A sensible and responsible interaction with our planet and its resources is becoming increasingly important. Thus, label.co.uk are constantly looking for more sustainable materials and processes to make sure we meet our customers’ needs. Furthermore, it is important to us to provide all information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase. Different factors can play into this decision-making process. So, we would like to answer your frequently asked questions about the properties of our materials.
The most important terms:
Sustainable
Products and processes can be described as sustainable as long as they do not compromise natural resources for the future. In general, sustainable practices are aimed at responsible handling of the planet’s resources. This is especially important in times of increasing pollution and environmental destruction. With a growth of sustainable products and practices, we secure the inhabitability of our planet for future generations.
Recyclable
Materials are recyclable when they can be processed and reused as soon as they are defective or deemed to be waste. Products can only be recycled if they are not a mix of different materials. Thus, materials such as glass, plastics or metals, for example, can be recycled well.
The raw material that is produced during the recycling process can be reused and thus, contributes to a circular economy. Reusing and repurposing products has become a trend and can replace neo-liberal, capitalist consumer behaviours.
Compostable
It is important to distinguish between industrial composting and domestic composting. While domestic composting usually happens in a garden on a private property, industrial composting takes place on a much larger scale. Therefore, it is difficult to compare these processes to each other. However, it is safe to say that both practices are beneficial to our planet’s overall wellbeing.
Your FAQs:
Are Your Labels Vegan?
Yes, the HP Indigo inks are vegan. The corresponding certificate can be provided at any time upon request.
Unfortunately, the manufacturers from whom we source our label materials do not currently offer a vegan adhesive + material combination.
Are the Materials Recyclable?
Basically: yes. However, the combination of label + packaging is often a material mix and therefore, a special case.
In the UK sorting plants currently still cannot always clearly allocate and separate different substances (especially mixed materials). So, the ideal solution is to dispose of the label and packaging/product separately. Otherwise, the disposal is based on the larger share of label and packaging.
Are the Materials Compostable?
No. As a label is always a composite of adhesive and face material, our labels can unfortunately not currently be composted via domestic compost.
Currently we can offer two face materials in combination with a special adhesive (S9500), which have the so- called OK compost certificate and are industrially compostable: Natureflex White and Natureflex Clear.
Please note: Additional finishes such as hot foil, protective varnish or lamination additionally seal the surface of the label and affect the compostability/recyclability of the label.
What Level of Sustainability Do the FSC Materials offer?
Some of our materials are FSC certified (FSC Mix Credit). This means that the material is made from controlled resources such as FSC-certified forests and/or recycled material. At least 70% FSC-certified materials or post-consumer recycled material are used.
For more information visit the FSC’s website: https://www.fsc-uk.org/en-uk
Do You Have Recycled Paper made of 100% recycled material?
We are currently testing such a material. But again: There is currently no composite material on the market where both the face and the backing material are made of 100% recycled material.
Do You Have Solutions that Are 100% Compostable?
No. Composting is always about the combination of face material and adhesive. Although some of our face materials are theoretically compostable (industrial), there is currently no suitable adhesive on the market that meets the criteria.
In What Type of Waste Should the Labels Be Disposed of?
A distinction must be made between the label itself and the product on which it is affixed: How the product (and thus the label) is disposed of depends on the larger packaging. The pure labels or carriers can be disposed of in the residual waste. Ideally, the label and packaging should be disposed of separately.
