Product, packaging, and design have always been important for brands and consumers alike. But today’s consumers want more from their favorite brands – a consciousness of their footprint on the planet. They want their favorite brands to be responsible, sustainable, and eco-friendly.
Not only do today’s customers want sustainable products, but also packaging, logistics, and production. This expectation is not only placed on large corporations, but also small businesses as well.
Did you know:
- About 60% of consumers are more likely to buy from businesses that use green packaging (according to a survey from the Recycled Paperboard Alliance).
- 78% of consumers feel that sustainability is important.
- 55% of consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly brands.
- 84% of customers say that poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company.
While corporations struggle to reduce their footprint, small businesses are acing the game with sustainable products and eco-friendly labels and packaging. The impact has been clear, you can walk down the aisle of any grocery and see products labeled “environmentally sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” or “fair trade.”
Does your business have a plan to combat waste, pollution, and environmental degradation? Are you ready to make the switch to eco-friendly packaging and products?
If you’ve been searching for a green labeling vendor, you’ve arrived at your destination! M&R Label is your premier label partner that can help your company reach the next level of sustainability! Let’s walk through what eco-friendly custom labels mean and our top expert tips for design…
Eco-Friendly Business Practices Matter in 2023
Why is it important for businesses to step up and reduce their carbon footprint? Climate crises, global warming, and deforestation are on the rise. Now, more than ever, we need to focus on our actions and impact on the environment.
At present, more than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year. Global waste generation is only set to increase which means that the climate situation will continue to escalate. Experts estimate that we can expect an increase of 70% in waste generation, reaching 3.4 billion tons of waste per year by 2050.
Not only our oceans, but our land is at risk too. 10 million hectares of forest are lost each year due to deforestation. Pollution, carbon emissions, and deforestation all contribute to increasing the Earth’s temperature.
Clearly, we have a dire situation at our hands and now is the time to initiate change to save our planet. And it starts from the top down! Every drop in the ocean (or tree cut down) counts. Your conscious business practices matter and switching over to more eco-friendly solutions will make all the difference – to the planet AND your stakeholders.
Everyone wins! What are you waiting for? The sooner your SMB makes the switch, the better…
What Makes a Label “Eco-Friendly”?
An eco-friendly label refers to a product label that is made with environmentally sustainable materials and printing methods. These labels are specifically designed to reduce the impact of the product on the environment by minimizing waste and pollution.
There are several factors that contribute to making a label “eco-friendly”:
- Choice of materials
- Printing method
- Message communicating sustainability
Benefits of Switching to Sustainable Labels
Switching to a more eco-friendly label solution will not only benefit the environment, but also your brand. Here’s how:
- Shows that your business cares about the planet and wishes to reduce your ecological footprint & preserve natural resources.
- Eco-friendly production methods and products enhance brand image. Consumers favor environmentally-conscious brands, helping your company stand out from the less-conscious competition.
- Environmental regulations are getting increasingly strict. Companies with a focus on sustainable solutions can lead the industry, avoid bad PR, and reduce any penalties or fines.
- Eco-friendly practices are an investment that will lead to long-term savings, increased sales, and overall success! While the initial cost may be higher, these practices are resourceful, energy-efficient, and beneficial in the big picture.
- Employees and customers are likely to be more loyal to organizations focused on environmental conservation and sustainable business practices. These stakeholders also become advocates for your brand, increasing likeability.
- Adopting green processes and products foster innovation and creativity. Companies can stand out from the cluttered marketplace with out-of-the-box strategies and unique solutions!
Top Trends in Sustainable Labels and Packaging
Sustainable custom product labels don’t have to be boring – you can be creative and create high-quality professional labels. If you are looking to switch to eco-friendly labels, be sure to check out these top industry trends for sustainable packaging in 2023:
- Biodegradable and compostable materials: Packaging made from biodegradable and compostable materials, such as plant-based plastics, is becoming increasingly popular. These materials break down naturally and do not contribute to landfill waste.
- Recyclable materials: Packaging made from recyclable materials, such as paper and cardboard, is also gaining popularity. These materials can be recycled multiple times, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
- Minimalist packaging: Minimalist packaging uses fewer materials and resources, reducing waste and carbon emissions. This trend is especially popular in the beauty and personal care industries.
- Upcycling and repurposing: Upcycling and repurposing materials, such as using recycled paper or turning plastic waste into clothing, is a popular trend in sustainable packaging. Ask us about creating unique, textured labels!
- Smart packaging: Smart packaging uses technology to reduce waste and improve sustainability, such as packaging that alerts consumers when food is about to expire or packaging that can be reused or recycled.
- Partner with a Sustainable Label Vendor: When deciding to go eco-friendly, what you need is the ideal custom label vendor – one that can meet your demands for sustainable solutions. At M&R Label, we have the expertise and experience to offer you the eco-friendly solutions you need to support your sustainable business goals. Read this warning story about what NOT to do when designing your labels!
Eco-Friendly Label Materials and Practices
Here are a few green materials and label practices that we recommend at M&R Label:
- Recycled paper: Labels made from recycled paper are a great eco-friendly option. The paper can be made from post-consumer waste, which reduces the amount of waste in landfills.
- Biodegradable materials: Labels made from biodegradable materials are designed to break down over time, leaving no trace in the environment. This can include materials such as cornstarch, which decomposes naturally. Learn about choosing the right adhesive here!
- Soy-based inks: Soy-based inks are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable. They produce vibrant colors and can be used to create eco-friendly labels. Find out more about the science behind effective color choice!
- Water-based adhesives: Water-based adhesives are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional adhesives. They are made from water and natural polymers, which reduces their environmental impact.
- Sustainable practices: In addition to eco-friendly label materials, sustainable practices such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and recycling can also help reduce the environmental impact of label production.
M&R Label: Your Partner for Sustainable Success!
Consumers now demand that their favorite brands adopt eco-friendly practices. Meanwhile industry regulators are also pushing for more strict sustainability guidelines. In such a marketplace, caring about your environmental impact is no longer optional.
Being proactive with eco-friendly solutions is bound to help any SMB stay ahead of the curve! Does your business need help minimizing waste and combating pollution – while still creating a quality label? This can be a tall order for any company to try figuring out on their own.
We always recommend partnering with a professional full-service label provider (like us) for expert guidance! Let’s work together to create an outcome that exceeds your expectations. At M&R Label, we already have the expertise and experience in choosing the best materials, finishes, and techniques for your custom label project.
We aim to reduce our ecological footprint through sustainably sourced materials and a sustainable supply chain. Our team deploys and encourages recycling, and responsible waste disposal after production, and we play our part in saving the environment. We’ve worked with multiple businesses over the last three decades to produce high-quality, professional custom labels that make a positive impact on both – customers and the environment alike.
