Diversified Labeling Solutions

DLS SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES

Implementing Eco-Friendly Labeling 

 Environmentally-friendly labeling solutions

 

DLS' Sustainability efforts

At Diversified Labeling Solutions, we know that sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a destination. While labels are a necessity in virtually every industry, we also recognize that their production and use can have an environmental impact.

 

That’s why we’ve taken steps to incorporate more eco-friendly practices into our label manufacturing processes. From investing in greener materials and technologies to exploring new ways to reduce waste, DLS is committed to making continuous improvements that support both our customers’ sustainability goals and our own responsibility to the environment.

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 Diverse Selection of Sustainable Materials

Our goal is to support our distributors in being the go-to resource for their customers’ labeling needs. Depending on the application, we can offer more sustainable options for facestocks, adhesives, inks, and other label materials. Some examples include:

Sustainable Facestock Options

  • Post-consumer recycled paper or film
  • Sustainably sourced and certified paper
  • Biodegradable paper made from non-tree sources
  • Compostable label materials
  • Plastic films made from non-petroleum products
  • Recyclable PET

Sustainable Liner Options

  • Liners made with recycled raw materials
  • Sustainably sourced and certified liners
  • Thinner liners–Less material
  • Liners from suppliers offering take-back or recycling programs
  • Linerless label options

Sustainable Adhesive Options

  • Water-based adhesives
  • Low-VOC adhesives
  • Flake-away or wash-away adhesives for easier recycling
  • Biodegradable adhesives

Sustainable Ink/Coating Options

  • Low-VOC inks
  • Biodegradable inks
  • Water-based, biorenewable inks
  • Low-energy or LED-cured UV inks

 Sustainable Waste Recycling Program: Power Pellets

One of the biggest challenges in label production is the significant waste it creates—waste that traditionally ends up in landfills. To address this, DLS has taken steps to put that byproduct to better use. Through partnerships with Republic Services, Channeled Resources, and Convergen Energy, we now convert label production waste from our Illinois facility into fuel pellets. These pellets serve as an alternative energy source, helping reduce landfill contributions while supporting more sustainable manufacturing practices.

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 Sustainable Label and Ribbon Line: Ecologic

 

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We believe small, meaningful steps can add up to real environmental progress. That’s why we’ve introduced Ecologic–a new line of label materials and ribbons thoughtfully engineered to be more eco-conscious. By using thinner labels and ribbons–about 20% less material per label–Ecologic products deliver more labels per roll, reduce packaging waste, and lighten shipments for lower transportation emissions.

Beyond material efficiency, we've deepened our sustainability efforts through a partnership with Trees for the Future, planting one tree for every Ecologic roll sold—so every order helps grow a greener future. Ecologic complements other environmental improvements at DLS, like converting label waste into power pellets and upgrading to energy-saving production methods

 Sustainable Practices and Improvements

From reducing waste through programs like our power pellet initiative, to introducing more eco-conscious product lines such as Ecologic, we look for opportunities where meaningful improvements can be made. We also invest in energy-saving technologies, explore material options that use less raw resource, and continually review our processes to identify areas where we can operate more efficiently.
 

We may not claim to have solved every challenge in sustainable labeling, but we aim to continue making progress. By focusing on responsible choices and ongoing improvement, DLS is working to support the long-term success of our customers and contribute to a healthier environment for future generations. Reach out to one of our experts to learn more. 

 

Learn More About Sustainability Labeling

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