Cost-effective alternatives for shipping at DHL
Conserving resources a result of linerless labeling

Shipping labels missing a liner and silicone are friendly to environment and cost-effective. Even large logistics service providers are convinced of such benefits. DHL in Nohra, Thuringia, has switched to an InNo-Liner labeling solution developed by cab and the HERMA Self-adhesive Materials Division.

“It enables us to reduce waste by 60 percent. Silicone liner is no longer needed and we are more flexible in label sizes,” says Aiste Slabokaite Heid, DHL Business Unit Director North-East. “The system also helps us to reduce costs by operating around 40 percent more economical than conventional labeling systems.” Approximately 750,000 labeled cardboard boxes leave the logistics center every year.

Ecological vision

cab and HERMA have jointly further developed the HERMES QL print and apply system for InNo-Liner self-adhesive material. It is based on the tried and tested technology of industrial cab HERMES printers. In fully automated packing lines, InNo-Liner self-adhesive material can be printed and applied in one step. “Most of our customers know us well and simply expect us to solve every task in an economical manner,” says Dirk Roland, cab International Sales Director for label printing systems: “In this case, we evaluated the comprehensive modular system of our HERMES systems and transferred the requirements of InNo-Liner material to the specifications of our printers and peripherals.”

HERMA is also convinced: “When it comes to real sustainability, it is not sufficient just doing something. It is about doing everything in a different manner,” says Ralf Drache, Director Sales & Marketing at the HERMA Self-adhesive Material Division. “This is how HERMA InNo-Liner material came about. It is great that cab has managed to develop such an impressive system in such a short time.”

InNo-Liner closely examined

Unlike standard linerless products on the market, InNo-Liner self-adhesive material is not sticky from the outset. It therefore does not require a silicone surface. Only when attaching a label onto absorbent cardboard or similar paper-like substrates, the adhesive is activated by atomized steam on a special stroke applicator.

Since linerless materials are provided continuous, companies benefit in flexibility. Labels can be printed by HERMES QL in various forms and sizes on one roll and cut to any target size. Fewer roll changeovers and less stock space are required, and system downtimes are reduced.