Market Report 2025

UK Linerless Market Report 2025

A practical briefing for operations, procurement, and sustainability leaders evaluating linerless media in the UK.

Executive Summary

Linerless adoption is accelerating where waste reduction, uptime, and compliance reporting are priority KPIs. Buyers want proven printer compatibility, clear material declarations, and reliable supply. This report highlights the market structure, regulatory signals, and the fastest paths to pilot and scale.

Demand is led by logistics, QSR, retail, and healthcare operations.

EPR and PPT increase attention on packaging waste documentation.

OEM ecosystems and linerless kits influence procurement decisions.

Key Regulatory Stats

75.2%

UK packaging waste recycled (2024 provisional, methodology 2).

GBP 223.69

UK Plastic Packaging Tax rate per tonne from 1 Apr 2025.

25+ tonnes

EPR reporting threshold for orgs with GBP 1m+ turnover.

11 Feb 2025

PPWR entered into force; general application 18 months later.

15% by 2040

PPWR target: reduce packaging waste per person vs 2018.

Market Sizing & Adoption Signals

USD 2.15B (2025) → USD 2.66B (2030)

Global linerless labels market size (Mordor Intelligence).

USD 2.0B (2024) → USD 3.2B (2035)

Global linerless labels market size (FMI / GlobeNewswire).

USD 4.08B (2024) → USD 5.22B (2030)

Global thermal paper market size (Grand View Research).

USD 4.51B (2024) → USD 6.78B (2033)

Global thermal paper market size (IMARC).

3.9B parcels (2023-24)

UK total parcel volumes in 2023-24 (Ofcom).

27.2% (2024)

UK internet sales as a share of retail sales (ONS).

Market Map: How the UK Supply Chain Is Organized

The UK linerless market is shaped by converters and manufacturers, distributor networks, and OEM ecosystems. Buyers often source through a mix of direct trade suppliers and approved partner lists.

Converters and manufacturers provide core widths, adhesives, and custom formats.
Distributors and resellers bundle media with printers and service contracts.
OEM programs (Zebra, Epson, Star, Bixolon, SATO, Honeywell) influence media approvals.

Buyer Priorities We See in Procurement

Procurement teams tend to weigh compliance risk alongside operational uptime. Linerless wins when it simplifies reporting and reduces roll changes without creating printer issues.

Compatibility: linerless-ready cutters and silicone-coated platens are non-negotiable.
Uptime: longer rolls and variable lengths cut changeovers during peak periods.
Documentation: declarations of conformity and material data support audits.

Regulatory Tailwinds (UK + EU)

EPR, PPT, and PPWR are driving demand for packaging reduction and clearer materials reporting. Linerless reduces one packaging material stream by removing the backing liner.

EPR moves packaging waste costs to producers and users.
PPT increases scrutiny on plastic-heavy packaging formats.
PPWR signals tighter requirements for exporters and EU supply chains.

Operational Wins That Drive Adoption

Operations teams adopt linerless when it removes waste from the line and improves throughput. The biggest gains appear in high-volume workflows.

Up to 40% more labels per roll reduces roll changes and downtime.
No backing liner means cleaner workstations and fewer slip hazards.
Variable-length labels reduce SKU complexity across stations.

Pilot Plan: Fastest Routes to Proof

The fastest pilots focus on one station or site with clear KPIs. Once uptime and waste reduction are validated, expansion becomes a procurement decision rather than a technology risk.

Identify highest-volume lines (shipping benches, prep stations, retail counters).
Confirm printer compatibility and install linerless kits if needed.
Measure roll-change frequency, waste reduction, and operator feedback.