Grass Paper Labels

Sustainability and environmental aspects are playing an increasingly important role in consumers’ purchasing decisions.  Economical use of resources is particularly important. According to a study, 70% of customers attach importance to the sustainability of products or companies.  Now this desire for sustainability and protection of the environment can also be implemented in the label industry:

The new grass paper consists of 50% sun-dried grass fibre (hay) and 50% FSC-certified paper. The label is FSC-mix certified.  Grass paper is made from the rapidly renewable raw material grass, thus reducing the consumption of wood and making it particularly sustainable.  Grass paper also offers further advantages in production compared to conventional paper: Short transport distances and native meadows near the paper mills reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50%.  Water consumption is also reduced by up to 50%.  The processing of grass paper works purely mechanically and without chemicals.  At the same time the material can be used and processed like conventional paper.

The basic principle of grass paper is that harvested grass is first dried and thus becomes hay.  It is then ground and pressed into pellets.  The pellets are then dissolved in water in the factory.  Now the material can be further processed – depending on its later use and application – e.g. into packaging, cartons, gift wrap or even labels.

What is particularly interesting is that grass paper is free of pollutants and allergens.  This means that it is suitable for direct contact with food and can be stuck directly onto fruit, vegetables or other foods. It is therefore particularly apt for products in the food, cosmetics or spirits industries.  Grass paper is ideal for companies that place value on sustainable and recyclable materials and want to set an example of responsible use of our resources.  As a natural raw material, grass paper is available almost everywhere and grows back several times a year.  It is therefore the ideal raw material for labels.

Not only the production of grass paper is special. The look and feel also give this material a unique touch: relatively raw and coarse structure, individual grass fibres are still visible, slightly yellowish material.  In principle, this material can also be individually enhanced with hot foils or protective lacquer.  However, the idea behind the development of grass paper is to develop an environmentally friendly and resource-saving material that will enable ecologically responsible action in the packaging and label industry. Additional refinement would contradict this basic idea.

However, there are no limits to your creativity when it comes to shape and size.  Whether round, square or in individual shapes – all shapes are possible with grass paper.  Since the material is naturally rather yellowish, we recommend the use of opaque white for a beautiful white.

*The basic material grass paper can be described as compostable.   Although the finished label with adhesive layer does not meet the 90% compostable content required by DIN EN 13432 for the issue of a certificate, the proportion is about 81%. For more detailed information on the compostability of grass paper labels, please contact our customer service team.