Recyclable Labels
Help the recycling process by selecting optimal materials.
Select labels with a water soluble adhesive to help improve the recyclability of items such as bottles and containers.
How are Recyclable Labels sustainable?
Are Recyclable Labels the option for me?
Recyclable Labels are a great way to help make a product more sustainable, as they help to reduce both waste and the consumption of fresh resources. Many standard label materials can be recyclable.
However, it’s often challenging to find a recyclable label. This is because there are several distinct layers to a self-adhesive label, and recycling capabilities differ between countries and regions. This means that a label that can be recycled in one area may not be recyclable in another.
Label adhesives can also interfere with the recycling process, and we’re not aware of any processes which enable inks and varnishes to be recycled either. So you’re unlikely to make a label recyclable just by removing it from a non-recyclable product.
Whether you’ll be able to find a recyclable label that suits your product will mainly come down to how your product is made and if you can find a ‘recyclable combination’. For example, it’s straightforward to pick a recyclable paper label for a paper box, but it’s not really possible for other more bespoke and specialist options or complex products.
We recommend that you read our guide to Sticker and Label Recycling. It goes into detail about different recyclable combinations, and how this can impact your search for a recyclable label. Click here to read our label recycling guide ❯
If recycling is vital for your product, we recommend using a label with a special wash-off recycling adhesive. The label can be washed off the main item (either by a consumer, manufacturer or recycler), meaning that the label and item can go into their own material streams and be recycled.
Tip: Always consult your local recycling facility when looking to develop any recyclable product.
'Recyclable Combination'
This is where a label material is paired with your product or item material, so that it can enter the same material stream at a recycling facility.
For example, a paper label and paper box. Or a HDPE-based label and HDPE bottle.
Recyclable Labels
Material Availability
Responsible
Sourcing
Reuse and Recycling
Reducing
Consumption

More from Crown Labels
Find out more about recyclable label combinations and options.
Sustainability is more than a material choice
Materials are a key part of any sustainable label, but there's a lot more to consider when ensuring that your labels are as sustainable as possible.
From production processes, tooling and print plates, to delivery options and label durability, there's a wide range of considerations. You'll likely need to compromise on some goals, or be willing to make a trade-off.
We want to ensure that your labels really are as sustainable as possible in all aspects, and are always working to expand our range of initiatives.
Sustainable Recyclable Labels
Here's what to do next:
Browse our full range of options
See the wide range of options available for your sustainable labels and find the one that's most compatible with your goals. Read our tips to help you assess each option and its potential limitations.
Find the best sustainable option
Many customers have a range of questions about sustainable labels. See if we've answered your questions with our FAQ, and if not you can submit a question via our form, or request a call-back.
Request a bespoke quotation
If you've found the sustainable option for you, and have an idea of other details for your order such as label size and quantities required, then get in touch with our team for a free bespoke quotation.
Not quite ready? Stay in touch!
Sometimes it's best to take time to review the different options available. Stay in touch with us via email to get the latest sustainable label news, plus tips and inspiration for your labels.
All material supplies are subject to availability and production testing. Provided specifications are based on information from the original material manufacturer and are subject to change without notice. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only and not guaranteed to be representative due to the nature of the product and production processes. Recycling capability differs by country and region, no responsibility can be taken for compatibility with recycling processes. For further information about specifications and availability please contact our team ❯