Sustainable labels: a guide to greener choices
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, it is important that companies take responsibility for their printing processes, including using sustainable labels. Making sustainable choices when it comes to label printing can not only reduce your environmental impact but also strengthen your brand. Here are some tips on how to optimize your label printing to become more sustainable, focusing on both technical solutions and material choices.

- Choose the right label printer
Energy efficiency
Modern label printers, such as those from Zebra, are often designed to be energy efficient. By investing in low-energy printers, businesses can reduce both their overall energy costs and their carbon footprint.
Durable construction
Choose printers that are made with durable materials and have a long lifespan. Zebra offers models that are robust and easier to repair, reducing the need to replace entire devices.
- Sustainable labels – choose the right material
Recyclable and biodegradable materials
Use label materials that are recyclable or biodegradable. Grafokett offers a wide range of environmentally friendly options, including FSC-certified paper and recyclable plastic materials. By choosing these materials, you are choosing sustainable labels that reduce waste and impact on the environment.
- Optimize the printing process
Just-in-time printing
Implement a just-in-time (JIT) approach to label printing. Printing labels on demand rather than in large batches reduces the risk of overproduction and waste.
Digital printing for more sustainable labels
Another tip is to consider digital printing technology, which allows for shorter runs and reduces material waste. Zebra offers solutions that can be tailored to meet specific needs and minimize waste.
- Education and awareness around sustainable labels
Training Staff
By educating staff on the importance of sustainability and how they can contribute to more sustainable label printing, companies can create a culture of responsibility. Involving everyone in the process can maximize sustainability efforts.
Measure and Report
Measure and report your company’s sustainability progress in label printing. By setting clear targets and tracking progress, you can see the impact of your efforts and make necessary adjustments.
- Cooperation with suppliers
Choose sustainable suppliers
Partner with suppliers who also prioritize sustainability. Grafokett and Zebra offer sustainable solutions and can support your business in making greener choices.
Joint initiatives
Participate in industry initiatives aimed at improving sustainability in label printing. Collaborate with other companies to share experiences and best practices.
Recommended durable labels
ZeroLiner 4500D – Direct thermal paper labels without liner
ZeroLiner 4500D is Zebra’s phenol-free direct thermal label with a permanent adhesive and a glossy finish designed for high volume and challenging printing environments. ZeroLiner 4500D is our premium solution in the linerless printing product range.
ZeroLiner benefits
There is a unique combination of benefits where the absence of a liner allows more labels per roll and no waste which has both environmental and safety implications in applications. There is an immediate reduction in waste through reduced roll volume taking up less space, less labor and a huge saving on liner take-up equipment as this is no longer needed. There would also be an increase in productivity as fewer roll changes would be needed in the printer or on the press.
The manufacturing journey for the ZeroLiner label is significantly shorter than that of lined labels, resulting in overall CO2 savings through less transportation and manufacturing. As label liner is difficult to recycle, the waste usually ends up in landfill, burned for fuel or stored in large volumes before being collected for recycling, which can lead to messy work areas and sometimes accidents. With ZeroLiner, the above does not apply. Once you have applied your labels, you are done.
Simplified printing – no tape required
The ZeroLiner 4500D is compatible with Zebra direct thermal printers, providing all the benefits of direct thermal printing – there is no ribbon to store, monitor and refill – with the added benefit of having no liner to dispose of.
What does linerless mean?
Unlike standard labels, labels without transfer media or linerless labels are labels that do not have a transfer paper. Liners normally have a release coating that allows the label to be easily peeled off without destroying the adhesive under the label so that the label can still adhere to an object such as a box or envelope. On the other hand, linerless labels have a silicone coating on the top layer of the labels and a special adhesive that allows them to peel off from the labels underneath. The silicone coating allows linerless labels to essentially act as their own liners.
Advantages of linerless labels
Implementing linerless solutions for your business can bring many benefits from faster operations to reduced costs. Here are some of the reasons to switch to linerless labels:
Calculate how much you save with ZeroLiner
Quick and easy – and we’re not just talking about ZeroLiner itself, but also calculating your savings in terms of time, waste, weight and carbon dioxide when you use ZeroLiner instead of old-fashioned labels with liner.
Talk to Grafokett about linerless, sustainable labels
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Executive summary
Increasing the rate of sustainable labels is a combination of choosing the right technology, using environmentally friendly materials and optimizing processes.
By implementing these strategies, companies can reduce their environmental impact, save resources and strengthen their brand. Sustainable choices in label printing are not only good for the planet, but also for the long-term success of your business. Take the step towards a greener future today!