Exploring the Rise of Biodegradable Labels and Their Sustainability Impact 

As consumer awareness and the demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly products

increases, the global market will continue to evolve and shape the packaging industry in the

coming years. It is expected that there will be a 7.07% increase in the global eco-friendly label

market by 2032.

What Are Biodegradable Labels?

Biodegradable packaging is made from materials that break down naturally into non-toxic

components when exposed to sunlight, moisture, and bacteria without leaving behind any

harmful residues. Biodegradable packaging includes more eco-friendly label materials than

traditional methods, which are often made from non-degradable plastics and synthetic materials.

The rise in popularity of biodegradable packing, including biodegradable stickers and compostable labels, has been gaining popularity recently due to:

• Awareness of the widespread use of traditional plastic packaging is causing a plastic pollution crisis in the world’s waterways and landscapes.
• Consumers are becoming more aware of their purchasing choices’ impact on the environment, and they want to purchase more sustainable products.
• Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations and even outright bands on single-use plastics and non-recycled packaging materials.
• Technological advances in material production, including digital printers and thermal printers, have developed more effective and affordable biodegradable packaging options such as biopolymers, plant-based materials, and compostable adhesives.

The Benefits of Biodegradable Labels for Businesses

Biodegradable packaging has many benefits for businesses including environmental

sustainability and reduced waste, marketability, customization, and decreased business costs.

Environmental Sustainability and Reduced Waste

Biodegradable packaging will reduce your business’s reliance on non-renewable resources and

lower your carbon footprint. Compostable materials, such as those used in compostable shipping labels, help reduce waste by decomposing faster, decreasing landfill reliance, and minimizing environmental pollution.

Marketability

Utilizing compostable stickers and compostable labels is a selling point for many consumers. You can advertise using environmentally friendly materials and practices, setting you apart from competitors.

Customization Options

Biodegradable stickers and blank labels can be customized to suit your brand’s message and image. This means you can keep your brand identity while promoting sustainable practices.

Decreased Business Costs

Biodegradable packing can help reduce waste disposal fees, streamline supply chain

management, reduce potential environmental cleanup costs of non-degradable packing, and

potentially save you money on marketing costs due to your enhanced brand image from using

environmentally friendly materials. Utilizing these materials may lead to long-term cost savings

through sustainability and potential tax incentives, grants, or subsidies you may now qualify for.

Biodegradable vs. Traditional Labels

Environmental Impact

Biodegradable labels are designed to break down naturally with exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, and microbial activity. This reduces long-term pollution and the accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans.

Traditional labels are made from synthetic materials like vinyl, polyethylene, or polypropylene,

which can take hundreds of years to break down, which contributes to long-term environmental

pollution and harm to wildlife and ecosystems.

Material Composition

Biodegradable labels are commonly made from plant-based materials such as cellulose, corn

starch, sugarcane, biodegradable polymers, and other natural fibers. Traditional labels use

synthetic plastics and adhesives.

Costs

While biodegradable labels may be more expensive due to higher material and production costs, there can be long-term savings in waste disposal, regulation compliance, and marketing benefits. Traditional labels usually come cheaper upfront but can come with higher environmental cleanup costs, regulatory fines, and lost business from eco-conscious consumers.

Consumer Perception

Biodegradable labels can positively influence brand perception, attract eco-conscious consumers, and create brand loyalty. Consumers are increasingly demanding more environmentally sustainable products. Traditional labels may negatively impact brand perception, and your business may face growing public scrutiny and declining favorability as sustainability becomes more of a property for consumers.

Challenges and Limitations

Producing and implementing biodegradable labels do come with some challenges and limitations. Some biodegradable labels may not offer the same level of performance as

traditional plastics, their availability may be more limited, the upfront costs can be higher, and

some materials are not compatible with existing packaging machinery and processes.

But as technology advances, these barriers will lessen and the full potential of

biodegradable packaging as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics will be accessible.

The Future May be Biodegradable

Shifts in consumer preferences, technological advancements, regulatory developments, and

industry initiatives will prioritize sustainable packaging solutions for businesses, consumers, and

policymakers.

We predict there will be:

• A rise in circular economy solutions that focus on reducing waste, promoting reuse and recycling, and adopting innovative packaging materials to support a circular economy model.
• An expansion of biodegradable and compostable packaging that is driven by increasing consumer awareness and the environmental impact of packaging. Companies will invest in these packaging materials to keep up with consumer demand for sustainability.
• Advances in material science will lead to the development of new sustainable packaging materials with improved performance and durability.
• As e-commerce continues to grow, there will be a greater emphasis on designing packaging that is optimized for online retail such as product protection, space efficiency, and eco-friendliness.

Meet the Increasing Consumer Demand for Biodegradable Labels with Royal Label

The future of product labeling will involve integrating biodegradable packaging materials. Contact Royal Label today to discover ways to satisfy the increasingly eco-conscious market

with professional, biodegradable label services for your company.