Over the last few years, two of the most common words used in packaging are eco-friendly and sustainable. Packaging decision-makers typically think they are being good corporate citizens if they use eco-friendly paper stock, but there are many other elements to consider in order for a product to truly “go green.”

As a recipient of a numerous Sustainable Packaging and Environmental Excellence Awards, Overnight Labels has been at the forefront of this movement for many years. We are constantly on the lookout for the newest innovations in eco-friendly packaging. Here are a few options available on the market for you to consider:

Sustainable Shrink Sleeves, Multi-packs and Neck Bands:

Unlike petrochemical based resins, EarthFirst® PLA is a wonderful green option. Since it is made from corn, it’s 100% compostable, shrinks at a lower temperature and the plastic is made from 100% annually renewable plant resources. At ONL, we use water-based inks on this film, which contain 90% fewer VOCs than solvent based inks.

Avery Dennison CleanFlake™:

You’ve chosen a PET bottle for its recyclability, however, there is a catch. Pressure-sensitive labels typically limit PET recycling into food-grade due to adhesive contamination. In fact, 560 million PET bottles are wasted every year in the recycling process, largely due to incompatible label materials.

CleanFlake™ is a water-based, recyclable adhesive that cleanly separates during the PET Plastic recycling process resulting in pure PET flakes, the conservation of virgin PET resources, and less landfill waste.

Flexible Packaging:

Yes, we know that this is not exactly top-of-mind when it comes to “green” materials, but there are some eco-friendly benefits to using film.  Did you know that flexible packaging is a great environmental choice because it uses fewer resources, generates fewer emissions and creates less waste? When it comes to shipping, flexible packaging takes up less volume than an equal amount of bottles or cans and requires less fuel, which reduces the carbon footprint.

Partner With A Sustainable Green Printer:

You’ve made a big step in choosing eco-friendly materials, but complete the sustainable supply chain by working with a printer that shares your same values. When a facility is a certified Sustainable Green Printer, they must follow sustainability best practices, including and beyond regulatory compliance and reduce their environmental impact.

Running an efficient facility is as important as printing on compostable or recycled materials. When Overnight Labels received our SGP certification, we went from 23,668.43 pounds of ink waste to just 4,886.57.

 Ready to talk about really going green? Give us a call at 800-472-5753, or email info@overnightlabels.com.