How Wrap Around Labels Can Reduce Packaging Waste

At a time when sustainability and waste reduction have never been more important, organisations from all sectors are re-assessing their packaging options. And the beverage and consumer goods markets in particular face significant pressure to embrace more earth-friendly practices at little or no expense to efficiency or brand image. One approach that companies are using to tackle this issue is through wrap-around labelling — a type of packaging that not only enhances the visual branding but has an important impact in terms of sustainability of packaging.

1. Efficient Use of Label Material

A key way wrap around labelling aids in reducing packaging waste, is by reducing the amount of label material used per unit. Films for wrap around labels are generally thin and lightweight and made from a material like polypropylene or polyethylene. Because the material uses less mass than the traditional paper labels or pressure-sensitive alternatives, it has a decreased overall material waste.

As the labels are printed in one continuous roll fed process, there is less waste and fewer off-cuts. This means that waste generated at both the production and post-consumption stages is minimized.

2. Seamless Integration into Sustainable Packaging

PET and HDPE plastics, in which packaging materials for drinks and general household goods are used, are also very compatible with the wrap around labelling. Unlike some labelling methods, wrap around labels can be designed to facilitate easy separation, during recycling, or from materials that do not hinder the recyclability process.

This compatibility also enables a circular economy approach, with consumers recycling packaging more easily, without contaminating the recycling stream. And the label and container can take in some instances, such as if both are of the same material, can be handled together, and consequently post-consumer recycling made easier.

3. Reduced Energy and Resource Usage in Production

The roll fed system in wrap around labelling is faster and require less energy. Less label waste is produced during label production, and the application process creates a little garbage on the packaging lines. Moreover roll fed labelling machines typically use less power than machines for heavier / cut to size or pressure sensitive labels.

Not only does this cut back on energy, but raw material use is down, and your products will have a reduced environmental footprint per product unit wrapped with wrap around labels.

4. Lightweight Shipping and Distribution

Slim labelled because wrap around are thinner and light than other type of labels, which are reducing overall weight of packages that such labels cover. These lighter packages lead to less use of fuel and lower emissions during transport. For businesses shipping large quantities of goods, even slight savings in the weight of one piece of packaging can result in great impacts to the environment over the long haul.

This is particularly relevant in the case of global supply chains when monitoring and optimizing transportation costs and environmental pollution is critical to preserving sustainability.

5. Custom Sizing Reduces Over labelling

There are plenty of options to choose from wrap around labels that can be made to exact dimensions of your container. This obviates the requirement for over-sized labels, double labels and additional packaging to show regulatory or marketing information. All required product information can be included on a single wrap-around label, eliminating secondary labels and cardboard inserts which result in more packaging waste.

6. Support for Eco-Friendly Design Innovations

And the flexibility of wrap around labelling enables companies to trial more sustainable packaging concepts. Transparent containers with simple printed wrap around labels which are seen often these days are an example of doing away with over shipping cartons or sleeves. Simple, easy, and affordable, this limits the amount of packaging materials used for each item, yet your brand is clearly in view and line with regulation.

“Wrap around labels are also versatile enough to take the integration of digital elements such as QR codes and smart labels, so less printed collateral or instructions to be included and ultimately less waste.”

Conclusion

With sustainability at the forefront of manufacturers' and consumers' minds, packaging solutions that minimize waste without sacrificing functionality are in demand. We believe wrap around labelling to be a solution that can be checked off for both of those boxes — high-efficiency application, less material use and recyclability without compromising the brand or its durable appeal. With wrap around labels developers can make a little go a long way in the fight against packaging waste, and create a more sustainable future.