How To Transition To Eco-Friendly Food Package Labels

Food brands are under growing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. One area often overlooked is labeling. While many companies focus on compostable containers or recyclable trays, eco-friendly food package labels are essential to making packaging truly sustainable. This guide will show you how to make the switch—from materials and design to supplier selection and compliance.

Standard food labels often use plastic films, petroleum-based adhesives, or chemical-heavy inks—rendering otherwise recyclable packaging unusable. On the other hand, eco-friendly labels reduce environmental impact and enhance recyclability while appealing to conscious consumers.

Key benefits include:

• Reduced packaging waste

• Greater compatibility with compostable or recyclable packaging

• Enhanced brand value through sustainability messaging

• Compliance with evolving eco-label regulations
  
  

Start by evaluating your current setup. What are your labels made from? Do they align with the sustainability of your food containers or take-out packaging?

Look at:

• Face materials (paper vs. plastic film)

• Inks and adhesives

• Whether labels hinder recycling or composting
  
  

This baseline will help pinpoint what needs upgrading.

Look into label materials that reduce environmental impact:

• Paper Labels: Choose FSC-certified or recycled content papers.

• Biodegradable Adhesives: Look for water-based or compostable formulas.

• Sustainable Inks: Opt for vegetable-based or water-based inks instead of solvent-heavy ones.
  
  

For packaging that's already eco-forward like compostable containers—labels must be just as green.

Not all "eco" labels meet the same standards. Work with suppliers who offer:

• Certified compostable, recyclable, or biodegradable labels

• Transparency about materials and manufacturing practices

• Customizable label designs with low-impact printing
  
  

If you're working with custom printed packaging, ensure your supplier understands both branding and sustainability requirements.

Sustainable materials may perform differently than traditional ones. Make sure your design:

• Uses minimal ink coverage

• Maintains readability with fewer colors

• Fits smaller or die-cut label shapes to reduce waste
  
  

If your product uses custom take-out boxes, coordinate the label design with your branding and material to maintain aesthetic appeal without waste.

Before committing to a full production run, conduct tests:

• Do the labels hold up to temperature, moisture, and handling?

• Are barcodes and product information legible and scannable?

• Do the materials meet FDA or EU food safety guidelines?
  
  

Labels for cold food packaging may need special adhesives, so test across different use cases.

Let customers know what makes your packaging sustainable:

• Add icons or simple text like “Printed with Soy-Based Inks”

• Use QR codes or your website to tell your sustainability story

• Include guidance for composting or recycling on-pack
  
  

Highlighting these features on your custom packaging labels enhances trust and reinforces your eco-values.

While sustainable labels may cost more per unit, they can improve:

• Customer loyalty and perception

• Operational waste reduction

• Readiness for upcoming environmental legislation
  
  

Track feedback and performance metrics post-transition to assess value.

Adopting eco-friendly food package labels is more than a packaging upgrade—it’s a commitment to environmental responsibility and customer expectations. With thoughtful material choices and strategic design, your brand can lead the way in sustainable packaging.

Looking for sustainable branding solutions? Visit our page to create eco-friendly food package labels that match your unique style and sustainability goals.