Many industrial production processes have become overly reliant on natural resources. The result of this is a rapid depletion of various reserves and that in turn poses a threat to our very existence on the planet. Additionally, some materials used in production either take ages to decompose or in their decomposition process cause harm to the environment.
In many cases, when labeling products, with container labels, we may tend focus so much on appeal, application and performance that we forget this very crucial matter of eco-friendliness. Here are a few pointers to consider before printing container labels to ensure they are ecologically sound:
Production Process
Labels are most commonly made of paper which is derived from trees or synthetic materials which might contain substances like petroleum, a compound found in fossil fuel – also a natural resource. Even though some of these natural resources are renewable, they might take decades, even centuries to get replenished. The implication is that at the rate they are getting depleted currently, they will certainly run out long before new reserves are generated.
This calls for a radical change in production processes to ensure minimal usage of non-renewable resources, reduced usage of renewable ones, and more serious campaigns on reusing and recycling packaging materials.
Recyclable Material
The use of recyclable materials results in a significant reduction of waste production. It takes a very small fraction of energy to recycle as opposed to manufacturing labels from scratch. It also reduces on the energy that would have been wasted in disposal processes, for instance, incineration, and the resulting green-house gas emissions.
Durability
Labels made from high quality material are bound to last longer and subsequently reduce on the production load for businesses, especially if the packaging is to be recycled. This therefore has the double benefits of environmental conservation and cost reduction.
Disposal Processes
Most of the commonly waste disposal processes take a serious toll on the environment; from emission of green-house gases that deplete the ozone layer, to acid rain and various health complications on both humans and wildlife. One way to curb these effects is by being more proactive in our choice of packaging and labeling materials. Choose compostable and bio-degradable materials over ordinary petro-chemical ones. This information will usually be included on the actual labels to create awareness and accountability.
Note that even synthetic materials can be made biodegradable by including such natural ingredients as vegetable oil or corn starch during the production process.
Brand Promise and Advertising
Creating eco-consciousness in consumers should be done by reminding them to recycle the used products, alerting them to what is compostable, and generally letting them know that your company is committed to conserving the environment. Remember to live up to this commitment as consumers generally hold businesses accountable for promises made.
Studies have shown that businesses that place an emphasis on “green” products have a considerable edge over those that do not, as more and more people are committed to saving our planet. Choose to print eco-friendly container labels today by following the above simple outline and having a partner that is committed to environmental conservation.
At Cut Sheet Labels, we are committed to offering eco-friendly labeling solutions, keeping your business ahead of the rest while ensuring a better tomorrow for the next generation.
