Sustainable Label Design 101

As the world continues to evolve and new technology emerges, our environmental footprint expands. Businesses across the globe have made it their duty to adopt sustainability practices in order to create eco-friendly brands that help the environment. Not only does it help their brand, but it helps their bottom line too.

Global Brands Leading in Sustainability

IKEA dedicated its entire business process to sustainability with a green strategy titled “People & Planet Positive” where IKEA aims to source materials from sustainable suppliers.

Apple signed a $1 billion deal to run its California headquarters, stores, data centers, and offices on solar energy.

TOMS has donated over 60 million shoes since 2006, and every TOMS shoebox and shoe is made with sustainable materials.

Aldi announced that 100% of its packaging would be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, with a reduction of packaging material across its entire product line of at least 15%.

The Rise of Environmentally Friendly Consumers

“Going green” or becoming eco-friendly not only helps the environment but can drive sales and brand recognition. Consumer statistics back this up:

The global sustainable packaging market will exceed $400 billion in less than a decade, growing by 7.7% each year
Among consumers willing to pay more for sustainability, 53% look for products with environmentally-friendly packaging
The majority of American Gen Z consumers would pay a premium of 10% or more for sustainable products
About 60% of consumers are more likely to buy from businesses that use green packaging

Key Components of Sustainable Label Design

Labeling is a key component of the packaging process and a great place to start when it comes to being environmentally friendly.

Minimalistic Approach

The smaller the label, the less waste. Be efficient with your label size and only include what’s necessary. Reduce the thickness of the label to decrease plastic waste—thinner labels are easier to recycle.

Wash-Off Adhesives

The adhesive used on non-sustainable labels can be counterproductive to the recycling process. Sustainable labels use wash-off adhesives that allow the label to be removed easily with water, helping the recycling process.

Sustainable Inks

Fresh and bold inks can liven up your label significantly, but certain inks and coatings can reduce sustainability. Solvent and petroleum-based inks can release volatile toxins into the environment.

Better alternatives include:

Water-based inks
Vegetable oil-based inks
Soy-based inks

These options have a smaller environmental footprint while still delivering vibrant colors.

Sustainable Label Materials

The material that makes up a label can be sustainably sourced:

Recycled paper - Made from post-consumer waste
Tree-free label stock - Made from bamboo, sugarcane, or cotton
Biodegradable films - Break down naturally over time
FSC-certified materials - From responsibly managed forests

Sustainable Printing Practices

Beyond materials, the printing process itself can be made more sustainable:

Flexographic Printing

Modern flexographic equipment can be eco-friendly by using water-based inks for large orders, minimizing environmental impact and reducing toxins released into the air.

Label Inventory Management

Proper inventory management helps businesses maintain the correct amount of custom labels on hand, reducing unnecessary waste from overproduction.

Direct Thermal Printing

This method costs less to operate and is environmentally friendly since it doesn’t require ink ribbons or toner.

The Business Case for Sustainability

Adopting sustainable label practices offers multiple benefits:

Brand differentiation - Stand out as an environmentally responsible company
Customer loyalty - Appeal to eco-conscious consumers
Cost savings - Reduce material usage and waste disposal costs
Regulatory compliance - Stay ahead of environmental regulations
Future-proofing - Prepare for evolving consumer expectations

Getting Started

Making your products more green and environmentally friendly starts with choosing the right label partner. Look for a printer with:

Experience in sustainable materials
Water-based ink capabilities
Efficient printing processes that minimize waste
Knowledge of eco-friendly adhesives and substrates

The transition to sustainable labels doesn’t have to happen overnight—even small changes can make a significant impact over time.