Consumers want sustainability.
And according to a recent McKinsey report, they’re willing to pay for it. About 60% said they’d be willing to pay more for products with sustainable packaging.
But sustainability isn’t just about the packaging itself. Labels also play a crucial role in a product’s recyclability.
When choosing labels for containers that will be recycled or reused, does the material make a difference? How much thought should you put into how easily your labels can be removed?
Below, we’ll walk you through why label choices matter for sustainability, how they impact recyclability and reuse, and the best strategies for choosing labels that align with your brand’s environmental goals.
Why Recyclable Labels Matter for Business and the Planet
Since shoppers are demanding greener products, any effort to make your product packaging more sustainable can boost your bottom line. That’s why companies like The Label Printers go beyond marketing claims to make real environmental commitments—we see it as our responsibility to be good stewards of the resources we all share and the planet that sustains us.
This mission aligns with our commitment to the circular economy. Think of it this way, in a linear economy, products are made, used once, and tossed. But in a circular economy, we design labels to recycle cleanly and containers to be reused or remade. Nothing gets wasted.
And as recycling has gained popularity, the technology it uses has evolved. Nowadays, most modern recycling facilities can handle paper labels without difficulty, making recycling more accessible and environmentally friendly.
But there are still important reasons to design labels that are easy to remove. Here are a few:
- You sell your products in a region or country that hasn’t caught up with modern recycling technology. Your customers will have to remove the labels if they want to recycle your product containers. Making it easier for them will increase the likelihood that they’ll recycle.
- You want to encourage your customers to not only recycle, but reuse. From wine bottle chandeliers to “upcycled” pet food dispensers, a little creativity can give your container a new life — but the label needs to be removed, first.
- The labels themselves are recyclable. Paper labels can be recycled, provided they’re not soiled by food waste or other contaminants and they use a recycling-compatible adhesive. But some facilities require they be recycled separately to avoid contamination risks.
- The labels themselves are NOT recyclable. Certain types of plastic, like PVC, can create major headaches when recycling PET plastics, due to their density.
- The labels are (or may one day become) collector’s items. People do collect product labels! Maybe your label is on its way to becoming the next timeless classic.
Another reason to ensure your labels are removable is if your company itself intends to reuse or recycle your plastic or glass containers.
For example, a winery may discover that a batch of wine has spoiled due to an unwelcome yeast. In that case, they would want to remove the labels from their bottles, dispose of the wine, and reuse the bottles. Why let perfectly good bottles go to waste just because the wine went bad?
New Innovations in Recyclable Labels
The industry is shifting towards more sustainable labeling options to improve recyclability. Here are some recent innovations:
- Wash-Off Labels – These labels detach easily during standard recycling processes, reducing contamination risks. Companies like Nestlé have committed to using recyclable labels or labels that can be easily removed during the recycling process.
- Compostable Adhesives – Adhesives that break down naturally help prevent residue that interferes with recycling.
- Recycling-Safe Materials – Labels made from compatible materials ensure containers remain recyclable. Brands like EcoVessel use materials like thermoplastic rubber on stainless steel bottles to make them easier to recycle.
- Bio-Based Label Films – Made from renewable materials like sugarcane or algae, these films dissolve during recycling without fossil fuel residues.
- Digital Watermark Labels – Nearly invisible codes printed on labels help AI-powered sorters identify packaging types accurately. PepsiCo tested these on Pringles cans in Europe to improve metal/plastic separation.
- Adhesive-Free Labels – These labels use static cling or textured surfaces instead of glue, eliminating adhesive contamination entirely. Seed Phytonutrients applies glue-less paper labels to its shampoo bottles for zero-residue recycling.
- Edible Labels – Some labels are made from food-grade inks or films that safely dissolve or can be eaten. Notpla, for example, uses seaweed for its packaging and prints labels directly onto boxes.
Common Questions About Recyclable Labels
- Use recycling-safe label materials (e.g., PP films, paper) matched to your container type.
- Choose wash-off labels or compostable adhesives to improve recyclability.
- Follow circular economy principles by designing for reuse and recycling.
Q: What makes a label recyclable?
A label is recyclable if its material (e.g., paper, PET film), adhesive (e.g., wash-off or compostable), and ink are compatible with standard recycling processes. Always check How2Recycle guidelines.
Q: Can plastic labels be recycled?
It depends. Recycling-safe label materials like polypropylene (PP) can be recycled with PET bottles, but PVC labels contaminate streams. Opt for wash-off labels to avoid issues.
Q: How do compostable adhesives help?
They break down naturally during composting or recycling, reducing residue that can clog machinery.
Best Practices for Choosing Sustainable Labels
Follow these simple steps to make your labels more sustainable.
- Use Recycling-Friendly Adhesives – Choose adhesives designed to wash off easily or break down in recycling processes.
- Choose Compatible Label Materials – Ensure labels align with the recyclability of the container (e.g., PET-compatible labels for PET bottles).
- Follow Industry Guidelines – Regulatory bodies like How2Recycle, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, EPA Sustainable Materials Management and The Recycling Partnership are updating guidelines to emphasize sustainability in labeling. New regulations may require clearer labels, wash-off labels, and more recyclable materials. Check out the updated standards from these organizations to make sure you’re compliant.
Label Removal Options
If your customers choose to remove your product labels, they will probably do it by hand. The right combination of label material and adhesive will make hand removal easier. For example, paper will shred and stick when used with an aggressive adhesive, while synthetic material, such as polypropylene film, might detach cleanly from the same surface when used with a less aggressive adhesive.
Discuss material and adhesive options with your label printer: They should be able to recommend an approach that will work for you.
If you need to remove labels in bulk, you can get mechanical help with that:
- A label stripper uses air-cushioned blades to remove labels without damaging the container.
- A friction remover peels off labels more forcefully, potentially damaging the surface of the container. Friction removers are most useful when you plan to recycle your containers.
Removable or Durable, Labels Can Make a Difference
Whether your product labels come away with a gentle tug or hold fast through the harshest treatment and exposure, they represent your brand and inform your customers. Learn more about choosing product labels and a label printer that will fit your needs in our free Custom Label Buying Guide.
