FAQ
FAQs about biodegradable and compostable labels…
What is the minimum print run for biodegradable labels?
Generally our minimum print run is 250 labels, as the cost difference for a smaller amount is negligible.
What is the difference between biodegradable labels and compostable labels?
The term biodegradable refers to the ability of materials to break down and return to nature. Compostable materials are similar to biodegradable but go one step further in that once they have decomposed they also provide nutrients to earth once it has completely broken down.
Is the adhesive on the sticker also biodegradable?
Yes, the adhesive used conforms with EN 13432 and is therefore considered to be both compostable and biodegradable.
Is the ink you use considered biodegradable?
The ink we use have been certified for compostability in home and industrial and is recoverable through composting and biodegradation in accordance with leading standards, such as EU Regulation EN 13432.
Is the backing paper used also biodegradable?
Currently the backing paper used is not biodegradable. We will continue to update the materials we use and as soon as biodegradable backing paper becomes available we will introduce this.
Can I add a metallic finish to my biodegradable label?
Due to the ink used not being from biodegradable material, it is possible to have a metallic finish, however, this can effect the labels ability to decompose and should be avoided until such time as a vegetable based ink is available.
Are biodegradable labels waterproof?
Biodegradable labels break down over time so are not fully waterproof because of this, although they can be used in damp conditions and refrigerators for a period of time. We always recommend that you test a sample of the biodegradable material you intend to use to ensure it suits your application.
What is wood free paper made from?
Wood free paper is made from chemically produced pulp rather than from wood that has been mechanically pulped. There are only cellulose fibres left after chemical pulping. The pulp is broken down chemically as opposed to mechanically there are no larger pieces of "wood" left in the paper. Wood free paper is not as susceptible to yellowing also.
Can the labels go into home compost?
The labels can be put into a normal home compost, but the breakdown may vary as they have not been tested under these circumstances.
What does EN 13432 mean?
EN13432 carries the OK Compost certification which the material is compliant with. This means the packaging sample is mixed with organic waste and maintained under test scale composting conditions for 12 weeks, after which time no more than 10 % of material fragments are allowed be larger than 2 mm. This test is carried out with industrial composting, some home composting may have longer results.
What does PEFC Certified mean?
PEFC stands for Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. This is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management.
FAQs when placing an order…
I am happy with my label quotation, what do I need to do next?
If you have received a quotation and are happy with it, we will now need to see your artwork which you can email to us at sales@greenlabels.co.uk.
What format do you need artwork in?
Please send your artwork to us as a high resolution vector based pdf/ eps or ai file. We are not able to work from png files as they can not be edited.
Let us know if there are any problems as our designer may be able to help.
How do I get a proof for my labels?
We will provide you with a digital print proof of your label prior to printing. We will ask you to confirm your acceptance of this proof before we are able to go to print.
Can I get printed samples of my label before I order?
If you would like a printed sample of your label on the material chosen, uncut, then this can be ordered. This is called a ‘wet proof’.
A wet proof is chargeable and costs £51.54 which includes VAT and Courier charge for delivery in the UK.
Do you ship to anywhere in the world?
We have customers buying biodegradable labels from us, all over the world. The shipping costs are dependant on where in the world you are and the weight of the labels we will be sending. Get in touch with us for an idea of price of worldwide shipping.
When do I pay?
We will send you a Pro Forma Invoice with our bank details. We will ask you to confirm that you are happy to proceed and we will then go ahead and prepare proofs for your approval prior to printing. Payment is required before going to print.
Do you have any other questions?
We will endeavour to add any questions we receive to this page to ensure that everyone can find the answers they are looking for. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please get in touch with us, we would be very happy to help.