Utilizing Biobased Materials to Enable Sustainability in Hot-Melt Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

Sustainability has become much more than a buzzword in the packaging industry. It’s now a necessity for brand owners and suppliers in the packaging industry. According to Shorr’s 2025 Sustainable Packaging Consumer Report,¹ the change in the consumer attitude toward sustainability is significant. Over half (54%) of respondents reported deliberately choosing products with sustainable packaging in the past six months. Even more compelling, 90% said they are more likely to purchase from a brand or retailer if its packaging is eco-friendly. Consumer preferences are driving the importance and priority of corporate sustainability initiatives. Pressure from brand owners to move to more sustainable packaging is encouraging suppliers in the packaging industry to collaborate closely with customers and vendors to find innovative solutions. The move to sustainable materials and constructions, however, is complex; as well as exploring many possible solutions, the variety of assessment criteria for sustainability adds to the challenge. There is typically no singular approach and often a multitude of changes are necessary to enhance the sustainability of a package. Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) labels used in packaging applications are no exception. 

Pressure-sensitive adhesive labels consist of three key components: facestock, release liner, and adhesive. In recent years, sustainable facestocks have gained significant attention, with various options now available, including recycled paper and film. Facestocks made with post-consumer waste offer an environmentally responsible choice, as they are derived from materials that have been used, discarded, and recycled into new facestocks. Additionally, opting for thinner facestocks helps minimize material usage and lowers the carbon footprint.