Key Highlights

• Linerless labels eliminate backing liners, reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly printing.

• They offer major benefits: sustainability, cost savings, more labels per roll, and flexible on-demand sizing.

• Widely used in restaurants, grocery stores, logistics, warehousing, and retail for faster, cleaner operations.

• Specialised linerless printers from Seiko, Brother, TSC, and GoDex provide options from compact to industrial use.

• Though slightly higher upfront, linerless labels save long-term on storage, shipping, and waste disposal.

• DuraFast Label.ca provides top linerless printers, expert guidance, and flexible purchase or leasing options to meet business needs.

Labels are everywhere, from packages to shelves to shipping boxes, but traditional labels often create more problems than solutions. Backing liners accumulate as waste, storage space dwindles, and printing options remain limited. For businesses focused on cutting costs and going green, these hidden challenges quickly add up.

That’s where linerless labels come in. By removing the backing liner, they reduce waste, fit more labels on each roll, and give businesses the flexibility to print exactly what they need. It's a simple switch that delivers a big impact.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about linerless labels, from their key benefits and the technology behind them to the best use cases and printers on the market.

We’ll also help you compare linerless and traditional labels so you can make the right choice for your business.

Why Linerless Labels Are The Future Of Label Printing?

Think about traditional labels: every roll comes with a backing liner that piles up as waste and needs constant disposal.

Now imagine a roll with no liner at all. You get more labels in the same space, less downtime for roll changes, and no waste to deal with. That's the promise of linerless labels.

This solution is especially valuable in grocery stores and quick-service restaurants, where counter space is tight and waste bins fill up fast. With linerless labels, businesses get smoother operations, lower shipping costs, and fewer interruptions.

By combining sustainability with efficiency, linerless labels aren't just a greener option. They are setting the new standard for the future of label printing.

Why Are Linerless Labels A Smarter Choice For Businesses?

Traditional labels often mean wasted material and slower workflows. Linerless labels eliminate both, helping businesses work more efficiently while reducing their environmental impact.

From restaurant receipts to warehouse shipping labels, they improve productivity and reduce operational hiccups.

Let's have a closer look at the key benefits.

1. Sustainability and Waste Reduction

Linerless labels make a real impact on sustainability. By removing the release liner, businesses instantly reduce waste, conserve materials, and lower disposal costs.

Less landfill, fewer raw materials, and lower fees mean both the planet and your bottom line benefit. Plus, the special silicone release coating ensures performance isn’t compromised while going green.

2. More Labels Per Roll

Linerless labels let you fit more labels on each roll, reducing roll changes and keeping operations running smoothly. Without backing paper, rolls are more compact, cutting shipping costs and waste.

This efficiency boost is especially valuable in high-demand environments like grocery stores and quick-service restaurants, making linerless labels a practical, resource-saving solution.

3. Cost & Storage Savings

Linerless labels can save your business money in the long run. With more labels per roll, shipping fewer rolls reduces transportation costs, while compact rolls free up valuable storage space.

You also save on waste disposal, since there’s no backing paper to discard. Over time, these savings in shipping, storage, and waste management make linerless labels a smart, cost-effective choice.

4. Flexibility in Label Sizes

Linerless labels let you print labels of any length on demand. Unlike traditional pre-cut labels, the continuous roll and printer cutter allow you to create exactly the size you need.

This makes them perfect for quick-service restaurants, retail weigh-scales, and logistics, where label length can vary with orders, product details, or shipping requirements. The result is less waste and the right label for every job.

Where Can You Use Linerless Labels?

Linerless labels are revolutionising how businesses handle labelling. They save time, reduce waste, and make operations more efficient, qualities that are especially valuable in fast-paced environments.

Some of the most common applications include:

• Quick-Service Restaurants: Print order stickers, ingredient labels, or receipts without the hassle of peeling liners.

• Grocery Stores & Food Retail: Perfect for weigh-scale labels, product pricing, and ingredient information.

• Logistics & Warehousing: Ideal for shipping, tracking, and inventory labels.

• Retail & Packaging: Flexible label lengths for sealing packages or labelling products with custom information.

Thanks to the ability to print variable label sizes on demand, linerless labels are a versatile solution that fits nearly any labelling need.

How Does Linerless Printing Technology Work?

Linerless labels might look simple, but there is some smart technology behind their eco-friendly design. The secret lies in a special silicone coating that stops labels from sticking together on the roll. Without a backing liner, you get more labels per roll, less waste, and smoother operations, all without compromising quality.

These labels work best with specialised printers equipped with built-in cutters. The printer can create labels of any length on demand, whether it is a tiny sticker for a coffee cup or a long shipping label.

What makes linerless printing stand out:

• Continuous Rolls: Print labels of any length on demand.

• Automatic Cutters: Get the perfect size every time, no trimming needed.

• Direct Thermal Printing: No ink or toner required, keeping printing simple and cost-effective.

• Eco-Friendly Design: Less waste, fewer materials, and a cleaner workspace.

With these innovations, linerless printing is not just smart. It is a powerful combination of flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability that makes labelling faster, cleaner, and greener for businesses everywhere.

5 Top Linerless Label Printers in Canada: Which One Suits Your Business?

There are several reliable options for businesses looking to invest in linerless label printers. These machines offer direct thermal printing and special release coatings, delivering crisp labels while reducing waste.

Let's take a closer look at some of the top models available:

1. Seiko SLP-720 RT Series

The SLP-720 RT Series delivers reliable linerless printing with high-quality thermal output, built for speed, accuracy, and durability in busy environments.

Here are some of the specific models in this series:

A. Seiko SLP720RT 2" Linerless Label Printer w/ USB | SLP720RT-U2F11-13

The SLP720RT-U2F11-13 is a fast and reliable 2" linerless label printer ideal for small to medium operations. It features 203 DPI direct thermal printing at 7.87 ips, supports 40mm or 58mm rolls up to 4" diameter, and can print on linerless labels, receipt paper, and standard labels.

Compact and versatile, it connects via USB and delivers high-speed performance, though it’s limited to 2" width and USB-only connectivity.

B. Seiko SLP720RT 2" Linerless Label Printer w/ USB/LAN | SLP720RT-E2F11-03

The SLP720RT-E2F11-03 is a 2" linerless label printer offering both USB and LAN connectivity, ideal for small to medium operations needing networked printing.

It delivers 203 DPI direct thermal printing at 7.87 ips, supports 40mm or 58mm rolls up to 4" diameter, and prints on linerless labels, receipt paper, and standard labels.

Compact and versatile, it combines high-speed performance with flexible connectivity.

C. Seiko SLP720RT 2" Linerless Label Printer w/ WiFi | SLP720RT-W2FU1-03

The SLP720RT-W2FU1-03 is a 2" linerless label printer with WiFi connectivity, making it perfect for wireless printing in busy workspaces.

It offers 203 DPI direct thermal printing at 7.87 ips, supports 40mm or 58mm rolls up to 4" diameter, and prints on linerless labels, receipts, and standard labels.

Compact and efficient, it delivers flexible, high-speed performance for a variety of labelling needs.

2. Brother 2-inch Wide Linerless Printers

Brother’s 2-inch linerless printers deliver compact, precise, and efficient label printing, perfect for quick-service, retail counters, and small-scale shipping.

Let’s take a closer look at the available models:

A. Brother TD2320DFC203 2"- 203 dpi Linerless Label Printer w USB/Cuter

Print efficiently with the Brother TD-2320DFC203, a 2" linerless label printer with USB connectivity and a built-in cutter for easy label separation.

With 203 DPI resolution and speeds up to 6 ips, it supports 2" wide labels for retail, logistics, and foodservice applications. Compact and reliable, this printer makes linerless labelling productive and straightforward.

B. Brother TD2320DFC300 2"- 300 dpi Linerless Label Printer w USB/Cuter

The Brother TD-2320DFC300 is a 2" linerless label printer designed for businesses that need high-quality, precise printing. With 300 DPI resolution and a print speed of 6 ips, it produces sharp, easy-to-read labels every time.

The printer supports continuous linerless rolls and comes with a built-in cutter, making it efficient for on-demand label printing. Its USB connectivity ensures straightforward setup and reliable performance across various applications.

3. Brother 4-inch Wide Linerless Printers

For businesses that need wider labels, Brother's 4-inch linerless printers offer a reliable solution for high-volume, flexible printing. Let's take a look at the top models and what makes them stand out:

A. Brother TD4420DNFC 4-Inch 203 dpi - 8 ips Direct Thermal Linerless Desktop Barcode Printer with LAN/USB

The Brother TD4420DNFC is a 4-inch direct thermal linerless printer built for fast, efficient, and eco-friendly label production. With 203 dpi resolution and a print speed of 8 ips, it handles high-demand labelling tasks effortlessly.

Dual LAN and USB connectivity allows easy integration, while linerless printing reduces waste and operational costs. Ideal for logistics, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing, it delivers professional-quality labels without the hassle of backing paper.

B. Brother TD4550DNWBFC 4-Inch 203 dpi - 8 ips Direct Thermal Linerless Desktop Barcode Printer with LAN/USB/WiFi/Bluetooth

The Brother TD4550DNWBFC is a 4-inch linerless printer designed for businesses that need speed, flexibility, and connectivity. With 203 dpi resolution and 8 ips print speed, it handles high-volume labelling with ease.

Multiple connectivity options, including LAN, USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth, allow seamless integration in both wired and wireless setups.

Its linerless printing reduces waste, making it an eco-friendly and efficient solution for logistics, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.

4. TSC linerless printers

When it comes to efficient, high-quality linerless printing, TSC printers stand out for their reliability and performance. Let's explore some of the top TSC linerless printers available in Canada:

A. TSC MB240T 4.0" 203 dpi 8 ips Industrial Thermal Transfer Label Printer 99-068A001-1201

The TSC MB240T is a 4-inch industrial thermal transfer label printer built for high-volume, precise labelling. With 203 dpi resolution and a fast 8 ips print speed, it delivers sharp text and graphics on a variety of label types.

Designed for demanding environments, this printer ensures reliable performance while supporting efficient, continuous operations.

B. TSC Alpha-30L 3.0" 203 dpi 5 ips Mobile Direct Thermal Label Printer A30L-A001-0001

The TSC Alpha-30L is a 3-inch mobile linerless label printer designed for on-the-go operations. It uses direct thermal printing with 203 dpi resolution and a 5 ips print speed, producing clear, durable labels efficiently.

Lightweight and compact, it is ideal for field work, deliveries, and inventory management, allowing seamless printing without relying on label backing.

5. GoDex Linerless printers

GoDex linerless printers offer fast, eco-friendly, hassle-free labelling with high-quality prints while reducing waste, making them ideal for retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Let's take a closer look at some of the key GoDex linerless printer models and what they offer:

A. Godex DT200L 2" Liner-free Direct Thermal Barcode Printer, 203 dpi, 7 ips, USB, LAN with Linerless Cutter 011-D20E01-00L

For businesses needing a compact and efficient solution, the GoDex DT200L delivers reliable 2" linerless printing with precision.

Featuring 203 dpi resolution and speeds up to 7 inches per second, it handles continuous labels effortlessly. Its USB and LAN connectivity, combined with a built-in linerless cutter, makes it practical for printing receipts, shipping labels, or product tags without interruption.

B. Godex DT230L 2" Liner-Free Direct Thermal Barcode Printer, 300 dpi, 5 ips, USB, LAN with Linerless Cutter 011-D23E01-00L

Stepping up for higher precision, the GoDex DT230L offers 300 dpi resolution for sharp, detailed 2" linerless labels. With a print speed of 5 inches per second and USB/LAN connectivity, it's ideal for producing professional-quality receipts, product tags, or shipping labels.

The built-in linerless cutter ensures smooth, continuous printing without waste.

C. Godex DT200iL 2" Liner-Free Direct Thermal Barcode Printer, 300 dpi, 5 ips, USB, LAN with Linerless Cutter 011-D2if01-00L

The GoDex DT200iL is a 2" direct thermal linerless printer designed for precise, efficient label printing. With a 300 dpi resolution and 5 ips print speed, it produces clear barcodes, text, and graphics for professional-grade labels.

Equipped with USB and LAN connectivity and a built-in linerless cutter, it supports waste-free continuous printing, making it ideal for retail, logistics, and light industrial applications.

This compact printer balances reliability, quality, and convenience for everyday labelling needs.

D. Godex DT4L 4" 203 dpi Direct Thermal Printer, USB, RS232, LAN, Cutter Included | 011-DT4001-14L

The GoDex DT4L is a 4" direct thermal linerless printer built for high-volume label printing. Offering 203 dpi resolution and a 7 ips print speed, it delivers sharp barcodes, text, and graphics for professional labels.

With USB, RS232, and LAN connectivity plus a built-in linerless cutter, it supports continuous, waste-free printing, making it suitable for logistics, retail, and warehouse operations.

Its combination of speed, reliability, and eco-friendly design makes it a practical choice for businesses needing consistent, high-quality labelling.

How Do Top Linerless Label Printers Compare in Canada?

To make your choice easier, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the top linerless label printers in Canada, highlighting key specs, connectivity, and ideal use cases:

Printer Model	Print Width	Resolution	Print Speed	Connectivity	Ideal Use Case
Seiko SLP720RT-U2F11-13	2"	203 dpi	7.87 ips	USB	Small to medium operations needing compact, high-speed printing
Seiko SLP720RT-E2F11-03	2"	203 dpi	7.87 ips	USB + LAN	Networked setups for small to medium businesses
Seiko SLP720RT-W2FU1-03	2"	203 dpi	7.87 ips	WiFi	Wireless printing in fast-paced environments
Brother TD-2320DFC203	2"	203 dpi	6 ips	USB	Quick-service, retail, small-scale shipping
Brother TD-2320DFC300	2"	300 dpi	6 ips	USB	High-resolution labels for retail or logistics
Brother TD-4420DNFC	4"	203 dpi	8 ips	LAN + USB	High-volume labelling in logistics, retail, healthcare
Brother TD-4550DNWBFC	4"	203 dpi	8 ips	LAN + USB + WiFi + Bluetooth	High-volume, flexible operations across industries
TSC MB240T	4"	203 dpi	8 ips	USB + LAN	Industrial, high-volume, precise label printing
TSC Alpha-30L	3"	203 dpi	5 ips	Mobile, USB	Field work, deliveries, and inventory management
GoDex DT200L	2"	203 dpi	7 ips	USB + LAN	Compact printing for receipts, shipping labels
GoDex DT230L	2"	300 dpi	5 ips	USB + LAN	Detailed, professional-quality labels
GoDex DT200iL	2"	300 dpi	5 ips	USB + LAN	Precision printing for retail, logistics, light industrial
GoDex DT4L	4"	203 dpi	7 ips	USB + RS232 + LAN	High-volume, waste-free printing in warehouses and retail

For an even deeper look at these models, check out Durafast's full collection of liner-free label printers.

Linerless Labels or Traditional Labels: Which Is Best for Your Business?

The main difference between linerless labels and traditional labels is simple: linerless labels don’t have a release liner.

Traditional labels come with a waxy backing that you peel off before applying. It works, but it creates waste and slows down the process.

Linerless labels come on a continuous roll, with a special coating that prevents the labels from sticking together. The result is faster, cleaner, and more efficient labelling.

What about cost? Linerless labels might be slightly more expensive upfront, but the long-term savings are significant. You get:

• Fewer roll changes

• Less waste disposal

• Reduced storage and shipping costs

In other words, linerless labels save time, money, and effort, and they are better for the environment too. So, if your goal is efficient, eco-friendly, and hassle-free labelling, linerless labels are a smart choice.

For businesses ready to make the switch, DuraFast Canada's linerless direct thermal labels offer reliable, eco-friendly solutions that keep operations running smoothly.

How to Choose the Right Linerless Printer for Your Business?

Selecting a linerless printer doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep these points in mind:

• Label size and type: Determine the sizes you’ll print most often and whether you need variable data printing.

• Printing method: Opt for direct thermal printing to handle adhesive labels without backing paper efficiently.

• Print quality: Ensure the printer delivers the resolution and clarity your labels require.

• Connectivity: Check for USB, LAN, or WiFi options to fit seamlessly into your workflow.

• Efficiency and cost: Choose a model that reduces roll changes, cuts down on waste, and minimises storage costs.

The right printer balances your printing volume, label needs, and work environment, making your labelling process faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective.

Why Choose Durafast Canada for Your Printing Needs?

Struggling with outsourced labelling that’s slow, costly, or inconsistent? Printing your own labels can save time, reduce errors, and give you full control over your branding. DuraFast Label.ca makes it easy to buy or lease the right label printer for your business.

With our solutions, you can:

• Print barcodes, tags, tickets, wristbands, and membership cards quickly and accurately

• Streamline inventory, shipments, and marketing campaigns

• Customise labels with logos, product descriptions, and packaging info

We carry top brands like GoDEX, Zebra, Toshiba, NeuraLabel, and Afinia, offering options for small businesses to industrial operations. Benefit from expert guidance, fast shipping across Canada, and flexible purchase or leasing plans that fit your budget.

Ready to take control of your labelling? Contact us today.

Final Words

Linerless labels aren’t just a printing innovation; they are a statement about smarter, cleaner, and more efficient business practices.

By cutting waste, stretching your label supply, and adapting seamlessly to diverse packaging needs, they help your operations work harder while treading lighter on the planet.

The shift to linerless isn’t just about keeping up with technology; it’s about staying ahead, leading with sustainability, and making every print count.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are linerless labels used for?

The use of linerless labels is widespread across many label applications. They are commonly found in food packaging, quick-service restaurants for order tracking, retail for weigh-scale pricing, and logistics for shipping. Their ability to be printed in various lengths makes them a versatile solution for countless tasks.

Can all label printers use linerless labels?

No, you cannot use linerless labels in a standard label printer. You need specialised linerless printers equipped with a non-stick roller and a cutter to handle the media. These printing solutions are designed to manage the adhesive and release coating to ensure consistent print quality for your specific application.

Are linerless labels cheaper than traditional labels?

Linerless labels often result in cost savings due to reduced material waste and lower shipping costs, as more labels fit on a roll. While initial investments may vary, businesses can benefit long-term from efficiency improvements and sustainable practices compared to traditional label systems.

Do linerless printers require special maintenance?

Yes, linerless printers require regular cleaning to maintain print quality. Adhesive from the labels can build up on the cutter and platen roller over time. Consistent maintenance ensures the printer operates smoothly and prevents issues that could affect performance, making it a crucial step for using this technology effectively.

What industries benefit most from linerless label printers?

The label industry sees the most significant benefits in fast-paced environments. Quick service restaurants, grocery stores (especially at deli and bakery counters), and logistics and warehousing operations benefit greatly. In these settings, the improved efficiency, cleaner work environment, and waste reduction offer a major competitive advantage.

What are the challenges when transitioning to linerless labels?

Switching to linerless labels may require updating or adjusting printers, training staff on new handling procedures, and ensuring proper storage to prevent labels from sticking together. Initial setup can take some planning, but it pays off in efficiency and waste reduction.

What types of adhesive options are available for linerless labels?

Linerless labels come with permanent, removable, or repositionable adhesives. Permanent adhesives offer strong, long-lasting bonds, while removable or repositionable options allow labels to be repositioned or removed without residue, making them versatile for various surfaces and applications.