This invention relates to application of labels from a supply of labels which are defined in sheet material and in which adjacent labels are joined together by a line of weakening to form a continuous label supply. The label sheet material is provided with a layer of adhesive which contacts with a backing layer to form the label supply. The leading label is provided with a leading edge portion detached from the backing layer from application at an application point to an article and the article and label feed movement are controlled such that the remainder of the label can be detached from the backing layer, and the line of weakening broken effectively and accurately and without the need for the sheet material of the label supply and/or backing layer to have a thickness to provide the level of rigidity or stiffness of the material which is conventionally required, thereby reducing material usage and wastage.

A method of applying a linerless label to an article wherein a web of joined labels is die cut from a web of label material in which the adhesive is protected by a water-soluble coating which provides a cushion between an anvil and die cutting means. The water-soluble coating is at least partially removed by exposure to water in a press following die-cutting, in a label applicator, or in an off-line unit. The web of joined labels may be wound and unwound between each of the above options. The web of joined labels may be separated in a label applicator by breaking a weakened boundary between adjoining labels or by cutting at a boundary between the label and the adjoining label. The linerless label may contain anti-counterfeit means that may be subsequently identified overtly and/or covertly.

This invention relates to application of labels from a supply of labels which are defined in sheet material and in which adjacent labels are joined together by a line of weakening to form a continuous label supply. The label sheet material is provided with a layer of adhesive which contacts with a backing layer to form the label supply. The leading label is provided with a leading edge portion detached from the backing layer from application at an application point to an article and the article and label feed movement are controlled such that the remainder of the label can be detached from the backing layer, and the line of weakening broken effectively and accurately and without the need for the sheet material of the label supply and/or backing layer to have a thickness to provide the level of rigidity or stiffness of the material which is conventionally required, thereby reducing material usage and wastage.

A method of applying a linerless label to an article wherein a web of joined labels is die cut from a web of label material in which the adhesive is protected by a water-soluble coating which provides a cushion between an anvil and die cutting means. The water-soluble coating is at least partially removed by exposure to water in a press following die-cutting, in a label applicator, or in an off-line unit. The web of joined labels may be wound and unwound between each of the above options. The web of joined labels may be separated in a label applicator by breaking a weakened boundary between adjoining labels or by cutting at a boundary between the label and the adjoining label. The linerless label may contain anti-counterfeit means that may be subsequently identified overtly and/or covertly.

There is provided an apparatus and a method for dispensing printed labels from a printer. The printed labels may be prepared on a need basis, such that each printed label is either held in the apparatus or ejected from the apparatus. Some advantages of the apparatus and method include prolonging a lifespan for a print head, and minimization of transition error on a media used for printing.