Separate label matrix and liner waste: measurements, worked example and comparison

Define the job and measurement boundary

Record gross web area, actual retained die-cut face area and separate facestock/adhesive and liner basis weights.

Calculate removed face-stock and adhesive matrix using actual retained label area, including shaped-label area from the die layout. Release liner is excluded.

Work through the numbers

A 220 m² web retains 180 m² of face material. At 85 GSM, matrix is 3.4 kg; a separate 60 GSM full-area liner is 13.2 kg.

Matrix kg = (Gross web area − Retained label face area) × Facestock/adhesive GSM / 1,000 220 m² gross minus 180 m² retained at 85 GSM produces 3.4 kg of matrix.

Liner kg = Width mm / 1,000 × Length m × Liner GSM / 1,000 0.22 m × 1,000 m × 60 GSM / 1,000 = 13.2 kg of liner.

Period cost = (Matrix kg + Liner kg) × Treatment rate + Fixed charges 16.6 kg at EUR 0.20/kg plus EUR 25 collection = EUR 28.32.

Avoid the comparison error

Counting the complete construction GSM as both matrix and liner double-counts material. Rounded or irregular labels need actual die area, not their bounding rectangle.

• Liner GSM must not be included.
• Startup rejects and unusable labels are separate streams.
• Liner only; excludes facestock, matrix and core.
• Mass calculation does not establish recyclability or collection eligibility.
• Same cost period and compatible treatment stream.
• Any recovery credit needs separate documented treatment.

Prepare a comparable purchasing decision

Replace each example with dated measurements and confirmed charges for the same SKU and job. Keep unresolved specification differences visible rather than ranking incompatible offers.

Record the original quote unit, material scope, fixed charges, freight and valid quantity tier. Review an alternative as a separate scenario before adding it to the complete packaging cost.

Common questions