Generational Shift

In the 1980s and ‘90s, if you released a “green” product, you were taking a big risk.  They were more expensive to make, and most of the time consumers didn’t care if their cleaning products were “all-natural” or their chicken was “antibiotic-free.” Environmentally conscious consumerism just wasn’t a thing.

In today’s world, it’s the thing. Companies that likely wouldn’t have survived in the 1980s and ‘90s, like all-natural cleaning product manufacturer Seventh Generation, are thriving now. The big reason? Millennials. As they grow to have more spending power, their open-minded, environmentally-friendly mindset is reflected in the products that hit the market. They’re willing to spend more for all-natural, earth-friendly products, and manufacturers are following suit.

Key Players

Three notable brands, Seventh Generation, Fairlife Milk, and Method Cleaning Products, have embraced the green movement and are wildly successful because of it. All three have a commitment to sustainable practices in one way or another, whether that’s through employing plant based ingredients, ensuring fair treatment of animals, or making packaging from recycled materials. And their success is easy to see.  They’re all available at some of the largest retailers, including Target and Walmart, and Seventh Generation even has comedian Maya Rudolph endorsing them.

http://fairlife.com/
http://methodhome.com/products/gel-hand-wash-beach-sage/
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/disinfecting-bathroom

A Step Further

As brands discover that sustainability is the new frontier, the market is bound to become saturated with green options. With so many eco-friendly products, how can companies differentiate themselves? Consider this: you’re shopping for hand soap, looking for something that’s environmentally friendly. You come across two different brands. They’re the same price, have pretty much the same ingredient list, but one makes the claim of having a completely compostable label. Which do you choose? The answer is obvious: the one with the compostable label. By being ahead of the trend, companies whose products and labels are sustainable are likely to fair better as environmentally conscious consumerism becomes widespread. Additionally, many large retailers, like Walmart, have implemented supplier scorecards for brands they carry. These scorecards evaluate products based on their sustainability, and can benefit manufacturers if they score well – meaning the more compostable, the better! So how can you go about implementing a compostable label for your product?

One option is to use a biodegradable film. PLA film, for example, is made from plant based materials and is fully compostable. It can be applied with an adhesive or as a shrink sleeve, so it’s able to work with a variety of package designs. But even if you’re using a compostable film for your label, you still need to think about inks and adhesives to apply it. Luckily, there are adhesives that are 100% compostable, and water-based ink is also an option to give your label a completely eco-friendly guarantee. So why think twice about it?

If you’re looking for an expert partner to help you navigate the waters of sustainable labeling, AWT Labels and Packaging offers all of the options listed above and has over 35 years of experience in the labeling and packaging industry. Not only that, but we go above and beyond to ensure that we partake in sustainable practices. For more information, visit www.awtlabelpack.com or call (612) 706-3700