Navigating sustainable label solutions Navigating Sustainable Labels Guide
As sustainability becomes increasingly important to both consumers and regulators, CPG brands seek eco-friendly solutions. Choosing the right sustainable label requires considering key factors that ensure your packaging meets these growing expectations.
Start with four simple questions
Fortunately, improving the sustainability of your label may be simpler than you think. By answering these four questions, MCC can recommend a solution that aligns with your brand’s goals.
LABEL TYPE
CONTAINER MATERIAL
GEOGRAPHIC REGION
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
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Selecting the right sustainable label solution requires thoughtful consideration of several factors. MCC can guide you through each step. Contact our team to explore ways MCC can help you achieve your sustainability and business objectives.
How is your product packaged?
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
The material of your container plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals. The label and adhesive must be compatible with the container to ensure recyclability or reuse.
What type of label does your product currently have?
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
The type of label is key to achieving sustainability goals and maintaining brand consistency. Whether you prefer to keep the same label construction or are open to change, the label, adhesive, and container must be compatible.
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Where is your product being sold?
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Geographic regions have different regulations, infrastructure, and material availability. For it to be a practical solution, your label must abide by local legislation and be compatible with the area’s recycling systems.
CONSIDERATIONS
Labels and adhesives should be selected based on the container material. For example, glass bottles may be best suited for paper labels with water-based adhesives, while plastic containers may require plastic labels to ensure compatibility with recycling processes.
Common container materials include HDPE, PP, and glass. Each material has a slightly different recycling process, which can vary based on the region.
CONSIDERATIONS
Pressure-sensitive labels (PSL), shrink sleeves, and roll-fed labels are common label types for CPG products. Each label type has different adhesive and material requirements that must be aligned with the container and the recycling process.
For instance, shrink sleeves may require perforations for easier removal, while PSLs need adhesives that don’t contaminate the recycling stream.
CONSIDERATIONS
Areas with advanced recycling systems have mandatory guidelines for what label materials can be used. For example, in the EU market, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) imposes stringent rules on packaging materials.
Local organizations such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) in the United States or the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) can also provide guidance for acceptable design parameters that ensure recyclability.
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What improvements would you like to make to your current label?
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Your sustainability goal guides your choice of materials, adhesives, and label technologies. Whether it’s reducing carbon footprint, enabling reusability, or enhancing recyclability, MCC can recommend an appropriate solution.
CONSIDERATIONS
To minimize carbon footprint, consider labels made from recycled materials or those that use less energy in production. Downgauging is another option to reduce material usage while maintaining durability and visual appeal.
In regions where reusable glass is supported, the label must be made of a wash-off material that easily detaches from the bottle during the washing process.
To improve recyclability, select labels that are easily separated from the container or compatible with recycling processes in your region.
LABEL TIP
The label may be small, but it has a significant impact on the sustainability of your packaging. MCC provides solutions to ensure label and container compatibility, no matter the material.
LABEL TIP
Choose a label that complements your container material and promotes sustainability. MCC offers a wide range of label types and innovations to choose form.
LABEL TIP
Make sure your label complies with regional and local standards. MCC stays on top of ever-changing legislation and can help you navigate these nuances.
LABEL TIP
Define your goal, then let that drive your label decisions. MCC can help you evaluate your current label and recommend the best solutions for reducing environmental impact, enabling reuse, or enhancing recyclability.
For instance, you can request a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to compare the carbon footprints of different label options.