Global linerless adoption grows, reports Ravenwood

Ravenwood Packaging is reporting accelerating global momentum for the linerless labelling sector at its World Conference 2026.

Hosted at the Athenaeum and Ravenwood’s headquarters, the event gathered machinery distributors, printer partners, and industry experts to outline the commercial and environmental trajectory of the technology.

The conference highlighted a critical shift in the international market. While the UK remains a stronghold for the brand, Ravenwood is now seeing significant expansion across Europe, the Americas, and APAC. This growth is being fueled by a combination of new distributor partnerships and a broader market awareness of the functional benefits of linerless systems.

Addressing regulatory pressure and sustainability

A key focus of the event was the role of linerless labelling in helping brands navigate a tightening regulatory landscape.

Guest speaker Siobhan Parks, head of packaging at Hilton, addressed the impact of evolving packaging requirements, specifically highlighting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the necessity of meeting new environmental targets.

By eliminating the backing paper (liner) required for traditional labels, the technology offers brands a direct route to waste reduction.

Case studies presented during the sessions underscored these benefits, including a successful fresh produce launch in Mexico that achieved rapid market adoption and significant packaging waste reductions.

Operational efficiency and innovation

Beyond sustainability, the event detailed how linerless solutions drive operational efficiency and lower costs. To meet this demand, Ravenwood showcased several new innovations:

• Nobac 5000W Wrap Labeller: the latest addition to their machinery portfolio, designed for high-performance applications.
• Vision inspection systems: advancements in quality control to ensure label accuracy and compliance.
• Sector expansion: new applications specifically targeting fresh produce, ready meals, and food-to-go sectors.

“Global growth is picking up strongly in 2026,” said Dave Gooding. “What we’re seeing is a shift from early adoption to wider market acceptance.”

The conference concluded by reinforcing the importance of supply chain collaboration. Ravenwood stressed that the combination of increasing regulatory pressure and evolving consumer expectations will continue to drive the rapid expansion of linerless technology as a primary solution for brands worldwide.