Can Industrial Labels Be Sustainable? Here’s How

Two seemingly opposing demands currently face industrial labels: uncompromising durability and increasing pressure for sustainability. When labels are expected to withstand harsh chemicals, abrasion, UV exposure and extreme temperature, it can feel counterintuitive to introduce eco-friendly materials or lower-impact processes, without sacrificing performance.

The good news is that advances in design and technology, material science and responsible manufacturing are proving that industrial labels can be both durable and sustainable.

In this article, we explore the challenge of balancing performance with eco-conscious practices, how new and exciting innovations are reshaping sustainable label design, and how GSM Graphic Arts is leading the way with practical, real-world solutions for engineers.

At GSM Graphic Arts, we’ve been integrating these innovations into real-world, high-demand applications for years. Read on to discover how.

Why Industrial Labels Have Historically Struggled with Sustainability

Industrial labels must perform under conditions far more demanding than typical consumer applications. In sectors such as defence, medical devices, engineering, oil and gas, labels must remain legible and maintain their clarity throughout their product lifecycles.

This means resistance to:

Harsh chemicals and solvents
UV degradation
Abrasion and mechanical impact
Moisture and weather exposure
High or fluctuating temperatures

These requirements have traditionally led manufacturers to use sturdy materials like plastic and metals, as well as energy-intensive production methods, all of which present sustainability challenges.

At the same time, environmental responsibility is fast becoming a core priority across industrial sectors. Companies are facing increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, minimise waste and adopt circular-economy practices, all while ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards remain intact.

Balancing these needs requires thoughtful design, innovative materials and a commitment to more sustainable production processes.

How Innovation Is Changing Sustainable Label Design

1. Eco-Friendly Material Selection Without Compromising Performance

Improvements in materials and technologies mean more sustainable labels no longer require compromising performance or durability. For example, recyclable plastic labels and recycled aluminium for metal decals, which can minimise environmental impact.

At GSM Graphic Arts, we work closely with our clients to assess the conditions that could affect your industrial labels, such as chemical exposure, temperature extremes or outdoor use, and recommend the most responsible material for each application.

2. Sustainable Practices Throughout the Process

Material choice is only part of the equation. Sustainability also comes from how labels are manufactured.

At GSM Graphic Arts, we have invested significantly in lower-impact production processes that support both performance and environmental responsibility. Our sustainability initiatives include:

Zero waste to landfill: All waste materials are responsibly disposed of, and recycling methods are implemented throughout the waste hierarchy.
On-site solar generation: Renewable energy supports our production, reduces our carbon emissions and furthers our net-zero goal.
Energy-efficient factory systems: LED lighting, proximity sensors and automatic machine shutdown reduce energy waste.
Heat recovery systems: Waste heat from manufacturing is reused to warm parts of the facility.
Sustainable packaging: Orders are packaged using recycled-content or fully recyclable packaging materials… or both!

These measures ensure the entire lifecycle of the label, from raw materials to printing to packaging, all align with modern sustainability expectations, without compromising the precision and durability industries rely on.

3. Circular Economy: Designing with End-of-Life in Mind

A key pillar of sustainable label design is considering what happens after the product reaches the end of its use.

Designing with circularity in mind involves:

Prioritising recyclable metals
Minimise waste product levels
Innovate smart labelling to access more precise operational oversight
Meeting industry-specific standards and certifications for sustainability

This approach ensures labels not only perform reliably but also support broader environmental goals throughout their entire lifecycle.

Sustainability at GSM Graphic Arts

For 50 years, we have been a trusted supplier of high-performance industrial labels across a diversity of sectors, including healthcare, oil and gas, marine and defence, construction, catering and more.

Today, our expertise is paired with a long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility. At GSM Graphic Arts, we’re dedicated to continuously evolving our practices, especially when it comes to reducing our impact on the environment.

Our goal? To build a more sustainable future for all. Our sustainability initiatives have been shaped around three principles, including:

Reducing Waste

Since 2011, we have been working to achieve and maintain a zero landfill status. This means that we can reduce waste across the supply chain, which is one of the most beneficial practices for more sustainable operations.

To further this initiative, we also recycle all of our raw materials and chemical waste, preventing environmental contamination, without sacrificing our high-quality manufacturing processes.

Our thinking goes beyond our industrial labels. As we’ve mentioned, we use waste process heat to partially heat our factory, creating a pleasant working environment for our employees, while enabling us to use renewable energy sources and further reducing our carbon footprint.

Minimising Carbon Footprint

Reaching zero emissions, aligned with the UK’s net zero strategy, is one of our top priorities. That’s why we implement a few major practices across our supply chain:

On-site solar generation: Since 2013, all of our electricity purchased or acquired has been from green or renewable sources of energy.
On-site battery storage: This means we can capitalise on the excess solar generation at our facilities, developing a reliable and renewable source of energy.
Electric and plug-in hybrid cars: Beyond crafting industrial labels, all of our company cars are now hybrid or fully electric, further reducing our carbon footprint.

Through solar generation, energy-efficient systems and responsible resource management, we significantly reduce the environmental impact of the label printing process.

Designing for Responsible Performance

We help our clients choose the right material and production method for the job, balancing durability with the most sustainable option available.

One such material is 5251-grade aluminium, which is fully recyclable and has 88.6% recycled content. This makes it a far more sustainable choice for our customers by reducing the need for virgin materials and thus minimising the impact on our environment.

Are Sustainable Industrial Labels Possible?

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that industrial labels face an array of demanding conditions. From harsh UV rays and extreme temperatures to abrasive chemicals and constant handling, advanced materials and manufacturing techniques are essential to their durability and maintaining clarity throughout their life cycle.

But does that leave room for sustainable practices and eco-conscious designs? Can sustainability and durability co-exist?

Absolutely! New innovations across materials, design, and operations prove that renewable materials and robustness can go hand in hand and can work together to meet green goals.

With responsible production practices, recycled materials, efficient energy use and smart design choices, our team continues to demonstrate that high-performance industrial labels can be produced in a way that aligns with growing industry demands and customer expectations.

Discover More with GSM Graphic Arts

When you work with the right partner, durability doesn’t have to come at the cost of sustainability. Our team is here to help you find the right solution for your products and applications, with green thinking top of mind.

At GSM Graphic Arts, we’re proving every day that high-performance industrial labels can be engineered sustainably, without compromise.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your project and explore the sustainable label options available to your industry.