Sustainable food labels: safe, clear, and waste-reducing
The food industry faces the most stringent labeling requirements of any sector: food safety, full regulatory information display, durability in cold and frozen storage conditions and—increasingly—sustainability. Sustainable food labels must simultaneously fulfill three pillars: regulatory (compliance with food labeling regulations), functional (performance under real-world conditions: refrigerated cabinets, freezers, exposure to grease and moisture condensation) and sustainability (reduced environmental impact).
Food safety: the first barrier for sustainable labels
Not all ‘green’ materials are safe for food contact. Recycled paper can contain residual ink, bleaching agents, or chemicals from the recycling process — many of which are not certified for direct or indirect food contact. PCR film also requires food-grade certification to ensure no migration from the label into the food. This is why food businesses need to work with label suppliers who understand food safety regulations, not just simply choose ‘green’ materials.
Real-World Storage Conditions and Challenges for Sustainable Labels
Frozen food: labels must withstand -18°C to -25°C without peeling, cracking, or losing barcode readability. Most paper labels, including FSC-certified paper, cannot meet this requirement without a protective laminate layer. Film labels are the mandatory choice, and can be further enhanced with PCR film.
Cold storage food (4°C): the main challenge is moisture condensation. When products move from the cold environment to the outside, water vapor condenses on the label surface, which can cause ink smearing, label edge lifting, or loss of adhesive strength. Labels must feature a moisture-resistant top coat and an adhesive specifically engineered for humid conditions.
Foods containing oil and grease: oil can permeate paper labels, causing stains and weakening the adhesive. Oil-resistant film or a protective lamination layer is required.
Sustainable Label Strategies for Food: Prioritizing by Usage Conditions
Hirich approaches sustainable food labeling by classifying products according to storage conditions and safety requirements, then recommending the most sustainable label structure capable of meeting those specific conditions. For dry foods at ambient temperature: FSC-certified paper or food-grade certified recycled paper. For chilled and frozen foods: PCR film with cold-resistant adhesive. For high-fat, greasy foods: oil-resistant PCR PET film. Every recommendation undergoes real-world testing in simulated usage environments, ensuring that sustainable labels never mean compromised durability.
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