Switching to Eco-Friendly Labels & Adhesives
We go out of our way to ensure that the packaging we supply is as eco-friendly as possible, within the remits of its material and intended use. Whilst we know we’ll never be able to supply 100% domestic recyclable packaging across the range (well, not as long as there’s demand for the traditional poly shippers, anyway), we do try our best to limit our footprint on the environment and encourage reuse and recycling wherever possible. So we do find it frustrating when we know that, despite our best efforts, the labels stuck on after we’ve sold our packaging on may not be eco-friendly, or not fixed on with eco-friendly glue.
People tend to think more about the materials they can see and use rather than the ones they can’t or that only serve one purpose; in this case, address/packaging labels and the glue being used to hold them in place. Whilst eco-friendly products in both categories do exist, they’re not always readily available or easy to identify on the shelves.
Hydropac offers every customer a customized solution for chilled and conditioned shipping. For example, we help a customer with limited freezing capacity to deliver gel packs frozen and ready to use, and we can manufacture almost all shapes and sizes of cooling elements. As a customer, you come first: we are here to help you.
What Makes an Eco-Friendly Label?
For a label to be classed as “eco-friendly” it should have one or more of the following attributes:
- Be recyclable
- Be made of recycled materials
- Be made of waste material
- Be wood free
- Be biodegradable
- Be compostable
Ideally you want a label that ticks as many of these as possible; for example, it is possible to buy labels made from wood pulp or sugar cane bi products that would otherwise be wasted. These are biodegradable, recyclable and compostable. Other label products can be made from wood free paper, which is OK to compost and biodegradable as well.
What Makes an Eco-Friendly Adhesive?
Some labels are self-adhesive so you would hope that an eco-friendly label uses eco-friendly glue, but just be sure that they do. For it to be meet this criteria, it should have one or more of the following attributes:
- Be PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) free
- Be petrochemical free (chemicals derived from petroleum such as ethylene, propylene and benzene)
- Be non-toxic
- Be made from natural materials
It is possible to buy adhesives or adhesive tapes as a separate product to use with labels that are not self-adhesive.
Making the Eco-Friendly Choice
It can be hard to make the switch from “normal” paper labels and glue to an eco-friendly version as these are often cheaper to buy in bulk and have a much simpler supply chain; most shops and Post Offices will sell paper to make a label with and PVA glue or Sellotape to stick it on at a pinch.
Finding an eco-version is not as easy. Quite often they are more expensive (in varying degrees) and only available from certain manufacturers, which means you have to be more organised and ensure you don’t run out.
Switching to an eco-friendly solution will not only benefit the environment but also help your reputation across the board with partners and customers. It’s well known that materials such as PTFE and petrochemicals are harmful to air quality, wildlife and plants and awareness is only increasing as time
Sustainability Hydropac and CSR
Sustainability isn’t just a trend for us – it’s a promise. As we innovate, create, and lead, we keep our planet’s well-being at the forefront. With Hydropac, you’re not just preserving the quality of your cargo; you’re contributing to a healthier world.
Experience the power of sustainable temperature assurance with Hydropac – where excellence and environmental responsibility coexist for a brighter future.
