Grass Labels
HERMA grass paper labels
From meadow to label: naturally environmentally friendly
Probably the most environmentally friendly label in the world
It mostly consists of grass, or to be more specific, of sun-dried hay. Compared to the preparation of fresh fibres or even recycled pulp, processing the fibres for paper production is extremely resource-saving and low in CO2.
Grass paper has been used for various food packaging applications since 2017 – and especially for companies that rely on sustainable packaging materials. Now the corresponding labels made of grass paper can also be used for these packages.
Grass fibres are prepared without chemicals - good for the environment
The possibility of producing labels from grass paper allows the aspect of sustainability to be transferred to the labels. The basis for the production of grass papers are special grass pellets developed and patented by a German company from the Rhineland.
To this end, the grass fibres are prepared mechanically and without chemicals. This means that 97% energy and 99% water can be saved in comparison to the wood pulp preparation process.
Since the grass comes from domestic compensation areas, the logistical costs are also reduced. Up to 75% of CO2 can also be saved, and the CO2 savings for the grass paper end product amount to a remarkable 20-25%.
Labels made of grass paper: very good printability
The grass labels mostly consist of this highly sustainable raw material. They can basically be processed like conventional labels and the printing results in offset and flexo printing are very good.
Since it is a natural product, colour variations may occur – but when the retail consumer also feels the rougher surface, he or she knows right away that this is a sustainable packaging material. Yet another advantage: the grass paper is free of allergens that are subject to EU identification labelling requirements as listed in Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 and which include fish and nut products.
This makes grass paper labels ideal for use on food and cosmetics.
Proven to be sustainable: grass labels
The environmental benefit of grass labels has now been scientifically proven: the authors of a 2017 life cycle assessment prepared by the International Centre for Sustainable Development in Sankt Augustin stated that, “In terms of energy and water use, acidification potential and emission balance, grass-based pulp performed significantly better than the alternatives of wood-based sulphate pulp and recycled pulp.”
“A decisive factor for the ecological advantage of grass paper is the low fuel and energy consumption in the production process, which is mainly due to the short transport distances.” For example, grass can be grown easily on ecological compensation areas that are near the paper mills – so it doesn’t compete with the cultivation of food.
What can grass paper labels be used for?
The ecological labels made of grass paper can be used for all products and packaging that have a special demand for sustainability. The self-adhesive grass label is vegan and safe for food contact.
There are many applications for grass paper labels in the food sector: for example, as delicatessen labels, as honey labels, on coffee and tea packaging, or for vegan products.
And of course, grass labels can be used wherever a particularly natural appearance is required. With its rough structure, natural look and special colour, it emphasises the natural character of the product very well. Grass paper labels are also ideal for wine labels, beer labels and other bottle labels.
As a cosmetic label, eco-labels made of grass paper are used especially for natural cosmetics and other organic products with natural ingredients.
