique also allows the user to digitally mark variable information with an absolute precision beyond traditional marking methods, thus making it possible to patch print rather than flood coat the label. DataLase utilises a chemistry which reacts with a beam of low-power laser light which changes colour, thereby creating a positive image onto the coating of the label. The introduction of this solution has resulted in faster production run times for Catchpoint, lower overhead costs and has removed the need for consumables on the production line.