When we talk about sustainable products, we usually picture the product itself—what it’s made of, how it’s used, and whether it can be recycled.
But what about the label? The truth is, labels and packaging play a huge role in how sustainable a product really is.
And your label can’t just be eco-friendly. It also has to work. It needs to hold up during shipping, storage, and everyday use. A sustainable label that can’t survive the supply chain won’t do anyone any good. That’s why finding the right balance between performance and eco-friendliness is key.
There’s a common misconception that sustainability starts and ends with recycling. But it’s so much more than that. Even if your label material can’t be recycled, there are still ways to reduce your environmental impact—like using renewable resources, reducing material weight, or choosing compostable options.
In this post, we’ll walk through some of the latest materials and innovations that can help make your labels more sustainable, without sacrificing performance.
The Importance of Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Today’s consumers care about sustainability—and they’re paying attention to the details. In fact, they’re not just looking at the product itself. They’re checking the packaging, the labeling, and even the company’s environmental policies.
A recent McKinsey study found that products making environmental claims saw 28% more sales growth over five years than products without such claims. It’s a clear sign that consumers are supporting their values with their wallets.
It’s not just buyers paying attention—regulators are stepping in, too. Across the U.S., Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are requiring brands to take ownership of the packaging materials they put into the world. And in the EU, updated eco-design regulations are setting stricter standards for how products—and their packaging—are designed, labeled, and disposed of.
The bottom line? Whether you’re responding to consumer demand or staying ahead of compliance requirements, your label materials matter more than ever.
How to Make Labels More Sustainable—With the Right Materials
Sustainability doesn’t just happen. It takes collaboration. Your label supplier can be a key partner in helping you make smarter, greener choices.
And the good news? You probably don’t have to overhaul your label entirely. A few small changes can have a huge impact.
Here are a few smart strategies that keep materials in use longer and reduce waste:
- Use lightweight label materials to cut down on overall resource use
- Incorporate recycled content wherever possible
- Choose renewable material sources
- Design labels with end-of-life in mind—whether that means reuse, recyclability or compostability
When it comes to eco-friendly labels, the materials behind the label are just as important as how it looks. Choosing the right adhesives, face stocks, and liners can significantly improve sustainability—without sacrificing performance.
Adhesives and Face Stocks
Wash-Off Labels: Consumers tend to toss products into the recycling bin without removing the label. And traditional materials can interfere with the recycling process. Fortunately, new material options allow for the label to separate from the container during recycling, keeping the process clean and efficient.
FSC-certified labels: If you’re using paper labels, ask about Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified options. These materials come from responsibly managed forests, which helps protect ecosystems and reduce deforestation.
Recycled content labels: Using labels made from pre- or post-consumer recycled paper or film can significantly lower your environmental impact. It’s a smart way to give old materials new life.
Compostable label materials: Aiming for zero waste? Compostable face stocks and adhesives are becoming more widely available. Made from materials like sugarcane, they easily break down in industrial composting facilities.
Inks and Coatings
Inks and coatings make your labels pop—but they can also pose sustainability challenges.
Eco-friendly inks: Traditional inks often contain petroleum and release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Switching to water- soy- or vegetable-based inks is a great way to reduce those emissions and lessen your environmental footprint.
Design with less ink: Another simple change? Use less ink. A minimalist label design isn’t just trendy—it’s also more sustainable. Less ink means fewer resources and easier recycling.
Liners
Liners are the backing sheets that carry your labels until they’re applied. Once used, they often go straight to the landfill—especially if they’re silicone-coated and not recyclable.
Here’s some ways to help make your liners better for the environment.
Thinner and recycled liners: Thinner liners reduce waste and shipping weight. And when you choose liners made with recycled materials, you’re doubling down on your environmental commitment.
Switch to a PET film liner: These liners are both recyclable and often made with recycled content. They also offer added strength, making them ideal for high-speed automatic labeling lines.
Recyclable and silicone-free options: Some companies are also experimenting with silicone-free liners that can be recycled or composted. Others are finding ways to give traditional silicone liners a second life through specialized recycling programs. While these technologies are still emerging, they show promising potential for the future of sustainable labeling.
Sustainability isn’t optional anymore. Customers expect it and regulations demand it. Luckily, it’s becoming easier to make a huge impact with your labels. From materials and adhesives to inks and liners, every choice you make can help the environment and signal to eco-conscious shoppers that you’re the smart choice.
At The Label Printers, we help our customers find label solutions that meet their performance needs and their sustainability goals.
Want to learn more about eco-friendly label solutions? Read our Eco-Friendly Labeling Guide.
Looking for a label printer that cares about the environment as much as you do? Let’s talk.
