09 Apr Is There a Growing Need for Renewable Packaging Materials?

Sustainable packaging has become vitally important over the past few years, as consumers become more focused on the environment. Choosing sustainable packaging materials is the key to being an ecologically friendly provider. Most consumers are considering their environmental impact these days, so this is not something you can afford to ignore as a manufacturer.

In January 2020, the technology giant IBM released a large study on global consumer trends. Created in partnership with the US National Retail Federation, it polled nearly 19,000 consumers from 28 countries across all generations and demographics — it revealed that the importance of brand purpose is now greater than cost and convenience for shoppers. According to the study, a third of all consumers would stop buying their favourite products if they lost trust in the brand, while another third had already stopped purchasing long-time preferred products in 2019.

It certainly seems as though consumers are now prioritising those that are sustainable, transparent and aligned with their core values when making purchasing decisions. The study also found that, on average, 70% of purpose-driven shoppers will pay an added premium of 35% more on upfront cost for sustainable purchases, such as recycled or eco-friendly goods. Additionally, 57% are willing to change their purchasing habits in order to help reduce their negative environmental impacts.

Understanding eco-friendly labels

Before we talk to you about wood-based films, there are a few terms you should know so that you can better understand the differences between eco-friendly label types.

• Recycled: The label contains materials recycled from the manufacturing process or consumer waste.
• Renewable: The label comes from resources that replenish as quickly as they’re used. Examples of renewable materials include sugar cane, corn and bamboo.
• Recyclable: The label can safely go through the entire recycling process. Most pressure-sensitive label adhesives cannot go through recycling unless the label has a recycling compatible adhesive, which is currently only available for paper-to-paper applications.
• FSC Certified: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. According to its website, “FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.”
• Tree-free label stock: A white paper-like stock made from sugar cane bamboo pulp and cotton linters. Tree-free label stock provides a smooth print surface and is ideal for specialty wine and food labels.

What is wood based film?

A new wood-based polypropylene film material came onto the market last year. It is a 100 percent wood-based solution that comes from sustainably managed forests. This innovative film answers brand owners’ need to replace traditional fossil-based virgin materials with renewable ones. It offers businesses an efficient and impactful way to reach beyond their sustainability goals without compromising their product performance.

We can build a more sustainable future by replacing fossil-based, non-renewable materials with renewable alternatives from wood-based biomass. We can use raw materials efficiently to create new products and services based on wood fibre, biomolecules, residues and side streams.

How are wood film labels made?

Wood chips are ground down to form a pulp when paper is made. The oils that are produced are transformed into a material which forms the foundation of a white and clear polyolefin wood film self-adhesive. This sustainable label material has the same performance as a standard PP self-adhesive material. It is highly hard-wearing, and can be supplied in clear or white. Wood film is printable – like any other PP substrate with flexo, digital, foil or screen and is suitable for machine application. Since you lose nothing in the performance of the label, there’s really no reason not to go with the sustainable option and do our part to build a better tomorrow.

Get in touch today to talk to us about RGS Labels commitment to sustainability and providing our customers with ethical options for all your labelling needs.