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Sustainable Labeling: How to Choose Greener Labels

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These days, consumers and many manufacturers are realizing the merits of going green. Not only are eco-friendlier packaging options good for the planet, but they're good for your reputation and your bottom line.

In a recent Consumer Brands/Ipsos poll, 84% of respondents said they were concerned about waste from plastics and packaging. Recycling is at the forefront of their minds, and they're willing to prioritize brands that show a greener approach.

What does that mean for you? It means that taking a look at your packaging options, right down to the labeling, is crucial.

What Makes More Sustainable Labeling?

What factors play into a label’s sustainability? There are many components to a label—the material, the adhesives, the finish, even the ink—that can play a role in the label’s compatibility with the recycling process.

It’s important to understand how recycling works and the requirements for your packaging before you choose the labels for your product. Labels are ubiquitous---almost every product has a label of some sort on the product, whether it’s a food, beverage, consumer good, or medical supply. In most cases, the recycling process doesn’t require that consumers and users remove their label to recycle.

During the recycling process, products are often heated to very high temperatures. This heating burns off any labels and glue. For certain products, the recycler may request that labels be removed. The labels themselves may also be recyclable (in the case of some paper labels, for example). Different recyclers may have different standards for their recyclable products, so if you're working with consumers in a particular region and recycling is a concern, it may be a good idea to explore the local regulations and guidelines.

But of course, if your company has taken measures to provide more sustainable products to your consumer, then you’ll want to do your due diligence when it comes to exploring sustainable label options. Here are all the aspects of labels you should consider when you’re seeking more sustainable label choices.

Are Label Adhesives Recyclable?

Generally speaking, most label adhesives aren’t recyclable. Even if a paper label is used, the adhesive will need to be removed before the label can be recycled. There are natural adhesives out there, but it depends on the other requirements of the label and storage conditions for the product. Look for an RCA or recycling compatible adhesive if it fits your specifications.

RCAs were first devised for use in the postal system. When it comes to recycling envelopes, the adhesive closure and even stamps can be a concern. In most cases, the RCAs are used to adhere paper to paper. During the recycling process, paper is shredded into pulp. The adhesives are resistant to shredding and can then be removed before the final processing. Other adhesives can damage the recycling machinery and cause problems.

There are also biodegradable label adhesives (and even labels themselves). These are often used on food products, and these labels will break down over time. The biodegradable adhesive is often plant-based, made from materials like sugarcane. In some cases, these options can be an appropriate choice.

Most label components like ink, standard adhesives, and lamination are considered contaminants in the recycling process, but recycling companies will often remove them during the processing if they are a problem. The adhesive itself can't be extracted from the label or recycled. It's also important to note that many adhesives eventually degrade, change, and deteriorate over the product's life. Removable and repositionable label adhesive options offer a lower tack and can be used in some cases.

Which Label Materials Are Most Sustainable?

Choosing paper labels can make your product packaging more sustainable and recycling-friendly. Many paper labels on sauce jars and other products can be washed off or removed during recycling. Generally speaking, paper labels are often the most eco-friendly and may even be made from recycled materials.

Plastic and synthetic labels can be used on packaging with the same type of plastic. For example, polypropylene or PET bottles with polypropylene or PET labels can usually be recycled together—no label removal necessary. In some cases, a label may fit around the entire package (like a beverage bottle) and can be removed easily once the product is gone.

Choosing Finishes and Lamination

Another area to review is the finish and lamination on your labels. Some labels need to be water-resistant, heat-proof, or otherwise able to withstand certain conditions. In this case, a protective finish is important. Other embellishments like metallics can align with your branding and make your product stand out.

For lamination, matching the material to the packaging can increase the recyclability of the product. Again, a polypropylene laminate would be appropriate for a polypropylene bottle. A paper label with a laminate finish may not be as easily recycled. It’s also important to check the adhesive and the ink before deeming the label recyclable (even if the lamination is the same material as the product packaging).

In many cases, the finish, adhesive, and even ink will factor into the sustainability of a label. It's important to weigh the requirements of your label and the information you need to convey against the merits of going completely green. With the proper guidance, you should find a label that will do the job while still complementing your product.

Fortunately, when it comes to labels, there are ample options for customizing and adjustment. Your product is different and distinctive, so you’ll need a label that works for you. We have an array of labeling choices here at T&L Graphic Systems. If you need to find a sustainable label or a label with any unique property, we're here to help. Reach out today to explore your options.

Deciphering Common Medical Device Labeling Symbols

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TL-Blog-Symbols-1200x628

If you work in any area of the medical industry, you likely have some familiarity with medical device labeling symbols. You've probably seen the images on everything from pill bottles to medical equipment.

But do you ever wonder why we use symbols in the medical industry? They almost seem like hieroglyphics or a coded message. Have you seen the medical device labeling symbols and asked yourself what they mean? We see them printed on medical labels in the lab, the pharmacy, or throughout any medical practice.

Fortunately, medical device labeling symbols are standardized, and you can decipher most with just a little sleuthing to find a medical device symbols glossary. These medical device labeling symbols are essential—they keep consumers, patients, and medical professionals efficient, informed, and safe from harm.

Why Medical Device Labeling Symbols Keep Us Safe

Medical device labeling symbols are simple images that convey a lot of critical information. Symbols on medical devices can indicate storage guidelines for an item. They can symbolize safety precautions needed or offer guidance on how a medical product should be administered or used.

For years, the medical industry has used symbols in labeling, largely because symbols are universal, but the medical device labeling standards have shifted and evolved over time. As manufacturers and technology have changed, the number of symbols has grown, and designers have adapted them to encompass the medical industry's new needs.

Medical device users need not understand English or know how to read to understand the symbols. The understandability of medical device labeling symbols is particularly helpful for global markets. When manufacturers create a medical device or product, they can market it in any country, not just the native manufacturing region. Medical device symbols are essentially universal (although countries may have their own medical device labeling standards and guidelines).

Symbols Are Used Everywhere

Symbols have long been used in consumer goods—not only for medical devices but in many different products. The characters on a product label might tell the consumer about the contents inside or how they can recycle the container. There are symbols used in kosher food manufacturing and symbols to indicate the organic origins of food. Some symbols might tell consumers how to store products or warn them about misusing the products as well.

As with medical labels, the symbols used for all products are there because they convey a message in a clear, easy-to-follow manner. There are no concerns about language barriers or inability to read when pictures are used on a label. Labeling symbols make products more accessible and easier to use—something that’s particularly crucial when it comes to the medical field.

Symbols also take up less valuable label real estate. When you're trying to convey a lot of information in a small amount of space, a symbol can help you get your message across quickly and clearly. Medical device labeling symbols are ubiquitous in the medical field because often, there are many instructions needed. A symbol is a convenient, straightforward way to get that information across to anyone who needs to know.

Medical Device Labeling Symbols Offer a Lot of Information in a Little Picture

So what can we learn by looking at medical device labeling symbols? There's a lot of information conveyed, but some of the symbols can get confusing for those new to the medical profession or less familiar.

In 2016, the FDA released the final rule on the “Use of Symbols in Labeling.” These rules allow symbols on medical device labeling without accompanying explanatory text. These criteria helped those navigating label design and figuring out how to fit the necessary information on a medical device. You can use a standalone medical device labeling symbol as long as the symbol meets certain standards (like those set forth by the American National Standards Institute, ANSI, or International Organization for Standardization, ISO).

Manufacturers may also use a symbol that's not part of the ISO standards if they can show that the symbol is easily decipherable to their target audience. The FDA rule also mandates that manufacturers include a symbols glossary (in paper or electronically) available to users as part of the labeling or packaging. However, the glossary isn’t needed if a company prints explanatory text along with the symbol.

There are many positives about the medical device labeling standards and guidelines. Using symbol-only labels makes the message clear, safe, and easy to comprehend. In a small amount of space, the safety labels can still get the message across.

One aspect of labeling that the medical device labeling ruling underscores is the critical need to choose the correct label for the job. When you’re relying on a small medical label to offer so much important information, it needs to have the right finish, lamination, and adhesive to stay in place and stick to the medical device. Even though the symbols and labels are standardized, it's still essential to seek the highest quality labels with resistant coatings and finishes.

At T&L Graphics, we offer labels in an array of finishes and types, including chemical, cold, and heat-resistant options. We serve the medical field with labels such as:

  • Medical imaging
  • Pharmaceutical labels
  • Vial labels
  • I.V. labels
  • Biohazard labels for containers
  • Admission labels
  • Labels for radiology
  • Medical device and equipment labels

We can recommend the right adhesive and label material to ensure your labels can stand up to frequent use, wear, and tear. When you rely on labels for critical information, don't settle for anything less than the top of the line. Reach out to us today to get the right labels for all your important applications.

10 Medical Label Features That Help You Run Your Practice Better

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Medical Label Features

Have you ever had to stick a label on a bag or chart with scotch tape? Ever had print text too small it could barely be read? Resorted to using a sharpie to convey important messages? Had to put up with labels that slide off easier than an old band-aid?

Medical labels aren’t very important until they’re a problem. When you can’t write on a label at a critical moment, when a label is too small to read, damaged or doesn’t work for an application, it’s more than just frustrating - it's infuriating! Not only do poor quality medical labels waste your time, all those label malfunctions result in missed information or instructions.

Functional medical labels are a requirement—it’s a matter of patient protection and safety.

At the heart of it, medical labels are a communication tool. Nowhere is communication more important than when it ensures patient wellbeing. Whether you need medical labels that stand up to environmental stress—heat, water and chemicals—or simply wear and tear, T&L has you covered.

When selecting a healthcare label, it is important to consider what you need your label to withstand. Here are 10 important medical label features and options to assess as you select your medical labels. 

  1. Permanent Label Adhesive
    Whether you need medical labels to adhere to plastic, metal, glass or even cloth, we know how to make your label stick—for good. The adhesive needs to stay strong under various temperatures, whether indicating your autoclave process is complete or when used for freezing, cryogenics and refrigeration. Nothing’s more confusing (or dangerous!) than a missing label!
  2. Thermal Sensitivity
    Do you need thermal printer compatible medical labels? Printable labels are a staple in the medical world—and thermal medical labels need to stand up to smearing and fading. Need custom thermal healthcare labels? You got it. Convey any and all important patient information and instructions on your label. Thermal and laser printed labels are also scannable—for easy tracking, ensured patient privacy and fast communication.
  3. Clear Graphics
    Clear, easy-to-read graphics featuring common, understandable signs and symbols are important for patient and practitioner communication. In a busy office, you rely on labels—whether you’re looking at a healthcare chart or medical equipment. Medical labels in bright colors can serve as a warning, an easy way to sort and organize, and a clear way to communicate important messages like allergies and hazards. Clear, easy-to-apply, easy-to-read and understand medical labels are vital.
  4. Smudge-Proof Labels
    Medical labels need to stand up to water, heat, chemicals and rough handling. If a label is smudged, the message is lost. Smudge-proof coating and lamination are important for protecting labels from moisture. Heat and chemical-resistant coatings are used in laboratories, phlebotomy, pharmaceuticals and infusion therapies. UV coatings offer yet another layer of label protection with ultraviolet light used to cure varnish to protect the label.
  5. Easy-to-Dispense Pull-Tabs
    Nurses, doctors and office personnel juggle handfuls of tasks at once. The LAST thing you need to wrestle with is a label that’s hard to access. Easy-to-dispense pull-tab healthcare labels ensure you’ll get the label you need without dropping the ball. Apply easy-to-dispense labels with one hand so you can quickly communicate the message and move on. Not only does this prevent confusion and mix-ups but it boosts patient safety.
  6. Drug-Class Color Coding
    Medical practitioners and pharmacists need to know as much as possible about a drug at a glance. With restrictions on dispensing drugs based on classification, using an easy color-coded system helps clarify drug types fast. We offer medical labels with standard drug-class color coding so you know exactly what’s prescribed to your patient.
  7. Writable Labels (for Specimens & Charting)
    Any nurse or lab tech who’s struggled to write specimen information on a label knows: writable medical labels are a sanity-saver. Nothing’s quite as aggravating as searching for a pen or marker when you’re charting or labeling a sample. Easy, writable labels (that work with a variety of inks) for charting and specimen samples are an office staple for every medical practice and lab.
  8. Laser & Dot-Matrix Compatibility
    Laser printing and dot-matrix printers are everywhere in the medical world. Dot-matrix printing allows labs, radiologists and even claims specialists to print carbon forms. With laser printer compatible labels, you get clear, scannable barcodes—so critical to tracking and patient privacy. Laser and dot-matrix compatible labels means easy printing for your practice.
  9. Chemical-Resistant Numbering
    Chemical resistant labels are used most often in pathology, surgery and clinical applications. Often specimens are tracked with number systems and tools are marked with color-coded tape. When chemicals like xylene and tissue marking dyes like Shandon are used in your lab, you need marking tape and labels that will stand up to chemicals and solvents for slides, containers and bottles.
  10. Consecutive Barcoding
    Blood banks and laboratories use consecutive barcoding on their medical labels to track samples and ensure the privacy of patients and donors. From the moment a sample is drawn until it’s delivered to a bank, supplied to patient-in-need or processed by a lab, you need to know where that sample is. Consecutive barcoding label systems allow you to apply labels and track blood with ease.

What do you need your medical labels to withstand and communicate effectively? We can help you assess, select and receive the medical labels that will help you provide even better patient care.  Let's Chat. 

What’s Color Got To Do With It?

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Color Psychology

There is no denying that color is an important influencer in the products we buy, the opinions we form and the choices we make. Up to 90 percent of people base their buying decisions on color... so businesses feel the pressure to get their label colors right. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to selecting the perfect colors, we can give you a hand.
 

Colors Have Meaning

People exposed to particular colors have physiological reactions that can imply certain perceptions, moods and feelings. We'll review a few common color associations to get you started in understanding the proper use of color. Here are a few common color associations:
  • Red: Raises people’s blood pressure and heart rate, and is often associated with movement, excitement, passion and danger.
  • Orange: Stimulates areas of the brain that trigger feelings like enthusiasm or anxiety, and is considered a confident, warm and cheerful color.
  • Yellow: Increases mental activity, is often used to highlight important points for memory, and is associated with happiness, caution and energy.
  • Green: Promotes harmony and balance in the brain, and is synonymous with health, nature, peacefulness and envy.
  • Blue: Associated with security, logic, and a calm mind, but can feel uninviting.

Don’t Rely on Color Stereotypes Alone

While it’s helpful for you to understand typical associations people have with colors, you also must consider the context of your audience. Before selecting a label color, think about the industry, cultural, competitive or gender perceptions that could impact the effectiveness of your marketing or communications. Take yellow, the “happiness color,” for example. While this may seem like the perfect uplifting hue for hospitals, there are industry-specific use cases for yellow, such as prevention protocol, care instructions, and fall-risk notifications, that might deter its use within a medical setting.

Eye-Pleasing Color Combinations

Color WheelBusinesses today have access a whole spectrum of color choices and combinations for their labels. When harnessed properly, color combinations can quickly become your most powerful design element. Consider these basic techniques when combining colors:

  • Complementary: Colors located on opposite sides of the color spectrum, like blue and orange, are defined as complementary colors. They are effective at highlighting contrast or making a bold statement, but can be overwhelming in large doses.
  • Analogous: Neighbors on the color wheel, analogous color combos coexist nicely and evoke feelings of harmony and serenity, making them ideal for grouping related components, text, or visuals.
  • Triad: This color scheme uses any combination of three evenly spaced colors from around the color wheel, such as shades of green, violet, and orange. To ensure your information stands out, leverage one dominant color against two supporting accent colors.

Let’s talk about color for your project

Just because your color choices work well with one medium, doesn’t mean they will translate to your custom label. We are well-versed in the psychology of color, design, and label best practices, let’s chat about your project.

Sometimes You Need to Blow Their Minds with a “Wow” Label

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unique label designs

When a simple one-sided label won’t do the trick, you need a “wow” label. Here are our favorite unique labels, that will elevate the functionality and appeal of your product.

Instant redeemable coupon labels

Whether you want to reach customers with direct mailings or at a point of purchase, instant redeemable coupon (IRC) labels are an eye-catching alternative to traditional clip or tear-away coupons. Using an intuitive, dry peel-off card design, IRC labels provide consumers with an interactive and immediate way to access promotional offers, coupon codes, barcodes, sweepstakes, rebates and more.

Ensure that your IRC label functions properly by using an ultraviolet (UV) coating to protect and secure the print below the peel-off layer and a residue-free adhesive that holds without the mess.

Scratch-offs

Scratch-off labels are another creative and interactive solution for delivering information or promotional offers. Scratch-off labels use a tear-proof film material, topped with a scratch-off primer and metallic ink layer, to create an engaging, hands-on customer experience.

High quality, fresh ink is a must. If you’ve ever encountered a poorly functioning scratch-off, it’s likely a result of low-quality or expired ink. The ink, which only has a three-month shelf life, is specially formulated and must be mixed to order, so plan on about eight to 10 days for order completion.

Piggyback labels

Piggyback labels are the ultimate convenience labels, providing users with a handy pre-printed or blank label that can easily be removed and applied anywhere. As the name implies, a piggyback label consists of two labels, where one label piggybacks, or sits atop, another label. A middle layer is used to adhere the top layer, or face of the label, to a bottom liner that sticks to the surface to which it’s applied.

Piggybacks have seemingly endless customization options, so think through the features and use cases that will help you reach your goals and a positive return on your label investment.

Variable image labels

Often utilitarian, variable image labels pack the ultimate punch for manufacturers, supplier, distributors and direct mail advertisers. Have you ever checked the status of a package to find that it’s at a particular pre-shipping location? Well, that detailed tracking was likely made possible by a scannable barcode printed on a variable image label.

These truly one-of-a-kind labels contain barcodes, personalized text, images or other information that changes from one label to the next, which allows companies to scale their operations while maintaining control over things like inventory, marketing messages, routing and complex workflows.

Thanks to advances in printing technology, variable printing is a cost- and time-effective way to customize individual labels. However, mistakes can be costly, so remember to carefully proof your data, such as sequential numbering logic or copy variations.

Self-Laminating Labels

If you’re looking for a resilient label that will withstand everyday wear and tear, dirty, or even extreme outdoor conditions, self-laminating labels stand above the rest. These durable and customizable labels typically consist of a smudge-free layer for writing and an overlying, clear laminate layer that can be self-applied by the user.

Selecting the best materials for your use case is critical to the success of your self-laminating label, so carefully consider your end users’ requirements for durability, adhesive strength, pliability, colors, pre-printed fields, permanence, and other factors.

Conclusion

Finding a trusted label supplier that can help you find the best label - no matter how unique - can be challenging. At T&L Graphic Systems, our experienced team works to understand your needs and find a solution that’s right for you. Check out our latest white paper, How To Create The Perfect Label.