Introduction: The Labeling Revolution is Green
The packaging world is undergoing a transformation—and it’s greener than ever. As consumer awareness grows around sustainability, brands are expected to do more than just deliver great products. They need to prove they’re doing it responsibly.
At Leapin’ Lizard Labels, we’ve embraced that challenge head-on. With eco-inks, advanced digital printing, and a lean production philosophy, we help businesses create beautiful, high-performance labels—without compromising the planet.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how eco-inks and digital technology work together to reduce waste, why that matters for your brand, and how working with a sustainability-minded printer can elevate your business.
Why Sustainability in Labeling Matters More Than Ever
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Sustainability in labeling isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s quickly becoming non-negotiable.
Consumer Expectations Are Evolving
A Nielsen report found that 73% of global consumers say they would change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact. Packaging is often the first thing they see—and judge.
Regulatory Pressures Are Rising
Laws around extended producer responsibility (EPR), recyclable packaging, and corporate ESG reporting are tightening across the globe. Brands need forward-thinking partners to stay compliant and competitive.
Brands That Prioritize Sustainability Stand Out
Sustainable packaging isn’t just responsible—it’s a differentiator. Labels printed using environmentally conscious methods signal that your company walks the talk.
What Are Eco-Inks?
Let’s start with the most colorful part of your packaging—the ink.
Eco-inks are environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based inks. They are made with renewable resources and are formulated to produce lower emissions and less waste throughout the printing process.
Types of Eco-Inks We Use
At Leapin’ Lizard Labels, we use water-based eco-inks, designed specifically for our high-performance digital presses. These inks:
- Contain low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Are free of heavy metals
- Require less energy to cure
- Don’t emit hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)
- Are safer for workers and the environment
These eco-inks meet or exceed many industry standards for low-impact manufacturing—and still deliver the vivid, durable color our customers love.
How Digital Printing Helps Reduce Label Waste
Digital printing isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a sustainability powerhouse. Here’s why:
1. No Plates = Less Waste
Traditional printing (like flexography) requires physical plates for each color and design change. Digital printing? Not so much.
Since everything is done directly from the file to the press, we eliminate the waste associated with plate creation and disposal.
2. Short Runs = Less Overstock
We specialize in short-run, small-batch production, which means you print only what you need. That helps you avoid:
- Overstock waste
- Design obsolescence
- Storage issues
Fewer unused labels in landfills = a greener business.
3. Faster Setup, Lower Scrap Rates
Digital presses require less material during setup. That means fewer test prints and misalignments—translating to less wasted substrate and ink.
4. Precision and Automation
Our state-of-the-art Epson SurePress digital press allows for pixel-perfect precision with minimal operator intervention. That reduces both waste and rework.
Lean, Efficient Production
Beyond the printer itself, we’ve optimized every part of our workflow for environmental responsibility.
Smart Substrate Management
We help clients choose the right label material for their product and purpose—minimizing unnecessary use of overbuilt or unsustainable options.
Batch Consolidation
We group similar print jobs to maximize material use and reduce substrate waste.
Energy Efficiency
Our facility utilizes energy-conscious equipment and systems to cut down on consumption during every production run.
Materials That Match the Mission
Eco-inks are just one part of the equation. We also offer a growing library of sustainable label materials, including:
- Recycled content labels (with up to 100% post-consumer content)
- Wash-off adhesives for clean recycling
These materials pair perfectly with our digital printing process and can help you build packaging that aligns with your environmental goals.
How Leapin’ Lizard Labels Supports Sustainable Brands
At Leapin’ Lizard Labels, sustainability isn’t a marketing angle—it’s a core part of how we operate.
When you work with us, you’ll experience:
🎯 Customized, Conscious Solutions
We’ll guide you through material and design choices that reduce waste and boost shelf appeal.
🌀 Efficient, Low-Waste Printing
Our digital process is tuned for minimal setup and material usage.
♻️ Access to Eco-Friendly Stock Options
From recyclable liners to renewable label stocks, we give you the green tools to tell your story.
🌱 Honest Sustainability Practices
We don’t greenwash—we print responsibly, transparently, and with your brand’s values in mind.
Want to learn more about Leapin’ Lizard Labels' sustainability initiatives? Read more here.
What It Means for Your Brand
When you choose sustainable labeling, you’re doing more than printing stickers—you’re making a statement:
✅ You care about the planet
✅ You care about your customers
✅ You care about the future of your industry
And when you work with a partner like Leapin’ Lizard Labels, that message becomes loud and clear—without sacrificing quality, speed, or creativity.
Ready to Print Smarter?
We believe great labels don’t just look good—they do good. Whether you’re launching a new product, refreshing your look, or scaling your operations, our team is here to help you build a smarter, greener packaging strategy.
📩 Let’s talk! Reach out to our team to request a sample pack or schedule a free label consultation. Together, we can design something beautiful—and sustainable.
FAQs: Eco-Inks, Digital Printing, and Sustainable Labeling
Q: Are eco-inks as durable as traditional inks?
Yes! Our water-based eco-inks are formulated to provide excellent durability and moisture resistance—just like petroleum-based inks, but without the environmental drawbacks.
Q: Can I still get bold, vibrant colors with eco-inks?
Absolutely. Our digital printing technology delivers rich, high-definition color that matches or exceeds the vibrancy of traditional printing methods.
Q: Is digital printing more expensive than traditional printing?
For small-to-medium runs, digital printing is often more cost-effective—especially when you factor in no plate costs, lower setup waste, and faster turnaround.
Q: Do I have to commit to large volumes to be eco-friendly?
Nope! One of the biggest benefits of our approach is the ability to produce short runs that reduce overstock and obsolescence, saving you money and reducing waste.
Q: Can I use recycled materials with digital printing?
Yes. We offer several digitally-compatible recycled and eco-friendly materials that work beautifully with our presses.
Q: Do eco-labels still stick as well?
Yes—eco-conscious adhesives today are high-performing and strong enough for both primary and secondary packaging applications.
Want help choosing the right eco-labeling solution for your brand?
👉 Contact Leapin’ Lizard Labels today to start your sustainable packaging journey.
