What are wash-off labels and their associated benefits?
News 15 Nov 2022
What are wash off labels?
Wash-off labels are label materials that include an adhesive that is designed to easily dissolve during bottle cleaning and recycling processes. Wash-off labels are often used on returnable glass beverage bottles, such as beer bottles or rigid plastic crates. Wash-off labels are perfect for brands looking to enhance their sustainability credentials as these fit into a circular economy. Combining a wash-off adhesive with a sustainable face material, for instance, 100% PCW, can be hugely beneficial for your brand from a sustainability perspective and can also help to attract new sales from environmentally cautious consumers.
What are the uses and key benefits of wash-off labels?
- Environmentally friendly
Standard labels when removed typically leave residue on containers. With wash-off labels these are designed for the adhesives to dissolve during the wash process, meaning no residue or sticky substances are left behind on substrates. As expected, this allows brands to maximise the overall reusability of materials including glass bottles. Maximising the reuse of materials is also advantageous in reducing the volume of waste and items ending up in landfill.
- Perfect for returnable or reusable containers
Choosing wash-off labels can present various benefits, particularly when the adhesives are supported in various return wash systems including hot water caustic, water jet, and cold-water baths. Furthermore, wash-off labels can also provide brands with added operational efficiencies as these can be used on multiple substrates, including glass bottles and rigid plastics. Using wash-off labels on returnable or reusable containers is also hugely beneficial for the environment as it reduces the usage of C02 by manufacturing new materials, such as glass and PET as there is a higher reuse rate.
- Durable when applied
Wash-off labels are great as they also provide long-term durability and stay in place during use even though they can easily be removed, after return, which allows safe and clean reuse of materials.
- Can include foiling/embossing etc. through print design
You can also benefit from using wash-off labels when it comes to creativity as they also provide great printability allowing you to benefit from creative freedom when it comes to print and design. For example, compatible with HP, Xeikon and Inkjet printers.
Contact us about our PWP1018 wash-off label adhesives
If you are looking for a reliable wash-off label material, speak to our team about our PWP1018 adhesive which is part of our PurityWash range. Alternatively, if you are looking for environmentally friendly label materials, explore our AdaptEco range or get in touch with our team today.