Here at Greenerprinter, we are dedicated to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste, utilizing renewable materials, and promoting recycling through making recyclable products. Our stickers reflect this commitment through the use of specially selected eco-friendly materials. Now, we know that “eco-friendly” can mean a lot of things, so we created this breakdown to show how our selection of stickers are better for the environment.
What makes stickers eco-friendly?
We take pride in the full recyclability of our stickers, including the facestock, liner, and adhesive components. Both the liners and facestocks incorporate post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled content, ensuring high sustainability (learn about what post-consumer waste is here). Additionally, our adhesives are recycling-compatible. Our stickers are completed with eco-friendly, plant-based inks, making them the most sustainable choice in the market.
In addition to full recyclability, our stickers can be compostable or biodegradable as well, depending on your needs! We will get into that below…
What is the difference between recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable?
Recyclable
Recyclable materials are suitable to be processed for reuse, sometimes over and over again (source). Our stickers are not only recyclable, but they are also made using post-consumer waste. This means that they are made from materials that have been recycled at least once, and are able to be recycled again!
Compostable
Compostable materials are designed to break down completely into its basic components such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass (source). Their decomposition occurs at a rate comparable to other organic materials – about 90 days with the right conditions – ensuring a timely and environmentally friendly process without the release of harmful residues or toxins (source).
Biodegradable
Biodegradable materials are capable of being broken down into its basic components, however the time frame for this breakdown is less defined than with compostable materials. The pro of biodegradable materials is that they are designed to break down in landfill and will not persist in the environment for extended periods (source). All compostable products are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable (source).
How can I get recyclable stickers?
With Greenerprinter, it’s easy! All you need to do is select the “uncoated” or “kraft” option for any of our stickers. With this option selected, all of the components of the sticker will be 100% recyclable. You can choose “uncoated” or “kraft” in the “paper” dropdown for any of our sticker products. Check out our custom standard stickers, kiss cut stickers, and die cut stickers – all of which can be made 100% recyclable!
This is thanks to our groundbreaking zero silicon liners that are made with 100% PCW recycled paper. This means they can be thrown in home recycling bins with no issues. The non-recyclability of traditional silicon liners that most stickers in the world are made with are what have prevented stickers in the past from being 100% recyclable (our own stickers fell into this category until this recent innovation, read about that here!). Not using silicon is what differentiates our liners from the rest, making them a more sustainable option.
This means that in-tandem with recyclable packaging, our recyclable stickers can be left on the packaging without rendering it unrecyclable. In the past this has been a major contributor to recyclable materials being sent to landfill. Not only are the stickers themselves recyclable, but they can contribute to the recyclability of the materials that they are stuck on as well!
How can I get biodegradable stickers?
All of our uncoated stickers are biodegradable, however the zero silicon liner is not biodegradable and needs to be recycled! The materials that we use, as well as the non-toxic inks that we print with use contribute to the biodegradability of our stickers (learn more about what sets our inks apart from the rest here).
Keep your brand looking sharp with our custom square stickers. Going for a natural look? Check out our custom kraft labels!
How can I get compostable stickers?
If you are looking for compostable stickers, get in touch with us! We’ve recently added compostable stickers to our repertoire and would love to be able to create stickers that will fulfill your sustainability needs! Contact us here to learn about our compostable options.
In Conclusion
Our commitment to sustainability shines in our Eco Stickers. By prioritizing recyclability, utilizing renewable materials, and incorporating post-consumer waste recycled content, we’ve crafted stickers that go beyond aesthetics. We offer 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable options so that you can reach your sustainability goals without compromising on quality.
Ready to get started with sustainable print & packaging? Check out Greenerprinter’s Packaging Sleeves & Hang Tags