Compostable Labels: A Key Component of Eco-Friendly Food Packaging

Sustainability is an increasingly important aspect of product manufacturing. Sometimes, it’s the simplest solutions, like eco-friendly food packaging, that can make the largest difference in meeting sustainability goals.

One component that often gets overlooked, however, is the labels added to food packaging. When a non-compostable label is used on compostable food packaging, it compromises the packaging’s ability to be composted and reduces its viability.

Thus, compostable and biodegradable labels and eco-friendly adhesives are one of the easiest, and most cost-effective ways to ensure you’re engaging in earth-friendly practices and meeting sustainability goals while providing quality products and services.

The 5 R’s of Sustainability

  1. Refuse: Avoid using unnecessary, unsustainable items
  2. Reduce: Use only the items you need to live and be happy
  3. Reuse: Use items more than once, or find a different use for them
  4. Recycle:  Recycling still uses energy and transportation, but it keeps items from being thrown away
  5. Rethink: Minimize waste by reevaluating your buying and consuming habits

Consumer Demand for Sustainability

compostable thermal labels for food packaging by NCCO

Consumers are increasingly looking to sustainability to guide their purchasing choices and define their purchasing habits. A recent study from Blue Yonder found that 78% of consumers consider sustainability when deciding what to buy.

Furthermore, a study conducted by McKinsey & Company confirmed that companies focused on sustainability have enjoyed a larger share of the market – and a sustained boost in consumer spending:

“Over the past five years, products making ESG-related claims accounted for 56 percent of all growth—about 18 percent more than would have been expected given their standing at the beginning of the five-year period: products making these claims averaged 28 percent cumulative growth over the five-year period, versus 20 percent for products that made no such claims.”

Options like compostable labels for compostable food packaging therefore can provide the missing piece of the compostable puzzle – ensuring compostable materials aren’t compromised by non-compostable labels, as mentioned before, while meeting growing consumer demand, and ensuring sustainability goals are met.

Building Consumer Trust with Certified Compostable Labels

sustainable labels for packaging CMA-A Compostable Certified and PFAS-free

Companies that use eco-friendly practices enjoy a boost in their brand image – customers look more favorably on businesses that care about the environment, right down to the label.

The problem, however, is that many companies are claiming to be eco-friendly – catering to sustainability-minded customers – when in fact they’re not doing anything to better serve the planet. This is called greenwashing and is an unfortunately common practice: 72% of North American companies admit to engaging in corporate greenwashing, according to a study conducted by Zippia.

Certified compostable labels, therefore, give customers peace of mind that they’re supporting sustainability and the companies who have committed to a greener future.

Factors to consider when selecting compostable labels for your products

To get the highest-quality eco-friendly adhesive, biodegradable labels, compostable thermal labels, and other sustainable labels for packaging, it’s important to partner with reliable label producers that don’t sacrifice quality or sustainability in order to make a quick sale.

It’s important to look for labels that are:

  • PFAS-free
  • CMA-A Compostable Certified
  • Compliant with ASTM D6400/D6868
  • Crisp and clear in their imprint
  • High-quality with a strong, permanent adhesive

NCCO has been developing innovative, sustainable foodservice solutions for over a century. Investing in compostable labels for your DateCodeGenie® automated labeling system is a win for consumers and the planet.

Datecodegenie compostable thermal labels by NCCO

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