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.

Eco-friendly labels from Zebra: ZeroLiner and sustainable materials

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Eco-friendly labels from Zebra: ZeroLiner and sustainable materials

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:

  • Reduce waste: Linerless labels have no liners, reducing disposal and waste costs. This reduces volume and can have a positive impact on the environment.

  • More labels per roll: The media rolls with linerless labels contain 50% more labels, saving both transportation costs and storage.

  • Improve productivity and manufacturing efficiency: Linerless labels require fewer media roll changes between prints, which means less downtime; thus helping to increase your manufacturing efficiency and save costs for your business.

  • Fast processing: Linerless labels eliminate the need for additional steps to peel the label from the liner and dispose of the liner, allowing for faster processing.

  • Cost savings: Linerless printing reduces weight in mobile printers and reduces shipping costs for label rolls, as linerless rolls weigh up to 40% less than traditional liner labels. You not only save on shipping costs but also on storage costs.

  • Reduce safety risks: Linerless rollers reduce workplace slip hazards from liner piles accumulating under printers.

  • Flexibility in size: Linerless labels allow flexibility for printing different label lengths.

  • Flexibility in applications: Linerless labels can be used for a variety of applications. Linerless labels can be used in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical labeling, retail, package delivery, and more. You may have come across linerless labels in packages as many companies use them for shipping and mailing. Many warehouse workers and retailers also use mobile printers with linerless labels to easily label items and change them. In the grocery store, you may have seen linerless labels used in the deli or butchery department where they are used to withstand lower temperatures.

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

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!

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