Having good environmental practices as a business is now the norm, and working with the right label manufacturer can help you further your policies. Eco-friendly labels are more and more popular, but the term can have several different meanings. Here are a few things to know to help your business be greener with sustainable packaging solutions.
What Does Eco-Friendly Label Mean?
The expression eco-friendly is everywhere, but its definition isn’t set in stone, contrary to other terms such as “organic” or “vegan”. Generally speaking, eco-friendly simply means that the label is not harmful to the environment.
However, there are no rules or official characteristics to apply. Also, there are no regulations for the term, so, in theory, a harmful product could still be branded as eco-friendly. This is why, as a business, you’ll need to do some of research to ensure your labels or packaging are eco-friendly.
Several factors will come into play in creating sustainable packaging, labels and eco-friendly stickers. These include the substrates used, the ink, the energy required and how the label will impact the environment once it isn’t used anymore.
In practice, an eco-friendly label could be compostable or made with recycled material. You could also choose biodegradable label printing or kraft paper which doesn’t require bleaching. It could also mean that the label makes recycling easier, such as a label made with CleanFlake™. Unlike standard labels, CleanFlake™ labels completely detach from PET during the recycling process, leaving zero traces of adhesives.
Why Is Eco-Friendly Packaging Important?
Eco-friendly packaging is important as businesses have a huge impact on the planet’s health. Eco-friendly packages reduce the ecological footprint of both the producer and the consumer. However, it’s essential to understand that, more than respecting the environment, many eco-friendly practices can help you save money and streamline your business operations.
Consumers are also increasingly conscious of the impact of their purchases and will often take the environmental practices of a company into account when making their choices.
The main goal of eco-friendly packaging is to avoid harming the environment, but this can be achieved in different ways, allowing you to focus on a specific cause.
For example, if reducing waste is your priority, you could choose a product like linerless labels. Forgoing the liners in labelling results in zero paper waste. These labels are created on rolls and each label is cut to exact measurements at the time of printing. This process results in 50% less waste than traditional labelling methods. Linerless labels deliver more labels per roll. Result? You save on stocking and transport while doing your part for the environment.
Can Labels Be Composted?
Yes, labels can be composted. Biodegradable and compostable labels are in increasing demand, especially in the cosmetics and food industries.
Using FSC® certified wood pulp, these labels are made from responsibly sourced wood fibres, supporting forest-friendly manufacturing. The adhesive is certified “OK Compost”, meaning it is both biodegradable and compostable. The face of the labels is equally biodegradable.
Biodegradable and compostable labels are fully approved for direct contact with dry and non-fatty foods, as well as for indirect contact with all other types of food. These labels must also be used for all biodegradable and compostable packaging, notably for water bottles made from PLA (degradable polylactic acid).
What Impact Can Sustainable Packaging Create?
Choosing sustainable packaging can have a significant impact. Take brown paper backing in labelling as an example. It’s a pretty simple choice to make. These labels are created without the use of chlorine while maintaining the high quality your clients rely on. It greatly reduces the use of harmful elements during the production process and has a very tangible impact.
Using 1,000 tons of brown paper saves 6,089 trees and reduces CO2 emissions equivalent to those produced by 1969 cars for an entire year. Choosing this labelling method also saves the same amount of electricity that 139 homes consume yearly and saves 300,000 gallons of water, the equivalent of 15 swimming pools.
And this is simply from ONE choice you made regarding the labels. Now imagine what you can do when choosing eco-friendly packages or eco-friendly stickers for your business.
It’s vital to acknowledge the direct effect that our actions have on the health of the planet and its future. Companies making the effort to be environmentally responsible are to be commended, and Multi-Action is here to support them 100%.
We work directly with paper mills, control every step of the manufacturing process, and are therefore able to offer companies environmentally friendly labelling at competitive pricing. Don’t hesitate to contact us regarding questions or concerns you may have. It is our sincere pleasure to help you find solutions for your green labelling initiatives, adapting to your specific needs.
