When it comes to the topic of sustainability in the narrow web label industry, there is so much to discuss. The drive for eco-friendliness touches upon every aspect of a label converting operation – from print and finishing processes to materials used, to managing waste and consuming energy – it’s difficult to even know where to begin. 

Let’s start with the main driver: the industry continues to experience increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices as environmental concerns become a top priority for brands, regulators, and consumers.

Brand owners are increasing investments in sustainable packaging. More than 500 companies have joined the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, pledging to make all plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025. Major brands like Unilever, Nestlé, and Coca-Cola have committed to using at least 50% recycled content in their packaging by 2030. 

The result is a booming industry: the global sustainable packaging market is projected to reach over $5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of about 7.6%, according to Grand View Research.

Governments across the globe are enforcing stricter rules, and consumers are demanding eco-friendly packaging. A recent McKinsey report reveals that 70% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable packaging, and 83% of Gen Z consumers say sustainability influences their purchasing decisions.

The demand for transparency and certifications has never been greater. Labels like FSC-certified paper, biodegradable plastic claims, and recyclable packaging symbols are only gaining in importance.

Speaking of labels, for this article, since the topic is so broad, we’ll spotlight certain specific areas of focus and the very latest sustainability efforts from industry suppliers, as well converters that are leading the way when it comes to sustainability endeavors.

Making pharmaceuticals sustainable

UPM Raflatac and Corning Pharmaceutical Technologies, a division of Corning Incorporated, a materials science company, have announced the results of a collaborative study. The results show that a combination of the two companies’ products performs well in a variety of challenging drug product storage conditions and offers significant sustainability benefits for the pharmaceutical industry.

Performance is vital to the safety of pharmaceutical products, and the work the two organizations are doing aligns with industry needs for durable and dependable packaging. In the collaborative study conducted at UPM Raflatac’s North Carolina facility, teams from both companies’ combined pharmaceutical primary packaging and labels. The pairings were tested at room temperature, dry heat, tropical, and cryogenic storage conditions.

The combinations included Corning Viridian Vials, made of externally coated Type I borosilicate glass, and UPM Raflatac’s Forest Film labels, alongside PHARMAGLOSS and PHARMALITE downgauged paper options. The product combinations performed well, showing that a pairing of Corning and UPM Raflatac products can hold up in tough environments. In particular, the labels demonstrated satisfactory adhesion across a variety of wrap angles and storage conditions applied in pharma packaging.

“We greatly appreciate UPM Raflatac’s expertise in label technology and its rigorous methods in demonstrating the effectiveness of labeling solutions for our shared pharma customers,” says Jessica Buday, product line manager for Corning Velocity Vials and Viridian Vials at Corning Pharmaceutical Technologies. “This study represents an example of how important it is for pharma suppliers to collaborate and ensure our solutions are compatible in a way that meets customer requirements, particularly with the increasing demand for sustainability.”

The tested pairing of UPM Raflatac and Corning products provided sustainability benefits without sacrificing performance. UPM Raflatac’s Forest Film label is the world’s first ISCC-certified wood-based plastic label material. This bio-circular solution reduces the use of fossil-based plastics and is made with bio-naphtha (mass balance approach), which is derived from wood-based crude tall oil, a residue of the pulping process. This product also provides up to a 42% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional fossil-based plastics. PHARMAGLOSS and PHARMALITE downgauged paper options also reduce environmental impact through a reduced material weight. Additionally, Corning’s Viridian vials use 20% less glass material than a conventional vial, achieving up to a 30% reduction in Scope 3 cradle-to-gate emissions.

“We’re thrilled to work with Corning to help bring sustainability to the forefront of pharma packaging,” states Yasmine Pierre, product manager, UPM Raflatac. “Our shared customers can trust that these solutions are safe, effective, and tested to performance standards, offering them a smoother pathway to sustainable innovation.”

UPM, the parent company of UPM Raflatac, has the distinction of being the only forest and paper industry company in the Dow Jones Global and European Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for the years 2024-2025. The indices cover environmental, social, and governance aspects of responsibility.

“We are committed to creating value for our customers by using sustainable, renewable resources, reducing our environmental footprint, and increasing our positive societal impact. Sustainability is a core strategic value for UPM,” says Sami Lundgren, vice president, Responsibility at UPM. 

Relative to UPM’s Dow Jones achievement, UPM Raflatac continues to make sustainability headlines in 2025. In addition to the pharmaceutical collaboration, the labelstock supplier reports that all manufacturing of its direct thermal laminate products in North America will no longer rely on Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS) direct thermal developers. Linked to environmental and health concerns, Bisphenol compounds BPA and BPS are commonly known as developers in the reactive layers of certain direct thermal products, including those used in manufacturing PS labelstock. 

UPM Raflatac’s direct thermal products meet the recent legislation deadlines of California’s Proposition 65 requirements, which require warnings for products with harmful chemicals. They also intend to comply with Washington State’s upcoming Safer Products Act, which aims to reduce harmful chemicals in consumer goods.

“We take immense pride in the tremendous effort and dedication our cross-functional Raflatac team has shown in achieving the transition of our direct thermal products well ahead of our 2025 goal. This milestone is a testament to their expertise and unwavering focus on excellence,” says Zach Franklin, director of Variable Information Label Solutions, UPM Raflatac, Americas. 

In other UPM/sustainability news, UPM Specialty Papers and Michelman have co-created three solutions that are designed to allow brand owners to replace multi-material, non-recyclable packaging with paper-based alternatives that meet their requirements for food contact and recyclability.

One of the results of the partnership is a high barrier packaging material that combines UPM Solide Lucent base paper with three of Michelman’s water-based coatings, delivering robust oxygen and moisture vapor barriers with heat-sealability. This makes it an ideal packaging format for demanding products such as chocolate and coffee.

Green Inks and primers 

Siegwerk has introduced what it says is the first nitrocellulose (NC) free ink series specifically designed for surface printing on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) packaging. The new offering includes NC-free surface products for both flexo and gravure printing, and it has been developed to meet the latest packaging design guidelines from organizations such as RecyClass and CEFLEX. Siegwerk says this product launch is the very first of its kind. 

Optimum Group, a UK-based label and flexible packaging converter, reports it has improved the recyclability of its shrink sleeves after adopting Flint Group’s Evolution range of primers and varnishes, designed to enhance packaging label recycling. Evolution Deinking Primer is applied to the substrate before the ink to provide strong ink adhesion throughout the life of the label. It enables the ink to be released (de-inked) into the recycling caustic wash and the substrate to be broken down into flakes, allowing for more than 99% recyclability.

Marcel Tuyn, technical sales manager at Flint Group, says, “Working with Optimum Group’s Wellen team has been a fantastic experience, and we’re delighted that they have achieved success thanks to our Evolution Deinking Primer. Evolution provides a holistic approach to sustainability, increasing the yield of recyclate and preserving material quality. This range represents the culmination of Flint Group’s expertise in ink and coating solutions that support businesses like Optimum Group to actively contribute to a more sustainable future, helping them increase recycling output and contribute to circularity in the label and flexible packaging industry.”

INX International Ink Co. has earned its first company-wide honor from EcoVadis, the world’s largest provider of business sustainability ratings. The organization issued INX a 2025 rated Bronze medal, which is directly related to the overall sustainability performance at all of its facilities in Europe and the Americas. INX introduced a Coloring a Safe and Sustainable Future model in 2020 and prepares a Corporate Sustainability report on an annual basis.

The EcoVadis assessment process requires documentation and performance data, so transparency and accountability visibly reinforce continuous improvement and public accountability methods. 

“The EcoVadis program is based on existing environmental, social, and governance policies, quantifiable performance data, and auditing documentation. It focuses on four main themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement,” says Peter Paul Obijaju, INX director of ESG. “The impact of an EcoVadis medal is significant in several ways. It signals credible, third-party validation of INX’s commitment to sustainability and speaks volumes about our reputation.”

Nazdar recently announced that its UV inks have been awarded the GREENGUARD Gold Certification by UL Environment’s GREENGUARD Certification Program. The distinction guarantees that Nazdar UV inks adhere to stringent standards for low chemical emissions, thereby promoting healthier indoor environments. The certification further signifies that Nazdar UV inks are safe for use in sensitive settings such as schools and healthcare facilities.

“We are absolutely delighted to have been recognized for our sustainable efforts,” says Stephen Woodall, Nazdar’s Digital Inkjet Inks market segment manager. “We are very proud of our various environmental programs and how they have helped both the business and our customers.”

Adhesives Sticking with sustainability

Henkel Corporation, a supplier of adhesives, sealants and coatings, and Celanese Corporation, a chemical and specialty materials company, have partnered to enhance circularity in emulsion production by utilizing carbon capture-based materials. Celanese has launched a carbon capture and utilization (CCU) project at its Clear Lake, TX, USA, site as part of its Fairway Methanol joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. The CCU technology captures industrial CO2 emissions and, using hydrogen, converts them into methanol, which forms 35% of vinyl acetate monomer – a crucial element to produce polymers often used in adhesive formulations.

Through this collaboration, Henkel will now produce water-based adhesives made from captured CO2 emissions, creating new opportunities for customers in the packaging and consumer goods sector to increase the renewable content of their products by keeping CO2 emissions in the production loop. Henkel says these CCU-based adhesives will play a crucial role in driving sustainability across a wide range of applications, labeling among them. 

“Our purpose is to pioneer packaging solutions for the benefit of people and planet, which means taking a holistic look at sustainability and making bold moves toward forward-looking technologies that offer our customers cost-effective options for improving sustainability,” says Pernille Lind Olsen, global head of the Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives Division at Henkel.

For the third consecutive year, Mactac has been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for the recyclability of its pressure sensitive label materials. The supplier has been awarded Critical Guidance Recognition (CGR) for its polypropylene (BOPP) PS labels with CHILL AT hot-melt adhesive for flexible polyethylene (PE) film packaging. The labeling solution exceeded voluntary requirements for APR Design for Recyclability Recognition, meeting the most stringent, industry accepted criteria for design features that affect plastics recycling.

Mactac says it is the first manufacturer to hold CGR for a hot-melt adhesive for flexible PE. Mactac was also the first to earn CGR for a hot-melt adhesive for polypropylene (PP) recycling applications in 2024, and for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers in 2023.

“Achieving the APR’s Critical Guidance Recognition is an important step in our Simply Sustainable initiative to promote a more circular economy,” says Kim Hensley, senior marketing manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives. “Mactac was the first label manufacturer to offer a hot-melt adhesive solution for HDPE and PP recycling applications, and now we are the first to earn recognition for PE flexible recycling applications. We are proud of our commitment to improve sustainable practices and promote recyclability.”

The newly bestowed recognition applies to Mactac white and clear top-coated BOPP labels that are paired with Mactac CHILL AT pressure sensitive adhesive. The labeling solution is ideal for PE surfaces such as bags, pouches, wraps, sachets and envelopes in food packaging, home and personal care applications. 

Meyers: An Industry Leader

Meyers, a label manufacturer headquartered in Minnesota, has emerged as a company that has truly and unequivocally prioritized sustainability. In fact, sustainability is more than just a priority, it’s the company’s foundation, according to Michael Dillon, chief revenue officer at Meyers.

Recently, Meyers has made a series of announcements, including the successful implementation of an ambitious retrofit program to upgrade to UV LED curing systems across all main production lines at its Minneapolis facility. For all the details on this project, turn to page 13 of this issue.

Meyers has also announced the integration of the PrintReleaf program into its comprehensive sustainability offerings. This initiative enables Meyers clients to actively reduce their environmental impact by directly supporting global reforestation projects, aligning with the converter’s mission to deliver innovative, eco-friendly solutions. The program is offered to customers at no cost, thus providing an accessible and impactful way for brands to advance their corporate sustainability goals. 

With PrintReleaf, brands like Charcutnuvo, a premium provider of sausages and charcuterie, are reforesting the equivalent of the paper used in their packaging. For every package printed, PrintReleaf ensures that an equal number of trees are planted in certified reforestation sites worldwide – delivering measurable, tangible benefits for the planet. 

“At Meyers, sustainability isn’t just a priority – it’s our foundation,” says Michael Dillon. “Our partnership with PrintReleaf builds on that commitment, providing clients with an effortless way to align their packaging strategies with their environmental values. Now, paper products harvested from a tree farm can be replaced with native trees planted in natural forests through world-class reforestation projects. Together, we can transform everyday packaging into a meaningful opportunity to give back to the planet.” 

PrintReleaf provides verified, measurable reforestation efforts through a proprietary tracking system. Clients receive certificates of reforestation and updates on specific projects, ensuring full transparency and accountability. 

“Collaborating with Meyers and PrintReleaf perfectly aligns with our mission to deliver premium products while prioritizing environmental stewardship,” says Eric Gutknecht, CEO of Charcutnuvo. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to sustainability, assuring our customers that our packaging choices reflect our dedication to a healthier planet.” 

PrintReleaf and its partners, with their customers, are already responsible for reforesting over eight million trees, providing businesses with a way to contribute to global reforestation efforts and create a positive environmental legacy. 

Meyers has also announced the successful completion of its first year achieving net zero emissions for operational carbon output. Through initiatives such as reducing energy consumption, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and incorporating sustainable materials, Meyers continues to minimize its
environmental footprint.

“Our mission at Meyers extends beyond creating exceptional products – we aim to protect the planet and support a sustainable future,” says Christopher Dillon, CEO of Meyers. “Achieving net zero in our operations is a significant milestone, and we are committed to building on this progress as we move forward.”

Meyers’ sustainability efforts include a Phase 1 solar array, featuring 128 roof-mounted panels that generate approximately 58,000 kWh of clean energy annually, reducing CO2 emissions by nearly 90,000 pounds each year. The company’s zero waste-to-landfill status demonstrates its approach to waste management, combining recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives. In 2023, these initiatives diverted 3,095 cubic yards of waste from landfills, preventing over 3,000 tons of CO2 emissions, conserving 5.7 million gallons of water, and saving nearly 14,000 trees.

Meyers offers its customers a diverse range of eco-friendly packaging materials, including FSC- and SFI-certified options, recycled content, unbleached paper, and labels made from renewable sources. These efforts not only help brands reduce their environmental impact but also contribute to a broader circular economy.

“As a sustainability leader, we’re proud to partner with some of the world’s most recognized brands to drive meaningful progress toward sustainability,” Dillon adds. “By achieving carbon neutrality in our operations, we’re paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.” 

Inland packaging earns EcoVadis Silver Rating for 2024

Inland Packaging, a label and packaging converter based in La Crosse, WI, has earned the EcoVadis Silver Sustainability Rating for 2024. This achievement highlights the company’s dedication to sustainability and its role as an environmentally responsible partner in the packaging industry.

The Silver Rating places Inland Packaging among the top performers in the industry, reflecting its commitment to driving sustainable progress. It demonstrates Inland’s continuous efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices into every aspect of its operations and supply chain. From reducing VOC emissions and waste to implementing energy-efficient initiatives, the company is committed to lessening its environmental footprint. Inland’s sustainable packaging solutions also empower customers to achieve their own environmental goals.

“We are honored to receive the EcoVadis Silver Sustainability Rating for 2024,” says Alana Clements, environmental and sustainability coordinator. “This recognition is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our entire team. At Inland, we take pride in being a packaging partner that prioritizes sustainability, and we are excited to continue developing innovative solutions that positively impact our customers, communities, and the planet.”