How To Choose The Best Eco-Friendly Custom Labels For Your Brand

In today’s market, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a mandate. Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned brand, choosing the best eco-friendly custom labels can set you apart while aligning your values with environmentally conscious consumers. This guide unpacks everything you need to know, from materials and design to regulations and supplier evaluation.

Conventional labels—typically made from virgin plastic or vinyl—contribute significantly to environmental degradation. These labels often end up in landfills, leaching toxins or taking hundreds of years to decompose. The inks and adhesives used can be harmful to marine life and ecosystems when not disposed of properly.

Modern consumers are educated and discerning. A Nielsen survey revealed that 73% of global consumers are willing to change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact. Brands that fail to innovate risk losing relevance and customer trust.

Understanding these terms is crucial:

• Biodegradable: Breaks down naturally via microorganisms.

• Compostable: Breaks down into non-toxic components in composting environments.

• Recyclable: Can be reprocessed into new materials.

Each has different end-of-life implications that must match your brand's sustainability goals.

Opt for:

• Kraft paper: Made from unbleached, recycled pulp.

• Hemp: Requires fewer resources to grow, biodegradable.

• Sugarcane bagasse: A byproduct of sugarcane, compostable.

• Stone paper: Made from calcium carbonate, water-free processing.

Unlike petroleum-based inks, these alternatives are low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), making them safer for the environment and workers alike.

• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) : Sustainable sourcing of paper.

• Cradle to Cradle: Assesses a product's lifecycle sustainability.

• Green Seal: Certifies that the product meets strict environmental standards.

A clutter-free label not only looks elegant but also reduces the amount of ink and substrate used. Design smart by conveying essential information with fewer elements.

Round corners can reduce paper waste during die-cutting. Consider whether a wrap-around label is necessary or if a front-only design would suffice.

Avoid petroleum-based adhesives. Opt for acrylic-based adhesives or sugar-based glues . For laminates, choose biodegradable cellophane or skip it entirely.

The Federal Trade Commission provides guidance on avoiding misleading environmental claims. Ensure your product truly meets the criteria you claim (e.g., “biodegradable” within a certain time).

Brands like Loliware and ByHumankind use compostable labels made from seaweed or recycled materials—proving small companies can punch above their weight in sustainability.

Unilever and Coca-Cola have shifted to plant-based label materials on select product lines, reflecting how large-scale changes can be environmentally and economically viable.

Even if the label material is eco-friendly, its liner might not be recyclable. Look for suppliers offering linerless labels or recyclable liners.

Labels must survive shipping, refrigeration, and handling. Make sure your sustainable label still performs well under stress.

Choosing eco-friendly custom labels is more than a packaging decision—it's a reflection of your brand’s values and commitment to the planet. With the right materials, design strategies, and partners, you can reduce environmental impact while building trust with eco-conscious customers. Ready to take the next step toward sustainable branding? Check out our page to find labeling solutions that align with your values and elevate your packaging game.