Compostable labels: what they are, how they work, and when to use them.

Compostable labels are an increasingly strategic component of sustainable packaging. It's not enough to choose a "green" material: you need to design the entire label, taking into account certifications, inks, and regulations. In this guide, discover how they work and when to use them.

Index

• What are compostable labels?

• How they work (materials, adhesives and inks)

• When it is best to use them

• Certifications and technical requirements

• PPWR Regulation and Future Obligations

• FAQs about compostable labels

Introduction

In modern packaging, sustainability must be addressed systemically.

Packaging may be compostable, but if the label is not designed for the same disposal stream, it creates a technical and environmental issue.

In particular, a non-compliant label can:

• compromise the composting process

• introduce incompatible substances

• make the entire packaging inconsistent

For this reason, compostable labels must be considered an integral part of the packaging design.

1. What characteristics do compostable adhesive labels have?

Compostable adhesive labels represent a type of sustainable label and are designed to degrade completely in industrial composting facilities, leaving no harmful residue.

They must comply with standards such as the EN 13432 standard, which defines:

• biodegradability

• disintegration

• absence of negative effects on the compost

Difference between compostable, biodegradable and recyclable

It is important to distinguish between:

• recyclable: material recoverable through industrial processes

• biodegradable: material that degrades over time

• Compostable: material that degrades under controlled conditions without residue

Only compostability guarantees compatibility with the organic waste cycle.

Correct technical approach

A compostable label must be designed as a single system. This means that:

• front material

• adhesive

• inks

They must be compatible with each other. Some companies certify the front and adhesive separately. More advanced solutions instead require a single certification of the entire label .

Our neutral self-adhesive materials are compostable and certified by the TÜV Austria certification body. Our labels are 100% compostable and certified according to standards recognized by TÜV Austria , which certifies the compostability of both the front and the adhesive. Our materials, both synthetic and paper, are fully certified compostable. They can also be suitable for food contact based on specific projects.

2.How compostable labels work

Label components

To understand how it works, it is necessary to analyze the main components.

1. Front material

It can be made in:

• compostable paper

• plastic film

The use of compostable plastic films allows for maintaining high technical performance.

2. Compostable sticker

The adhesive is a critical element.

It must guarantee:

• adhesion on different surfaces

• stability during use

• complete degradation in compost

An incorrect choice of adhesive can compromise the entire compostability of the label.

3. Inks (an often overlooked aspect)

Inks represent one of the most delicate aspects.

They must:

• be free of heavy metals

• respect weight limits

• do not release toxic substances

The amount of ink used must be compatible with the overall weight of the packaging.

Table: Components of a compostable label

component	function	technical criticality
front material	print media	compatibility with compost
adhesive	fixing to packaging	complete degradation
inks	visual communication	chemical and quantitative limits

Column explanation

• component : part of the label

• function : role in packaging

• critical issues : technical aspects to check

3. When it is best to use compostable labels

Compostable labels are recommended when the packaging is designed to be disposed of in the organic waste stream.

Main use cases

• fruit and vegetable products

• fresh foods

• compostable packaging

• products with sustainable positioning

Other areas of application

• natural cosmetics

• organic products

• compostable disposable packaging

The choice must be evaluated based on the context of use and the disposal chain.

4. Certifications and technical requirements

In the case of compostable labels, certification is a central element and not an accessory.

Compliance must be verified against recognised standards, such as EN 13432 , which defines the requirements for the compostability of packaging.

A concrete example is the OK Compost Industrial certification issued by TÜV Austria , which attests:

• complete disintegration of the material

• absence of negative effects on the compost

In the case of advanced compostable labels, certification may concern the entire label system , including:

• front material

• adhesive

This approach is more rigorous than the separate certification of individual components and ensures true compatibility with the composting process.

Common mistakes to avoid

Among the most common errors:

• evaluate only the front material

• neglect the sticker

• don't consider the inks

• ignore the overall weight of the label

These aspects may compromise the conformity of the product.

5. European legislation and PPWR: what will change

The European PPWR Regulation introduces new rules on packaging.

Main objectives

• waste reduction

• greater sustainability

• circular design

Impacts on labels

For some applications, such as fruit and vegetables, labels, by February 12, 2028, must be:

• compostable

• compatible with packaging

• suitable for food contact (MOCA)

These requirements will make the label a central element in packaging design.

FAQs about compostable labels

What does compostable label mean?

It is a label that degrades completely under industrial composting conditions without leaving harmful residues.

Are compostable labels mandatory?

They will become mandatory in some applications with the PPWR (e.g. fruit and vegetables).

What are the most common mistakes?

Failure to consider adhesive and inks.

Conclusions

Compostable labels represent an increasingly important solution in sustainable packaging.

It's not just about choosing a material, but about designing a complete system that takes into account:

• materials

• stickers

• inks

• regulations

With the arrival of PPWR, these choices will become increasingly strategic for companies. Relying on an industrial partner like us means being able to count on technical expertise and support in designing truly compostable and compliant labels.