What are Wash-Off Labels and When are They Used?
Brands are continually uncovering data that shows today’s consumers are supporting socially responsible companies despite the higher cost. Businesses cannot afford to ignore the importance of observing sustainable practices and improving their environmental initiatives. More companies are now finding ways to incorporate eco-friendly materials in their packaging, such as using wash-off labels.
If your brand is considering eco-friendly labels for your products, wash-off labels are an excellent alternative to reduce your carbon footprint. Wash-off labels maximize the recycling opportunities while keeping the overall packaging production costs low.
What are Wash-Off Labels?
Wash-off labels are distinguished by their ability to be easily removed during bottle cleaning and recycling processes They are often used on returnable glass beverage bottles, such as for soda and beer. Generally, a wash-off label has a multi-layer design consisting of a PET liner, a polypropylene film, and a wash-off adhesive. They can also be combined with different label materials.
A common challenge with labels when recycling plastic containers is that the label material, adhesive, and ink can contaminate the plastic flake. Wash-off label solutions allow full recyclability of any PET bottle, thermoform, and glass since the labels separate without leaving residue.
Wash-off labels essentially make reusing or recycling packaging items more convenient. The stickers can be removed easily in a hot water bath at temperatures lower than the industry average, unlike traditional labels.
5 Benefits and Uses of Wash-Off Labels
- Wash-off labels have an attractive design
Transparency is a notable characteristic of this label type. They are designed to make it seem like the text or graphics are printed directly on the containers. The margins of the label also seamlessly blend well into the container, so it’s not visible unless inspected closely.
The no-label look allows companies to enhance their brand image by experimenting with more intricate or innovative graphics. It also gives the products an instant premium look at a lower cost.
- Wash-off labels are durable on packaging
Wash-off labels are resistant to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as humidity, submersion in ice water or room temperature water, and UV light. They are constructed to withstand tropical and hot environments and normal washing conditions. These characteristics make wash-off labels more favorable to work with than traditional labels that use wet glue products.
- Wash-off labels are eco-friendly
Removing traditional labels often leaves a residue of the glue and paint on the container. Transparent adhesive wash-off labels are easy and fast to remove as they shrink and peel off on their own during the washing process, minimizing waste volume and maximizing the reuse of containers.
Producing wash-off labels also requires lower water, chemical, and energy consumption compared to paper labels. Using eco-friendly packaging solutions enables your brand to be more purposeful with product packaging and gives you a competitive edge.
- Wash-off labels wash off easily
Permanent adhesive puts your labels firmly in place, but it can damage the containers when removing the labels. Using a removable adhesive can prevent such residue, but there’s the risk of the labels coming off earlier than expected.
The wash-off labels’ ease of removal, including separating impurities and inks, makes the recycling process smooth and rapid. The label peels off and rolls up, separating itself from the packaging for good with little to no effort.
A wash-off label is an ingenious solution to labeling reusable containers that need to be recycled regularly, such as ingredient containers, jars, condiments, and drinks. The wash-off feature remains preserved regardless of how long the label is attached to a container.
- Wash-off labels are ideal for returnable or reusable containers
Removing traditional labels with stubborn adhesives can damage containers. Wash-off labels are an excellent alternative for businesses that reuse containers as they peel off cleanly without leaving any residue. It also allows brands to reduce their environmental impact. This applies to companies in the food and beverage industry, which use many returnable bottles.
Another example would be the trays used for meat and fruits at supermarkets. Using wash-off labels on the trays, stacking boxes, crates, and system containers in production or logistics allows for easier re-labeling and immediate reuse.
Get Started with Eco-Friendly Labels and Printing
Consumers and businesses alike have growing concerns about environmental issues. In support of being kinder to the planet, companies enhance their green efforts to show their priorities are beyond generating sales. With labels featured on virtually every consumer product, you must choose the suitable product label and packaging solutions to represent your brand.
Are you ready to join the sustainability movement? Whether you’re looking for plant-based packaging options or wash-off label solutions, you can get in touch with the experts at Meyers Printing. Learn about what your business needs and bring your eco-friendly packaging vision into reality through professional printing solutions.