Smart & Sustainable Custom Label Practices

Smart & Sustainable Custom Label Practices

Customizable Resources

Wineries (8)
Hotels (3)
Labels (31)
Restaurants (3)
Published on  Updated on  

Custom labels are an essential marketing and branding tool across industries like food packaging, beverage production, cosmetics, and retail. With increasing environmental awareness, businesses and consumers alike are paying closer attention to the sustainability of these seemingly small components. While custom labels contribute to resource use and waste, a shift toward more sustainable practices offers opportunities for brands to reduce their impact and align with eco-conscious values.

Rethinking Custom Labels Through a Sustainability Lens

1. Material Use

Many custom labels are made from virgin paper, vinyl, or plastic films that require natural resources to produce. The production process often involves water, energy, and chemicals, which can contribute to environmental degradation if not managed responsibly.

2. Recycling Challenges

Labels can sometimes complicate the recycling process. Adhesives, coatings, and inks used on labels may interfere with recyclability, posing challenges for processing facilities and increasing waste potential.

3. Energy and Emissions

Manufacturing labels involves energy-intensive steps, from raw material processing to printing and shipping. These activities contribute to a product's carbon footprint if sustainability is not prioritized.

4. Short Usage Cycles

Labels are typically used for short-term identification and branding, which means they often become waste shortly after purchase. Reducing their environmental load requires thoughtful design and material choices.

Strategies for a More Sustainable Labeling Practice

1. Choose Sustainable Materials

Opt for labels made from recycled, biodegradable, or compostable materials. Recycled paper, hemp, or bamboo can provide eco-friendly alternatives without sacrificing quality.

Pro tip: Look for certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for paper products or "Certified Compostable" labels for biodegradable options.

2. Use Eco-Friendly Adhesives

Choose water-based, biodegradable adhesives that are less harmful to the environment and easier to remove during recycling.

3. Print with Sustainable Inks

Soy-based, water-based, or UV-curable inks emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than traditional inks, improving air quality and reducing environmental impact.

4. Design for Recycling

Design labels that are removable or that don't interfere with the recyclability of the main product packaging. "Wash-off" labels are a good example that support circular systems.

5. Embrace Minimalist Labeling

Use only the necessary amount of material by reducing label size or using digital printing for smaller, more efficient runs.

6. Partner with Sustainable Suppliers

Work with suppliers who demonstrate sustainable practices, hold certifications, and share your commitment to environmental responsibility.

7. Educate Consumers

Use label space to communicate your sustainability efforts and guide proper disposal or recycling practices.

Innovations in Sustainable Labeling

The industry is advancing toward greener solutions:

  • Plant-based films from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane.

  • Smart labels with QR codes offering disposal instructions.

  • Linerless labels that reduce backing waste significantly.

Custom labels don't have to come at the environment's expense. With mindful choices in materials, inks, adhesives, and design, brands can take a sustainable approach to labeling that supports both business goals and planetary health. A commitment to sustainability in labeling can differentiate your brand and meet the expectations of today’s eco-conscious consumer.

Make sustainability a core element of your custom label strategy, and help shape a better future for your customers and the environment.

Published on  Updated on  

Latest Articles

Button label