Responsible use of natural resources is becoming increasingly important for businesses and consumers alike. At label.co.uk, we are continuously exploring more sustainable materials, production methods and product options to help reduce environmental impact while maintaining the high quality our customers expect. We also believe in providing clear and transparent information to help you make informed purchasing decisions. Sustainability can mean different things depending on the application, material and disposal method, so we’ve put together this guide to explain some of the key terms and answer the questions we are asked most frequently.
Key Sustainability terms:
#1 Sustainable:
A product or process is considered sustainable when it helps preserve natural resources and minimises its impact on the environment over the long term. Sustainable practices aim to meet today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
#2 Recyclable:
A material is recyclable if it can be collected, processed and used again to create new products.
Recyclability depends on several factors, including the material itself, local recycling infrastructure and whether different materials are combined within the product. Materials such as paper, glass, aluminium and certain plastics can often be recycled effectively when correctly sorted and processed.
#3 Compostable
Compostable materials break down into natural elements under specific conditions. It is important to distinguish between industrial composting and home composting. Industrial composting facilities operate under carefully controlled conditions, including temperature, moisture and microbial activity, whereas home composting systems vary considerably. As a result, some materials certified as industrially compostable may not be suitable for home composting.
FAQs
Are Your Labels Vegan?
Yes. The HP Indigo inks we use are vegan, and certification can be provided on request. However, our material suppliers do not currently offer a label construction in which both the facestock and adhesive are certified vegan. As a result, we cannot currently offer a fully vegan label solution.
Are Your Materials Recyclable?
In many cases, yes. However, recyclability depends on both the label material and the packaging to which it is applied. Labels and packaging are often made from different materials, which can make sorting and recycling more challenging. As recycling capabilities vary between local authorities and waste management facilities, we recommend separating labels and packaging wherever possible before disposal. If separation is not practical, disposal should generally follow the guidance applicable to the main packaging material.
Are Your Labels Compostable?
Our standard labels are not suitable for home composting. Because a label consists of both a facestock and an adhesive layer, compostability depends on the complete label construction rather than the material alone. We currently offer two facematerials – NatureFlex White and NatureFlex Clear – which, when combined with the S9500 adhesive, are certified for industrial composting under the OK Compost standard.
Please note that additional finishes such as hot foil stamping, varnishes and laminates can affect the compostability and recyclability of a label.
What Sustainability Benefits Do FSC® Materials Offer?
Some of our materials are certified under the FSC® Mix Credit scheme.
This certification confirms that the paper originates from a combination of responsibly managed FSC®-certified forests, recycled materials and other controlled sources. FSC® Mix Credit materials contain at least 70% FSC®-certified or post-consumer recycled content.
For more information, please visit the FSC website.
Do You Offer Labels Made from 100% Recycled Paper?
We are currently testing materials with a higher recycled content. At present, however, there is no commercially available self-adhesive label construction in which both the facestock and release liner are manufactured entirely from 100% recycled material.
Do You Offer Fully Compostable Labels?
Not currently.
While some facematerials can be industrially composted, compostability depends on the combination of facestock, adhesive and any additional finishes. At present, there is no label construction available to us that meets the requirements for a fully compostable self-adhesive label.
How Should Labels Be Disposed Of?
Disposal depends on both the label and the packaging to which it is attached. In most cases, packaging should be disposed of according to local recycling guidelines for the primary packaging material. Where possible, labels and packaging should be separated before disposal.
Unused labels and release liners that cannot be recycled locally should be disposed of with general waste.
Still have questions? Call us on +44 203 588 1080 or email info@label.co.uk.