Week 28 - 2023 Washable labels... my first thought was "ack -- microplastics in the water"

What stood out to our packaging analysts:

Washable labels... my first thought was "ack -- microplastics in the water" -- but it seems like the labels remain intact (all elements, including adhesive) when the water separates the labels from the container. 

They talked about how washable labels could lead to more reusable containers with greater standardization in container shape (just changing out the labels when the container is washed). I've been mentioning this for a while... as e-commerce rises, shelf appeal seems like less of an issue. Also, as consumer interest in reusable/sustainable packaging increases, it seems like this element will take priority over unique appearance. In fact, appearance is something customers seems to be only subconsciously interested in as responses to our surveys note that they don't care about appearance much if at all.

Also interesting how the process used for material separation for recycling – here, water-based – could affect what materials are optimal for labels -- in this case, toward polyolefin shrink labels.

See our Packaging Collection covering labels, sustainability, foodservice, molded fiber and so much more.