Why Sustainable Labels Are Important

Consumers View on Sustainable Label Materials

Brand’s commitments to adopting more environmentally friendly practices is growing in importance as today’s savvy consumers recognise the need for businesses to reduce their environmental footprint. In fact, according to research from Nielsen 73% of global consumers said “they would definitely or probably change their consumer habits to reduce their impact on the environment”. At Smith & McLaurin, we don’t want you to feel daunted by changing to sustainable label materials as long-term the opportunities and benefits will outweigh the risks for your brand, particularly if you have sustainable targets to be met.

Don’t Let the Risks Outweigh the Opportunities

Not adjusting your labels and packaging to more sustainable solutions pose risks to your brand of potentially losing customers to competitors who are employing more environmentally friendly labelling and packaging techniques. In addition, if you are already locked in to a supplier with order replenishment to maximise your operations and supply chain, then it would be beneficial to commence research to find an alternative sustainable label supplier, or explore new sustainable materials with your current supplier. Issues you want to ensure you avoid:

• Will sustainable label solutions not be too pricey? There’s an association that the cost of sustainable solutions will be too high to consider changing to.
• Supply chain disruption – In the current climate where supply chain disruptions can be unpredictable, it is important materials are available and any disruption to materials are eliminated to ensure you avoid any issues with production and output.
• Label design & aesthetics – It is unlikely you will not be able to achieve a consistent label design and aesthetic by changing to more sustainable label materials as sustainable materials are available in a large variety of finishes.
• Where do you even start? Speaking to a highly reputable sustainable label material manufacturer with an abundance of expertise will take the stress off you finding the best solution, as they will be able to source a solution which is tailored to your requirements and ensure this is suitable for your end application.

Start with Sustainable Label Materials

Let us guide you to the best place to start and ensure your labels are sustainable:

1. Ensure you are using a label manufacturer who are FSC® certified, as this signifies that their materials are responsibly sourced and the materials available meet the highest environmental and social standards.
2. Innovative and recycle-friendly – Your supplier should also be able to offer innovative alternatives to other solutions, such as adhesives and label materials which do not interfere with the recycling of the end materials, such as PET bottles. This also allows your brand to play a key role in sustainability by maximising the recyclability of plastic used. If this is of interest, then check out our PurityWash range of wash-off adhesives.
3. Start small – Request the manufacturer or supplier runs a small trial of your new sustainable material so you can ensure this is fit for purpose before scaling up and switching to sustainable materials long-term. This will also help you reduce risks with the final quality of materials long-term.

Chat to our Team

If you’re looking to switch to sustainable label materials, speak to our team, we have over 170 years’ experience manufacturing labels and are FSC® certified (FSC® C002557). We will listen to your unique requirements, sustainability goals and present you with a variety of sustainable label solutions which could be perfect for your brand.

*Photo by PMV Chamara.