Sustainability Update

Sustainability remains one of the label and package printing industry’s most pressing topics, especially as brands and consumers emphasize the environmental friendliness of their products. Suppliers have worked diligently to ensure their products contribute to a lower carbon footprint. From press manufacturers to substrate suppliers, every aspect of the supply chain is affected.

The goals are clear, too. “Sustainability today is primarily focused on enabling circular packaging by using materials that can be repurposed, recycled, or composted instead of sent to landfills,” states Lara Pearson, sustainability program manager, Avery Dennison. “Sustainability is a top-of-mind priority for customers, driven by consumer demand and the pressure for large brands to reach their 2030 sustainability goals. This interest is coming from both ends of the value chain, as investors and potential regulations on sustainability disclosure further intensify the focus.”

According to Michelle Garza, director of Strategic Accounts, Anderson & Vreeland, sustainability has shifted from a long-term initiative to a near-term operational priority. “We’re seeing more converters evaluate their entire workflow – from substrates and inks to platemaking and processing,” says Garza. “Where the industry continues to evolve is in measuring true environmental impact across the full production lifecycle. There is still an opportunity to move beyond individual components and take a more holistic approach, particularly in areas like energy consumption, waste reduction, and emissions tied to plate processing.”

When it comes to regulations and legislation, compliance is critical. “The question is no longer whether sustainability matters, but rather how to comply with voluntary guidelines (such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Design Guide), as well as evolving regulation, including extended producer responsibility (EPR), while implementing label designs that support circularity downstream,” says Nikola Juhasz, global technical director, Sustainability, Sun Chemical.

According to Juhasz, most interactions now start with very practical points: Can this coating eliminate the need for lamination? Will this ink wash off cleanly (no wash water staining) and in filterable form? Will this ink and coating system provide retention in a caustic wash bath? Is this ink or coating APR-recognized, and will it allow APR recognition of your final label?  

In many cases, claims are not enough. Brands want data backing the environmental initiatives taking place at the supplier and converter levels.

“What has evolved most in recent years is the level of scrutiny behind sustainability claims,” remarks Lisa Ivey, R&D technical manager, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives. “Companies are being asked to validate those claims with real data and documentation, driven by growing regulatory pressure in markets around the world. That includes legislation and requirements tied to recyclability, extended producer responsibility, single-use plastics, PFAS restrictions, and broader packaging regulations. As a result, sustainability conversations have become much more nuanced. It is no longer enough to position a product as simply eco-friendly.” 

“Another topic driven by the ambitions of bigger producers and brands is the need to substantiate claims with external validations and enable decision-making based on data,” adds Anna Hunt, director of marketing, Sustainability and Communications, Americas, UPM Adhesive Materials. “Brands feel the pressure to substantiate their claims to reduce the risk and reputational damage of greenwashing. Therefore, all the suppliers in the value chain must substantiate their claims.”

For example, UPM boasts a Platinum ranking from EcoVadis and is also on the CDP A-list. The company is also in the top 10% by S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. “We pursue these external validations to substantiate our commitment and actions we take to reduce our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, to enhance packaging circularity, and to use natural resources responsibly,” notes Hunt.

There are numerous considerations from label converters and their brand owner customers. “We frequently hear concerns around VOC emissions, solvent handling, disposal costs, and creating safer working environments,” notes Garza. “Many converters are also being asked by their customers to support broader ESG and carbon reduction initiatives. As a result, they’re looking for practical solutions that deliver measurable environmental improvements without disrupting production.”

The conversation has become increasingly more nuanced. “Historically, attention centered on key issues inherent to labels themselves, especially management of liner and matrix waste,” explains Juhasz. “Then focus widened to general ‘recyclable’ claims. Today, the discussion is increasingly about how labels actually behave in real recycling systems, and whether specific design choices support or interfere with positive outcomes.

“What is changing most across the value chain is a deepening technical understanding of the key drivers,” continues Juhasz. “Topics such as floating and sinking labels, ink retention versus wash off, non-bleeding performance, primer and lamination elimination, and label or sleeve compatibility with caustic wash processes are now part of routine discussions, not limited to specialist conversations.”

There is also a practical aspect to sustainability. While nearly all aspects of the value chain agree on the need for sustainable progress, finances will often come into play.

“At this point, most companies are conscious of sustainability and a lot of their clients are requesting it of them in the products they use or sell,” remarks Tyler Thomas, national sales manager, Anderson & Vreeland. “The improvement area for sustainability is being willing to pay for it. Some sustainable practices require additional steps, qualifications, or are more expensive materials than less sustainable options.”

There has been tangible progress. What was once an afterthought decades ago is now top-of-mind for most. “We have definitely taken steps in the right direction in the label and package printing industry in terms of innovating products and setting an expectation for the transition to more sustainable materials,” states Hunt. “I believe that we all recognize that the entire packaging value chain can contribute with actions around climate, circularity, and nature.”

Inks are one such area that has seen noticeable improvements. “Inks play a much larger role in sustainability than many people realize,” adds Renee Schouten, vice president of marketing, INX International Ink Co. “They influence not only how packaging performs in production and on-shelf, but also how that package behaves with end-of-life. The right ink system can help reduce hazardous chemistry, improve recyclability, support compostability goals where appropriate, enable lower-energy curing, and help brand owners meet evolving regulatory and ESG expectations.”

“The industry has made meaningful progress with the adoption of lower VOC water-based inks and coatings that can replace solvent-based systems, an emphasis on energy-curable (UV/LED/EB) inks and coatings, which are inherently low VOC, and lower-VOC oil-based ink systems, along with improvements in press efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and waste minimization,” adds Jennifer Dickson, regulatory manager, Wikoff. 

To achieve optimal success, collaboration throughout the supply chain is key. “We are working with suppliers and partners to evaluate renewable raw materials and emerging compostability considerations, recognizing that these areas require continued R&D validation and application-specific testing,” states Brandon Devis, vice president, Wikoff. “Our sustainability strategy is supported by active industry engagement and certifications, including EcoVadis participation, SGP certification, and membership in the Association of Plastic Recyclers and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.” 

Working with customers is also key to ensuring sustainable growth. For Avery Dennison, customers have shown an increasing demand for higher percentages of post-consumer waste (PCW), with new wine and spirit facestocks now containing between 30% and 100% PCW and new film liners with 90% recycled content.  

“Sustainability has evolved to include carbon footprinting tools that help customers compare alternatives and track the environmental impact of their labels,” adds Pearson.

Sustainability is not just a concern for suppliers, as the entire supply chain is tackling the issues head on. “Brand owners, converters, and retailers are all asking more detailed questions about recyclability, renewable-content options, regulatory compliance, product safety, carbon impact, and how packaging choices support broader circular economy goals,” remarks Schouten. “They want application-specific solutions that perform in the real world.” 

In the future, there are several areas of opportunity, notes A&V’s Thomas. “Most areas we see for improvement are in waste reduction and workflow optimization,” he says. “How can you minimize your startup waste, reduce plate waste (from plate damage/to improving plate longevity), and reduce time to even make a plate? The options are unlimited in ways to reduce environmental impact and enhance overall efficiency. The key for us is identifying our customers’ goals, then tracking and quantifying them.”

Green Group Consulting Explores Sustainability Advancements

Sustainability continues to rank as one of the label and package printing industry’s most important issues. From brand owners to manufacturers, the entire supply chain is seeking more environmentally friendly solutions. With consumers demanding sustainability and easier recyclability from their products, the time is now for our industry to continue make substantial progress.

Thankfully, the industry has taken the reins in addressing this issue. From leading associations such as TLMI, to advisory firms like Green Group Consulting, countless individuals and organizations are taking a leadership position in sustainability. While there are numerous obstacles still present, the label and package printing industry has made considerable strides.

“While there is still work to do, particularly in addressing supply chain waste streams like release liners and matrix waste, the advancements to date have been nothing short of transformative,” says John Caturano, managing director, Green Group Consulting. “Organizations, including APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers), TLMI, SPC (Sustainable Packaging Coalition), and others, have played pivotal roles in driving this progress and aligning the industry toward solutions that improve overall packaging circularity. In addition, PFE (Plastics Forming Enterprises) continues to provide the rigorous testing, consulting, and standards-based validation that gives companies confidence in their recyclability assessments.”

The progress has been noticeable. Many leading players now offer improved solutions, floatable substrates, perforated sleeves, APR-recognized materials, and better delaminating systems.

“The industry has clearly shifted its focus and is responding to the need for packaging that looks great but also performs well in recycling systems,” remarks Caturano. “Still, we have room for growth.”

Collaboration will be critical in this growth phase, especially with evolving regulations and differing processes from city to city and state to state. Green Group Consulting has emphasized the importance of compliance with state regulations. Since EPR is developing on a state by state basis, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Challenges are paving the way for opportunities, too. “I see tremendous opportunity ahead,” explains Caturano. “Over the past several years, the label industry has made exceptional progress that truly deserves recognition. Major brands have worked closely with label manufacturers and converters to develop and deploy technologies that ensure packaging designed for recyclability is matched with label substrates that support, rather than compromise, that goal. 

“Significant strides have been made to move away from problematic materials, such as PETG, PVC, and dark or non-readable labels, issues that historically created major challenges for reclaimers and MRFs (materials recovery facility),” he adds.

In addition, Caturano cites inks as another opportunity for sustainable growth, especially around effective removal and devolatilization. With the goal of recycling the label along with the bottle, continued innovation in ink design and behavior can become a key unlock, which is why this area deserves focused attention. However, there are several areas of concern moving forward.

“Full sleeve labels with high coverage remain one of the biggest challenges,” adds Caturano. “While the aesthetics of packaging will always matter, these full coverage designs can interfere with sorting, especially on PET bottles. When readers and optical sorters misidentify a clear PET bottle as green or colored because of a full sleeve, we lose valuable material that should be directed into the clear rPET stream. That has real consequences, because clear PET is essential for producing high-quality rPET for food grade applications.”

Legislation and regulations will play a large role in the future of labels and packaging. Sustainability is shifting from largely voluntary initiatives to a more regulatory and compliance driven environment. Meanwhile, converters continue to see the value in becoming more sustainable – regardless of legislation.

There are, however, several legislative measures to follow – including California’s SB 343 and SB 54.

“SB 343 is less about technical design and more about the claims made on packaging and labels,” explains Caturano. “For many label suppliers, this means a significant volume of work to update artwork, claims, and symbols to ensure all elements meet the now statutory criteria for recyclability claims in California. Several other states are considering or advancing similar legislation, so this is no longer a California only consideration, label laws tied to packaging claims are becoming a broader national trend.”

“When it comes to SB 54, California’s EPR law, label manufacturers will need to pay close attention to the specific material thresholds and component requirements outlined in the legislation,” continues Caturano. “Brands will increasingly expect their suppliers to provide clarity on material composition, compatibility with recycling systems, and any factors that may affect a package’s recyclability designation. Label suppliers should anticipate more customer questions, specification reviews, and requests for documentation.”

Green Group Consulting has collaborated with industry members on dealing with legislative ramifications. The consulting group understands the parameters, definitions, and technical criteria within these laws at a deep level and is available to guide manufacturers through compliance requirements.

According to Green Group Consulting, recycling in Europe outperforms the US because it is built on unified, binding policies and longstanding EPR and deposit return systems. These systems drive consistency and high recovery, while the US relies on a fragmented patchwork of local programs with uneven standards and lower recycling rates.

“Europe also benefits from a far more mature recycling infrastructure and far less available landfill space, which pushes materials into recovery rather than disposal conditions that directly strengthen system performance,” remarks Caturano. “The US can learn from Europe’s coordinated approach by harmonizing policy, scaling EPR and DRS, and aligning packaging design with actual recycling capabilities.”

Room for Improvement

As an industry and a society, there is still considerable room for growth on the sustainability front. Regulations and legislation will no doubt play a large role in this quest moving forward.

“Where the industry still needs to improve is in clarity and consistency,” states Fedrigoni’s Ivey. “The regulatory landscape is complex, and requirements often vary by state, country, and application. That can make compliance difficult to interpret and even harder to communicate across the supply chain. There is still a need for more education, stronger alignment, and practical guidance that helps companies make informed decisions with confidence.”

“Where we need to improve is the proactive commitment to move from legacy solutions in large-scale applications, even though those materials likely work well,” adds UPM Adhesive Materials’ Hunt. “This may give us an opportunity to make substantial improvements in reducing emissions, enhancing recyclability, or improving material usage. Another area of opportunity to improve is increased willingness to co-innovate to drive impact in the whole value chain, as well as using data-based tools, such as UPM’s Label Life LCA tool, to look for more sustainable alternatives even in applications that currently perform well.”

According to Sun Chemical’s Juhasz, looks can be deceiving. “Where we still need to improve is in closing the gap between label design and construction and eventual real-world performance,” she says. “A label can appear sustainable in theory, but outcomes depend on the full system and lifecycle, including the substrate, inks, and coatings, as well as for which packaging material the label is intended and the recycling infrastructure and process it enters at end of life. Moving forward, sustainability in labels will depend less on single attributes and more on systems-level thinking and collaboration, particularly with recyclers.”

There are also economic and infrastructure barriers with which to contend. “The price of PCR and bio-based resins remains a significant hurdle compared to virgin materials,” notes Avery Dennison’s Pearson. “Cheap rPET imports are making it challenging for domestic reclaimers to find end-markets. Plus, there are infrastructure gaps. Recycling capabilities vary by region, and there is a critical need to invest in advanced technologies that advance the circular economy.”

From an ink perspective, sustainability is best evaluated through four primary factors: renewable raw material content, VOC emissions, energy requirements across the value chain, and end-of-life considerations such as recyclability and compostability.

“It is important to clarify that inks themselves are not ‘recyclable,’ rather they must be designed to enable the recycling of the substrate,” explains Wikoff’s Dickson. “Similarly, compostability and biodegradability are primarily driven by the substrate, although inks and coatings can influence those processes and should be validated through testing when required. At Wikoff, our approach to sustainability is centered on three core principles: innovation, integrity, and impact. We continuously evaluate our materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chains to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact.”

A big part of sustainable growth will come in the form of education. “Sustainability has become a priority, but it can also be confusing,” adds Ivey. “Customers are often trying to balance performance, appearance, cost, recyclability, reuse, and regulatory considerations all at once. We regularly see project requests that combine multiple sustainability terms or goals that do not necessarily align in a single construction, which shows how much confusion still exists around terminology and practical application. That is where collaboration matters. Customers are looking not only for sustainable materials but for partners who can help them better understand the tradeoffs, the requirements, and the most realistic path forward for their application.”

Meeting Demand

One thing is certain: all levels of the supply chain are clamoring for sustainable solutions. Brands and consumers are united in their desire to see more products that foster environmental friendliness. This will only continue in the future.

Anderson & Vreeland, for example, has focused on water-wash flexographic plate technology, particularly with Toyobo’s Cosmolight plates. “Cosmolight offers a true water-wash process, eliminating solvents entirely and significantly reducing environmental impact,” says A&V’s Garza. “Compared to traditional solvent and thermal workflows, water-wash processing can reduce environmental impact by approximately 70% and energy consumption by about 50%.”

Anderson & Vreeland touts numerous sustainable solutions. XSYS Eco Plates use renewable raw materials as part of the plate formulation. In addition, these plates can be processed 20% faster, leading to time and energy savings. And AVMI (RFID Vendor Management Inventory) features real-time tracking that allows converters to reduce their number of freight shipments and freight costs while reducing their carbon footprint.

Anderson & Vreeland has also worked in collaboration with Provident to unveil a new end seal with 30% recycled rubber. This product is engineered to deliver the performance and durability expected from Provident while notably reducing environmental impact.

“At Provident, we challenged ourselves to find creative ways to minimize resource input and environmental impact, and the result is an end seal that evolves everyday consumables for the flexo market,” states Tim Allen, director of sales, Provident. “By transforming discarded materials into a product that offers superior ink containment and fewer press impressions, we’re not just launching a new product; we’re inviting our customers to experience the future of our sustainable initiatives, without sacrificing high-performance printing. If you are interested in increasing the longevity of your chamber setups and improving chamber management, this end seal is for you.”

Avery Dennison has launched a 90% rPET liner from post-consumer PET bottles. Designed for pharmaceutical, wine, and spirits applications, it supports eco-friendly packaging goals while maintaining high-speed dispensing performance.  Plus, Avery Dennison’s cavitated BOPP is part of the expanded AD CleanFlake technology portfolio. The new 2.0Mil Cavitated White BOPP construction improves PET recycling. This material reduces density and resin usage while providing the durability and aesthetic appeal required for the food and beverage industries. “Our expanded Direct Thermal linerless portfolio, now available with a removable adhesive,” says Avery Dennison’s Pearson. “We also have a new grass paper for wine, spirits and premium applications. The paper features 30% natural grass and 70% post-consumer waste material.”

Meanwhile, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives has engineered numerous products to meet this demand. Its new product is a wash-off label construction for the wine, spirits, and craft beverage market. Designed with Sorolla H+O WS facestock and Fedrigoni’s FW8000 wash-off adhesive, this solution supports bottle reuse by allowing labels to detach cleanly during the washing process, helping prepare glass bottles for recirculation. “What makes this development especially important is that it supports circularity without compromising premium shelf appeal or in-use performance,” says Ivey. “The construction is designed to withstand demanding environments, such as refrigeration and ice buckets, while still releasing cleanly in a hot alkaline bath with no adhesive residue. That means brands can maintain the elevated look and feel expected in wine and spirits packaging while also supporting reuse systems that help reduce waste.”

INX International Ink Co. has released numerous new products with sustainability in mind. Innova Plus NCF is a nitrocellulose-free lamination ink technology designed to support recycling pathways.Genesis washable inks were developed to improve label removal and recyclability in PET and HDPE streams. INXhrc natural-based inks have been formulated with renewable-content to reduce environmental impact, and GelFlex EB electron beam-curable systems enable high-performance printing with reduced VOC emissions and support lightweighting through lamination simplification. Finally, Ecostage GB-XA barrier coatings have been engineered to enhance packaging functionality while supporting material reduction and more efficient structures.

“At INX, we view inks and coatings as critical enablers of more circular packaging design,” states Schouten. “Our focus is on developing technologies that support recyclability, regulatory compliance, and overall process efficiency without compromising performance.”

Sun Chemical has continued to expand its portfolio of non-bleeding washable and retentive inks designed specifically for label applications. These systems allow converters to choose the appropriate strategy, whether wash-off or retention, based on the target recycling stream and label substrate while minimizing issues such as discolored wash water or lower recyclate quality. “We are also seeing strong interest in primer free and layer reduction technologies,” says Sun Chemical’s Juhasz. “Eliminating unnecessary layers helps simplify label constructions, reducing material use and costs, both of which are sustainability drivers. Simplified structures can also improve compatibility with recycling processes, without sacrificing adhesion or durability in the application.  

“In parallel, Sun Chemical has invested in data-based decision support, including lifecycle assessment and product carbon footprint capabilities,” she adds. “These tools support our own product development and are also used to help customers evaluate their options more objectively, grounding sustainability decisions in quantitative information rather than assumptions.”  

UPM Adhesive Materials has recently added new, externally validated products that enable recyclability at scale. In early May 2026, the company introduced UPM ProCycle circular label materials that simplify recyclability performance for rigid PET and HDPE packaging. The portfolio combines advanced adhesive technologies with high‑performing filmic label materials such as clear, white, metallic and conformable film.   

All UPM ProCycle products carry the APR Design for Recyclability Recognition and comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. 

“Moreover, our customers can use these materials to service multiple CPG applications (food, beverage, and home and personal care, etc.) on either PET or HDPE packaging,” says Hunt. “This reduces the number of SKUs they need to carry and simplifies portfolio management while driving scalable sustainability impact.

“We continue to focus on adhesive material innovations to equip our customers and brands with more sustainable choices with UPM Raflatac label materials,” adds Hunt. “We also continually work with our supply partners to reduce value chain emissions and use natural resources responsibly. We also strive to achieve 100% traceability of other bio-based materials, and we are proud that 100% of our purchased paper raw materials were certified under a credible third-party forest certification scheme.”

Sustainability is a critical priority for Wikoff’s customers, but it is increasingly evaluated through the lens of practical application and performance. “Customers are seeking solutions that align with sustainability goals while maintaining press efficiency, color consistency, and regulatory compliance,” says Wikoff’s Devis. “There is strong demand for low-VOC and environmentally responsible formulations, solutions compatible with recycling streams, and increasing interest in compostability where applicable. We are also seeing greater focus on end-of-life outcomes, particularly as brand owners push for more sustainable packaging formats. Customers recognize that these outcomes are system-dependent and require coordination across substrates, inks, and converting processes.”

Wikoff continues to expand its portfolio of sustainable technologies across inks, coatings, and digital solutions, with a focus on performance, compliance, and environmental responsibility. Key developments include water-based ink systems with low-VOC formulations, energy-curable UV and LED platforms that reduce energy consumption and waste, low-migration systems for sensitive applications such as food packaging, and digital inks and primers that support on-demand production and reduce material waste.

OMNI Systems Emphasizes Collaborative Sustainability

OMNI Systems, the largest privately held label converter in the US, is touting the benefits of collaborative sustainability. The Ohio-headquartered company has made the business case for collaborative sustainability investment vs. mandate-and-absorb models. This philosophy has led to significant benefits for both OMNI and its customers. 

Recently, in a move that illustrates the power of going green, one of OMNI’s largest customers offered to split sustainability costs 50/50. The endeavor came in the form of EcoVadis certification.

“They made it very clear from the beginning that environmental stewardship was a priority, and compliance with regulatory benchmarks for carbon footprint reduction and net zero commitments was mission critical,” explains Mike Murton, president, OMNI Systems. “Looking for a third-party evaluation of its supply chain, the customer turned to EcoVadis, an assessment program to evaluate sustainability management systems. It was such a priority that they were willing to share the costs associated with our participation in the initial third-party survey and the ongoing score improvements, easing our decision to invest in this process.”

The cost-sharing arrangement has served as a strategic win for both sides. It proved advantageous for OMNI because of the cost-effectiveness. Meanwhile, the customer has control over the services used. 

“It also gave us an opportunity to understand the strength of our sustainability efforts and find opportunities for continual improvement on our journey to achieve net zero carbon footprint goals, which provides value to other customers,” notes Murton. “It all comes back to meeting our customers where they are. Tailoring our approach to a customer’s sustainability goals ultimately created value on both sides.

“Doing the right thing by your company, customers, and the environment will always lead to good results,” he adds. “The best way to do that is through transparency and collaboration.”

Since launching its scrap waste diversion automation and energy conversion initiative, OMNI has seen significant increases in machine uptime and production efficiency, not to mention sparing landfills the 900 tons of scrap waste annually. This has saved the converter nearly $500,000 in costs.

“If suppliers, manufacturers, and customers are all part of the conversation – sharing insights, co-investing in solutions and operating transparently – sustainability becomes scalable across the board,” comments Murton. “Imagine what could be achieved if this approach were adopted across the industry?”

As has been the case with OMNI’s sustainability efforts, collaboration throughout the supply chain has generated success. “OMNI isn’t afraid to bring our suppliers into meetings with our customers, which is rare in our industry,” remarks Murton. “As valued partners to OMNI, our suppliers should hear directly from our customers about their focus areas and pain points in sustainability. This only enhances their ability to provide supplemental eco-friendly material expertise and real-time flexibility.

“Without collaboration, you also risk playing the ‘telephone game,’” he continues. “One critical part of the conversation could be missed, or you don’t hear one inflection in a certain area that points to a customer’s passion or interest around sustainability. Rather than serving as a go-between, OMNI facilitates direct dialogue between customers and suppliers – creating fluid, transparent communication that benefits everyone.”