How to Use Eco-Friendly Labels for Your Products

What Types of Environmentally Friendly Labels Can You Use?

Not all eco-friendly packaging and labeling materials are the same. Let’s look at several types of eco-friendly packaging and labeling classifications and how they contribute to sustainability and environmentally friendly consumer practices. These classifications include:

Compostable – Compostable labels and packaging break down into water, carbon monoxide, and inorganic compounds; they also provide nourishment for the soil and organisms around them. People often compost products in their yards, but industrial composting has emerged in some markets in recent years. It’s important to know that compostable products are different from biodegradable products.
Biodegradable – Unlike compostable materials, biodegradable materials simply get reclaimed by the earth as they break down. While compostable packaging nourishes the ground around it, biodegradable packaging gets absorbed by the environment around it, reducing waste buildup.
Recycle-Compatible – When you use recycle-compatible—also called recycle-friendly—label materials, they can be recycled after their product is used. They also don’t interfere with the recycling process for the packaging. This type of earth-friendly label prevents recyclable products and packaging from ending up in landfills. How? Many product labels aren’t recycle-compatible, rendering the products they cover unrecyclable. For example, an estimated 560 million bottles are wasted in the recycling process every year due to their labels.
Lightweight – Lightweight labels and packaging use far fewer raw materials than their traditional counterparts. Lightweight labels, in particular, release less gas than traditional labels do when they’re shipped and applied to products. Transitioning to lightweight label and packaging materials is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Recycled Materials – Labels and packaging made from recycled materials use materials that have been diverted from the post-consumer waste process in a landfill and recycled into usable packaging or labels. These types of labels and packaging can come from a wide variety of materials beyond the usual paper and plastic.
Responsibly Sourced – Responsibly sourced labels and packaging are made with renewable materials. An independent third party must assess your labels for them to receive this classification.

Reach out to us today to learn about our eco-friendly, sustainable labels and how they can improve your products’ sustainability.

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Which Types of Labels Should You Use for Your Products?

The eco-friendly labels you use should have the same classification as your eco-friendly packaging. If the label and the package don’t have the same classification, they both could go to a landfill. So, a compostable package must have a compostable label, for example. However, matching the package isn’t the only factor you need to consider when choosing a sustainable label. You also need to consider how your customers dispose of your labels and packaging and what options they have available to them. For example, if your customers don’t recycle your packaging, a recycle-friendly label won’t work for your product. Similarly, if your customers don’t have industrial compost available in their area, compostable labels and packaging aren’t the right option for you, either. All these factors influence your label choice, so you need to consider them carefully.

Benefits of Switching to Eco-Friendly Labels

Switching to sustainable labels offers a range of benefits that can positively impact businesses, consumers, and the environment alike. These advantages encompass environmental, economic, and social dimensions, making sustainable labeling a holistic approach to improving brand image, operational efficiency, and eco-friendliness. Here are the key benefits of adopting sustainable labels:

Environmental Protection

Sustainable labels are made from eco-friendly materials that have a lower environmental footprint. This includes materials that are biodegradable, compostable, or made from recycled content, which can reduce waste in landfills and minimize resource extraction from the environment.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

The production and disposal of sustainable labels typically consume less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventional labels. By switching to sustainable labels, brands can lower their carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change.

Enhanced Brand Image and Consumer Appeal

Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases. Brands that use sustainable labels can enhance their image as eco-friendly and socially responsible businesses, attracting and retaining customers who value sustainability.

Compliance and Competitive Advantage

As environmental regulations become stricter and sustainability certifications more valued, adopting sustainable labels can provide a competitive advantage. It can help businesses comply with regulatory standards and appeal to retailers and consumers looking for environmentally friendly products.

Innovation and Market Opportunities

Investing in sustainable labeling solutions encourages innovation and can open up new market opportunities. Businesses can differentiate their products through unique eco-friendly packaging and labels, capturing the attention of niche markets and leading trends in sustainability.

Cost Savings in the Long Term

While the initial investment in sustainable labels may be higher, the long-term benefits can lead to cost savings. This can be achieved through reduced waste disposal fees, increased operational efficiency, and potentially lower packaging costs as sustainable materials become more mainstream and accessible.

Waste Reduction

Sustainable labels designed for easier recyclability or compostability contribute to the reduction of waste. By using labels that align with the recyclability of the product’s packaging, companies can improve the overall sustainability of their product and reduce the environmental impact of waste.

Transition to Eco-Friendly Labels With US Tape & Labels

At US Tape & Label, we provide our customers with eco-friendly stickers and other sustainable labeling options. Reach out to us today to begin using sustainable labels for your product packaging. We provide a range of printing services and serve a variety of industries to meet your labeling needs.