Is the application of a foil on a product an environmentally sustainable choice?
“Brand packaging managers today have to balance a great deal when analyzing their packaging choices. They must balance cost factors and environmental/sustainability issues, while still providing eye-catching graphics to get their product noticed. ..sustainability issue is a long-awaited movement that is here to stay.”
This article is over 10 years old, and we can say that its predictions have come true.
Today, environmental sustainability is an essential value to remain competitive in the market, especially in the luxury world.
For this reason, it’s always worth exploring and deepening concepts and issues that involve the design and development of product packaging.
WHAT ABOUT HOT AND COLD FOILING, FOR INSTANCE?
Is the application of a foil on a product an environmentally sustainable choice?
What impact does foil have on product characteristics?
And on its recyclability?
Is the foil production process sustainable?
Actually, we could say that foil is a “neutral” product whose characteristics do not impact the sustainability of the material on which it is imprinted and at the same time it has no negative impact on the environment — if we do not take into account its production and transport, of course — .
But let’s see why.
IS FOILING SUSTAINABLE?
Foiling is a dry, solvent-free method of printing. No liquid coatings are involved in the process, which is emission free and requires a minimum application of energy (resulting CO2 emissions: 10 g CO2/m2).
WHAT ABOUT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?
Under EU Regulation 1907/2006 of 12/18/06 (REACH Reg.), our foils are classified as
‘products’ and thus not subject to registration.
That means that no safety data sheets nor further action with regard to REACH are required.
Will hot stamping foil affect recycling of paper, boards, or FABRICS?
Foil provides a high-quality method of printing using very thin coatings.
The coating weight is often less than conventional inks. Therefore, board can be recycled in conventional board re-pulping plants.
As stated in PIRA Report: September 2008 — Tested sample sheets caused no problems in the re-pulping process.
Stamping foil does not interfere with the recycling process, provided that it does not affect the sortability of packaging.
FOILING: GREEN LIGHT
So, can we keep using foils to decorate cases and displays for product marketing?
Yes, and to be more competitive we recommend using foils produced with environmentally friendly policies.
For more information on the possibilities of hot stamping on packaging, developing your project or simply getting to know INTHEBOX srl better, write to us: info@inthebox.it
