Eco-consciousness dominated the Labelexpo Europe 2023 show floor in materials segment in light of fast-approaching circular economy legislation in different parts of the world.

 

A central theme across exhibitor stands was the incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content into label materials, with some manufacturers presenting materials made entirely of recycled content to enable circular economy.

 

A second trend that was apparent at the show was exploring fossil fuel alternatives in the production of labelstock. With the ongoing global emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and embracing cleaner energy sources, manufacturers were keen to introduce label materials that are not dependent on fossil fuels.

 

Patricia Rodrigo, international key account manager, release liner, Mondi, says: ‘Mondi takes sustainability very seriously. Our map says that by 2025 all of our products will be recyclable, reusable or compostable. More customers are demanding recycled content liners and liners that are easy to recycle. There is also a trend of reducing product in the final application and reducing emissions.’

 

She continues: ‘Many of the products that are sold in the market are made of virgin fibers and polymers. And there are collection streams but not so many. We use recycled content as much as we can. We are also using alternate coatings that are not silicone. If it is silicone, then it comes from renewable resources. And polymers also come from renewable sources.’

 

Elodie Picard, global marketing and strategy director of tapes and labels/pressure sensitive adhesives, Henkel sums up the trend: ‘Sustainability is a mega trend and everyone is trying to figure out how to provide sustainability in the label industry. That means we need to work together from materials and adhesives to inks suppliers – the whole industry – to achieve this goal.’

 

Continued...

 

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