I’ve seen quite a few drinks brands, especially in the Beer sector moving from direct print on cans to paper labels.
It’s an interesting move because there are both pros and cons for doing this:
On the plus side, it opens up new substrates and printing techniques to differentiate cans from the competition. This includes different papers, varnishes print methods and colour options.
On the down side, it tends to look cheap, and you can’t print right up to the top of the can due to the constraints of wrapping the label round a compound curve. They tend to appear like a mock up rather than a final finished can.
The paper label is then burnt off during the recycling and I suppose the big question is does this add to the carbon footprint or ultimately reduce it?
Paper labels are generally seen as less environmentally friendly than direct printing on aluminum cans.
The production of paper labels involves significant resource use, including water, energy, and raw materials like paper and ink.
Additionally, paper labels often use petroleum-based inks that emit volatile organic compounds. In contrast, direct printing eliminates label waste entirely and reduces the need for additional materials, making it a more sustainable option overall.
They clearly work for short production runs but bearing in mind the environmental impact and the overall reduction in quality credentials, is it worth it in the long run?
#Branding, #Design, #Marketing, #Packaging
