As sustainable packaging becomes more than a trend, the spotlight is now turning to labels. Often overlooked, labels play a crucial role in recyclability, compostability, and overall environmental impact. In 2025, several innovative materials are reshaping how brands approach eco-labelling, offering a balance between performance and planet-friendly credentials.
Here are three label materials making notable strides this year.
1. Fibre-Based Labels from Agricultural Waste
Label stock made from crop residues such as sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, or hemp is gaining popularity. These fibres are by-products of food production and would otherwise go unused or be incinerated. By repurposing them into paper-based facestocks, manufacturers reduce pressure on forests and lower carbon emissions.
Key advantages:
- Naturally biodegradable and compostable (if uncoated)
- Distinctive, tactile appearance that aligns with eco-conscious branding
- Often suitable for use with water-based inks
Some limitations remain with water resistance and durability, especially in refrigerated or high-humidity settings. However, ongoing research is helping to close the gap with traditional paper labels. As production scales up, pricing is becoming more competitive, making these labels accessible to smaller brands.
2. Recycled PET (rPET) Labels
With plastic recycling infrastructure improving, labels made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) are increasingly viable. They offer the strength and clarity of virgin plastic but with a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
Benefits include:
- High durability for beverages, cosmetics, and industrial packaging
- Compatibility with existing adhesive systems and application machinery
- Lower demand for fossil-based plastics
Some rPET labels now include up to 90% post-consumer content, a major step forward in circular packaging. Brands are also exploring rPET liners, making the entire label construction more sustainable.
3. Wash-Off Labels for Clean Recycling
Labels that detach cleanly during the recycling process are gaining ground in sectors such as food, drinks, and household goods. These “wash-off” labels use specialised adhesives that release in warm water, helping recyclers separate label materials from containers more easily.
What makes them appealing:
- Improve yield and purity of recycled plastics or glass
- Suitable for both paper and plastic facestocks
- Ideal for deposit-return schemes and closed-loop recycling systems
Wash-off technology supports closed-loop targets by reducing contamination and improving recyclate quality. Brands using these labels often highlight the feature to inform consumers and reinforce their sustainability message.
Conclusion
In 2025, eco-friendly labelling is no longer limited to niche products. These material innovations are proving scalable, effective, and increasingly demanded by both regulators and consumers.
As sustainability expectations rise, brands that invest in forward-thinking labelling solutions will be better positioned to meet compliance targets and build trust through transparency. Choosing the right label can be a small step with a significant impact.