Is laminate bad for the environment?

Laminate adds a thin plastic film layer to the surface of a label. This improves durability and protects against water, oils, scratches, and everyday wear.

The trade-off is that laminated labels can be more difficult to recycle through standard paper recycling streams. If recyclability is your highest priority, a paper material with a varnish finish is generally the better option.

That said, the most sustainable solution isn’t always the one with the fewest materials. A label that lasts longer and performs as intended can sometimes have a lower overall impact than one that needs to be replaced more frequently.

If sustainability is an important part of your project, our support team can help you compare materials and finishes to find the best balance between performance, appearance, and environmental impact.