Eco-Friendly Label Options: Sustainable Printing Solutions

Key Takeaways:

• Eco-friendly labels are made with recyclable, compostable, or low-impact materials, without compromising performance.
• Sustainable printing methods like direct thermal and linerless labels help reduce waste and energy use in day-to-day operations.
• Switching to greener labels is easy with compatible sizes, sample rolls, and custom support from the Awesome Pack team.

Labels might be small, but they play a big role in your packaging and your environmental footprint. As more businesses make the shift to sustainable practices, choosing eco-friendly label options is one of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make.

Whether you're shipping daily or managing inventory, the right label solution can help reduce waste, lower costs, and show your customers that you're thinking ahead. Let’s explore what makes a label eco-friendly, which materials work best, and how you can switch without disrupting your workflow.

What Makes a Label Eco-Friendly in the First Place?

Not all labels are created equal. To call a label “eco-friendly,” it needs to do more than just look the part.

Here are a few things to look for:

• Recyclable facestock: Many labels are made from paper or plastic materials that can’t be recycled. Eco labels use materials that can go in the recycling bin—like FSC-certified paper or certain polypropylene films.
  

• Compostable materials: Some labels are made from bio-based materials, such as PLA (derived from cornstarch), that break down in compost environments.
  

• Low-impact adhesives: Traditional glues often prevent labels from being recycled. Water-based or compostable adhesives allow for better end-of-life disposal.
  

• Eco inks: Soy- or water-based inks reduce harmful emissions during printing and decomposition.
  

Understanding these components helps you choose labels that align with both your packaging and your sustainability goals.

Which Label Materials Are Best for the Environment?

There are several eco-friendly label materials available each suited for different uses. Here’s a quick breakdown of some popular options:

• FSC-certified paper labels: Made from responsibly sourced forests, these labels are widely recyclable and a great fit for most paper or cardboard packaging.
  

• Recycled content labels: These contain post-consumer waste material and help reduce demand for virgin paper or plastic.
  

• Compostable PLA labels: Ideal for food packaging or compostable satchels, PLA labels break down under composting conditions perfect when paired with other compostable materials.
  

• Recyclable thermal labels: Often made without silicone liners or harsh adhesives, these labels are designed to be disposed of cleanly.
  

For example, our direct thermal labels work well in high-speed shipping setups and come in recyclable options that still meet shipping and courier requirements.

How Do Sustainable Printing Solutions Reduce Waste and Impact?

It’s not just the label that makes a difference, it’s how it’s printed, too. One of the most efficient low-impact methods is direct thermal printing. This approach uses heat instead of ink or toner, which means fewer consumables, no cartridges to dispose of, and less waste overall. It’s especially useful for high-volume shipping setups and works seamlessly with recyclable thermal labels.

Other sustainable printing options include linerless labels, which remove the need for peel-off backing paper altogether. That means less waste and an easier disposal process. You can also explore eco-friendly inkjet or digital printing, where water-based inks and energy-efficient machines help reduce emissions and chemical waste during production.

Not sure which setup fits your business? Our guide on Direct Thermal vs Thermal Transfer Labels walks you through the pros and cons to help you make the right call.

Can Eco-Friendly Labels Still Perform Well Under Shipping and Storage Conditions?

This is a common concern and a fair one. The good news? Today’s sustainable label materials are built to last. Many eco options are water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and strong enough to hold up through rough shipping conditions, including courier handling, heat, and humidity. Adhesives are tested for temperature range and stick reliability, even on curved or uneven surfaces.

At Awesome Pack, we work with suppliers who prioritise performance, so you don’t have to compromise on quality when going green. If you need help picking the right match, our team is happy to guide you through it.

How Can Businesses Switch to Greener Labelling Without Disrupting Workflow?

If you’re running a busy warehouse or fulfilment centre, big packaging changes can feel like a disruption, but shifting to eco-friendly labels doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing. A simple way to begin is by trialling one product line with sustainable labels to see how they perform in real-world conditions. Start with label sizes that already work with your existing printers, we stock a wide range compatible with DYMO, Brother, and Zebra machines to make the transition easier.

You can also order a sample roll to test things like print clarity, adhesive strength, and how well the label sticks to your packaging materials. Training your team on how to correctly dispose of backing liners or exploring linerless label options can help reduce waste from the start.

If you’re after something more tailored, our dedicated labels team is here to support you. We’ll help you find a labelling solution that fits seamlessly into your workflow and your sustainability goals.

Find Eco-Friendly Labels in Australia

Looking to upgrade your labels without the guesswork? At Awesome Pack, we’ve got a wide range of eco-friendly label options, including recyclable, compostable, and linerless choices that fit all major printer models.

If you need something specific or want to buy in bulk, head to our custom quote page we’ll find the best option for your business, no matter your industry.