IS 2020 STILL THE BREAKOUT YEAR FOR A SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING?

/in /by

Last year one of our blogs pondered the question: Is Sustainable Packaging a Fairy Tale? Until now, eco-friendly choices have been limited and have not performed as well as traditional materials.  Clients would  come to us with a long list of requirements for their packaging, including sustainable labels.  Most of the time, we needed to manage expectations on what is actually achievable.  However, when 2020 began, we had been testing out a few new eco-friendly substrate options. and were feeling a bit more optimistic! Click for a free sample kit.

Even though Covid-19 has changed almost  EVERYTHING, we have found that the interest in eco-friendly packaging remains strong! Here are a few options to consider:

Under Pressure

In the pressure sensitive category, Hemp label stock is a newer alternative that we are excited about.  It’s high quality, durable and brighter than previous recyclable choices.

Film At Eleven

Given the rise in popularity of shrink sleeves and flexible packaging, breakthroughs in film are especially needed.  We are starting to see some significant advances in plastic resins and extrusions, resulting in both recyclable and compostable options for film packaging:

  • In the shrink sleeve category, we are working with SmartCycle, which is actually produced from recycled PET bottles. This option is more resilient than previous shrink films and has the potential to be a sustainable packaging game changer.
  • For flexible packaging, we are currently testing a plastic-free compostable film product that’s heat sealable and resistant to oils and greases.

We’ve Already Got The Green Light 

Because Overnight Labels is a certified member of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), we are at the forefront of what is available today.  These new options round out Overnight Labels current portfolio of eco-friendly products, which include:

  • CleanFlake™ Adhesive – Too much recyclable PET plastic ends up in the waste stream because of contamination from conventional labels, which don’t separate cleanly during the recycling process. This breakthrough adhesive allows the label and package to neatly detach during the recycling process, resulting in pure PET flakes, the conservation of virgin PET resources, and less landfill waste.
  • Additional eco-friendly stocks like ,tree-free stock made from bamboo, bagasse, and cotton linterseco friendly labels
  • Water-based inks with limited VOCs (volatile organic compounds)

Although the packaging industry has just scratched the surface, it has made great strides regarding sustainability.  We are starting to see the gap between what brands’ desire and what is possible narrowing.  While it’s still about choosing what works best, these recent developments suggest that sustainable packaging is not just a fairy tale…it’s a true story that’s here to stay.

 

We’re Giving the “Green Light” to a Comprehensive Eco-Friendly Packaging Portfolio

/in , /by

Overnight Labels has been focused on sustainability in the packaging industry for more than a decade.  In fact, we started winning awards for sustainable packaging in 2007 and are vigilant in researching the newest innovations.  Over time, we realized that there was more to “going green” than just recycled paper stock.  That’s why we’re unveiling an entire eco-friendly packaging  portfolio – from stocks, to adhesive and even industry certifications – to address customers desires to be environmentally conscious.

“Just two years ago, when talking to customers about sustainable packaging, there were only a few items available and most would not work for their needs, said Don Earl, president of Overnight Labels.  “It’s  gratifying to see the changes in the packaging industry and to be able to offer an entire portfolio of packaging options.”

eco friendly labels Eco-Friendly Packaging Portfolio Materials:

  • Tree-free stock made from hemp, bamboo, bagasse, cotton linters and used burlap coffee bags.
  • Sustainable Shrink Sleeves, Multi-packs and Neck Bands are made with Smartcycle, which is produced from recycled PET bottles. This option is more resilient than previous eco-friendly shrink films.  We also offer EarthFirst® PLA, made from corn, which is 100% compostable.
  • Compostable Flexible Packaging
  • Water-based inks with limited VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
  • CleanFlake™ Adhesive: 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.

Certifications:Sustainable Green Printing Partnership

Rounding out the portfolio is being a certified member of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership.  When a printing facility is a certified Sustainable Green Printer, they must follow sustainability best practices, including and beyond regulatory compliance and reduce their environmental impact.

Ready to talk about really going green? Contact Overnight Labels at 631-242-4240 or info@overnightlabels.com.

New to the Hand Sanitizer Business? The Right Label Materials Matter.

/in , /by

We all know that Covid-19 has dramatically changed most businesses for the foreseeable future.  No one could have predicted that fashion companies would be making face masks. Or that beer, wine and spirit brands would be producing hand sanitizer.

In fact, sales of gel-based hand sanitizers saw a 73% spike in March 2020 and the US hand sanitizer market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% through 2025.  With store shelves and online outlets of this important item out of stock, both established and new businesses are ramping up production lines to help. But, switching gears with your product not only means a new label design.  Because of the high alcohol content, it may also require a change to your label material.

For example, many wine brands tend to print their labels on a high-end paper stock.  This allows them to choose something that may be textured and typically gives an old world look.  Some use specialty techniques like embossing to add a luxury quality and help their brand stand out.  But these stocks and effects won’t cut it for a hand sanitizer.  You run the risk that the labels will peel off, the printed ink will run/smear, and important information about the product will be illegible.

Better With BOPP

For hand sanitizers, a biaxially oriented polypropelyne material, commonly known as BOPP is highly recommended.  The moisture and solvent resistance qualities of BOPP have made it a popular material for personal care, household and food & beverage items. It’s preferred because it is durable, non-toxic and the ink will not migrate. BOPP is available in white, clear or silver with either gloss or matte laminates.  BOPP is an ideal material to use if your business is using a container that is new to the brand and want a straight forward label shape to save time on overall design.  You can also add Also a high end tactile lamination to add a little pizazz to a basic product label.

Shrink Sleeves LabelsShrink Sleeve Success

Shrink sleeves are a perfect fit for hand sanitizers that will be produced in uniquely shaped bottles and containers. This packaging allows for a 360 degree view of graphics, added protection from breakage, and can mask uneven fill lines.  Shrink Sleeves are ideal for companies that will be using the same containers as previously produced products, so they won’t have the added time usually needed in the sleeve templating process.

The Correct Combination

In addition to material, other considerations include ink, adhesive and lamination.  It’s crucial that your label supplier has the expertise to recommend that right combination of all three.  Overnight Labels has been in business for over 30 years and has an expertise in knowing the appropriate products to use that can withstand the high alcohol content found in hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and other in-demand Covid-19 products.  We’re open and here to help.

For a quote or more information, email custservice@overnightlabels.com or call 631-242-4240.