866-580-5261Adopting and promoting eco-friendly solutions has become crucial amid the drastic effects of global warming. Climate change is becoming an increasingly serious problem worldwide. Since 25% of global emissions come from consumer businesses, it is very important to think about ways to reduce those emissions, making sustainability an immediate priority for companies worldwide. Small and big businesses alike are looking for eco-friendly methods of doing business. They consistently adopt recyclable, reusable raw materials to manufacture products with the least carbon footprint possible.
Sustainable packaging and labeling solutions
Ethically conscious businesses always seek solutions to keep their environmental impact as low as possible. Sustainable labeling and packaging trends are taking over the market to protect the environment. Eco-friendly, sustainable packaging and labels have become a part of the circular economy.
Businesses are trying many ways to use and promote sustainable labeling and packaging solutions, by implementing smarter waste reduction techniques to bio-based materials and recyclable packaging. By using biodegradable labels and packaging solutions, a brand positions itself as a responsible player in the market. It helps the brand retain existing customers and attracts potential customers who prioritize environmentally friendly choices.
Why choose sustainable labels and packaging solutions?
Sustainable labels help reduce harmful environmental effects and pollution by being biodegradable. Brands can meet consumer demand and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world by embracing the trends in sustainable packaging.
Consumers prefer to remember and choose a product that aligns with their values. Sustainable packaging can be a key differentiator in making the purchasing decision.
With the increasing global consciousness towards sustainable practices, it is no surprise that consumer demand for sustainable labeling and packaging is also growing at an unprecedented rate.
Using green labels reduces the brand's negative effect on the environment.
Product labels and packages are important ways brands promote sustainability, so they prefer green labels. These labels provide valuable information about the environmental impact, materials used, and the manufacturing process of a product. By showcasing commitment to sustainability, brands build their reputation as an environmentally-conscious entity. They gain consumer trust and contribute positively to the planet's health and conservation efforts.
Green labeling is an effective way to protect the ecological environment because green labeling helps reduce the emission of harmful substances during production. Governments and many institutions promote green-labeled products. Using eco-labels helps customers make greener choices and good purchasing decisions.
Four green trends in packaging and labeling
Although many improvements have been made in green packaging products, utilizing recyclable materials is still the best option to support a sustainable economy. As recycling rates increase, there is a growing abundance of products made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) or post-consumer waste (PCW) materials. Brands are accepting recycled plastic, recognizing its value in environmental sustainability and consumer appeal.
- Linerless Labels
Depending on the industry, a brand owner can implement several measures to support sustainability goals throughout the value chain. Shifting from traditional labels to linerless labels can help achieve more sustainability goals in the business.
A linerless label is a label without a liner. The label material is usually attached to a backing liner for support and ease of application. However, this backing liner is not present in linerless labels. These linerless labels streamline production and contribute to a more circular economy by optimizing resource use. It means there will be less production and waste of the liner material. The glue consumption on this label can also be reduced by up to 80%.
The linerless label is unsuitable for industry categories like personal care products or beverages, with line speeds ranging from 200-400 bottles per minute. But linerless labels are a good choice for products with slower line speeds.
Here are some ways linerless labels offer several benefits and environmental benefits:
- Reduce waste
- Require fewer resources for production
- Lower emissions
- Less energy consumption
- Good alternatives for recycling
- Monomaterials
Monomaterials are packaging made from the same material as the labels. This uniformity facilitates recycling. If the labeling material differs from the component, the packaging may not be recyclable. Monomaterials process leads to effective recycling, ensuring sustainability and minimizing environmental impact.
- Recycled materials from food and beverages
Recycled materials, which include recycled plastic, are used in many industries. Brands must prioritize adding recycled materials to their packaging and labeling whenever possible. This applies to food and beverage packaging brands also. Product labels promoting recycled materials support eco-friendly practices and help conserve natural resources.
- Use of in-house solar power plants at manufacturing sites
Many companies are transitioning to cleaner energy sources. For them, solar power is an alternative energy source. Solar power offers many advantages.
Sustainability, cost-effectiveness in the long term, and independence from fluctuating energy prices are some of them. Once solar panels are installed, they generate electricity from sunlight. It offers a renewable and cost-effective energy source. It allows companies to allocate resources toward implementing more sustainable labeling materials or practices.
Sustainable packaging and labeling trends
Companies are using a few more sustainable packaging and labeling trends. Let's have a look at some of them.
- Carbon labeling
It is an additional label on the product, providing the consumer with information on the climate impact of their consumption. It helps consumers become more aware of the impact their choices make.
- Double-sided labels
Double-sided labels are an excellent waste-reduction strategy. In this technique, label printing is done on the reverse side of a transparent laminate. It helps brands eliminate the need for a second pressure-sensitive face stock on clear packaging. This approach reduces the material used and makes packaging more aesthetically pleasing and informative for consumers.
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Light weighting
This process involves using thinner containers and labels that reduce the material used compared to conventional methods. However, this strategy requires careful implementation to ensure the packaging remains robust during shipping and product use.
- Downsizing
It involves decreasing the overall size and volume of product packaging. This process will remove excess waste in the circular economy. It mostly applies to products vulnerable to expiration or environmental degradation. It is important to communicate this strategy effectively to consumers, who need to understand the intent behind smaller packaging sizes.
- Bioplastics & biodegradable materials
They replace unsustainable plastics and other materials that cannot be reused. It entails the rise of bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable packaging and labeling solutions. Renewably sourced materials like rice husks, corn, cotton, wood, and grapes have become more popular. These materials not only come from sustainable sources but are also capable of returning to the earth in a safe and timely manner when composted properly. This trend showcases the industry's creativity in finding Eco-friendly alternatives to traditional, environmentally harmful materials.
- Labels for reusable packaging
The labels must be as durable as the containers. Brands are now designing pressure-sensitive labels. These are built to last far longer than single-use plastic labels. These labels, which withstand repeated use, are good for the environment and provide consumers with the necessary product information over an extended period.
- Circular packaging platforms
Businesses are also exploring circular package platforms. These programs enable packaging exchanges between brands and customers, promoting a zero-waste idea. By recycling or reusing packaging materials, these platforms help reduce waste and extend the lifespan of packaging materials. It contributes to a more sustainable economy.
- Designing for end-of-life
Brands nowadays focus on ensuring their packaging materials are compatible with recycling practices. Combining paper packaging with plastic containers is a good option, but it can create problems in recycling efforts. By considering the end-of-life of packaging materials, brands can ensure they contribute to a truly circular economy.
Conclusion
The packaging industry has adopted sustainability at the forefront of innovation and consumer demand. The use of sustainable labels and packaging is leading to significant growth. Consumer demand for Eco-friendly solutions is driving this growth.
Current trends include using recycled materials, minimalist designs, and transparent labeling practices. Future trends are expected to focus on innovative materials, such as biodegradable options and advancements in sustainable packaging solutions. Embracing these trends will help meet consumer expectations and drive positive environmental impact across industries.
Beast Branding offers custom labels, banners, and stickers for packaging various products across industries. We also have a vast collection of packaging options you can choose from!