Innovation
Make your labelling PPWR-ready
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is changing how packaging is designed, recycled and reused across Europe.
For manufacturers, retailers and brand owners, compliance is no longer only about the packaging itself. Labels are part of the packaging system and can influence how the complete pack is sorted, recycled and reused.
The material, adhesive, ink and construction of a label all matter. Choosing the right labelling solution can help protect packaging performance, support recyclability and prepare your business for evolving regulatory requirements.
SATO helps businesses select labelling solutions that support packaging performance, operational efficiency and sustainability without compromising print quality or durability.
Why labels matter under the PPWR
A label may represent only a small part of the packaging, but it can affect the performancer of the complete pack.
- make packaging more difficult to recycle
- reduce compatibility with sorting and recycling processes
- affect the efficiency of reusable packaging systems
- increase material waste and operational handling
- influence the future cost of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes
Selecting the right construction helps protect both your packaging performance and your sustainability objectives.
Designed for the complete pack
Packaging recyclability is assessed across the complete packaging system. The label face material, adhesive, inks, coatings and printing method can all affect how easily the pack can be sorted and recycled.
SATO helps customers select label constructions that are compatible with the packaging substrate, the application conditions and the intended recycling or reuse process.
Labelling solutions for evolving packaging requirements
| Wash-off labels | Designed for reusable trays, crates and containers. They remain secure during use and release during the appropriate wash process, helping improve container turnaround and material separation. |
| Dissolvable labels | Suitable for selected reusable food containers and kitchen operations. They dissolve during washing, reducing manual scraping and helping simplify reuse. |
| Design-for-recycling constructions | Label materials and adhesives selected to work with the packaging substrate and recycling process, helping protect the recyclability performance of the complete pack. |
| Thinner and linerless solutions | Reduce material use and increase the number of labels per roll, helping cut waste, storage requirements, transport volume and roll changes. |
| Recycled content materials | Paper and synthetic label materials incorporating recycled content, where suitable for the application. Recycled plastic content supports evolving PPWR requirements and helps reduce the use of virgin materials. |
| Responsibly sourced paper | Paper label materials made from responsibly sourced fibres, including FSC®-certified paper, helping support responsible forest management and a transparent chain of custody. |
| Compostable label options | Solutions for applications where compostability is required, including selected fruit and vegetable labelling uses. |
| Lower-impact ribbon options | Thermal transfer ribbons selected to support print quality, durability and reduced environmental impact as part of the complete print system. |
More than labels
Successful labelling is about more than choosing a material. SATO looks at the complete printing system:
- printer and print settings
- face material and adhesive
- ribbon compatibility
- barcode and print performance
- temperature, moisture, grease and wash conditions
- durability, sustainability and total cost
By engineering the label, ribbon, printer and settings together, we help ensure reliable identification and consistent performance throughout the product lifecycle.
A solution matched to your application
Every packaging construction and recycling stream is different. The goal is not to overengineer the label, but to match the application precisely.
Our specialists can assess your packaging material, operating environment, print requirements and sustainability objectives to recommend the most appropriate construction.
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1 Understand your application We review the packaging material, operational environment, intended lifecycle and identification requirements. |
2 Select the right consumable We recommend an appropriate combination of facestock, adhesive, liner and ribbon for the application. |
3 Test performance Where required, samples and application testing can help validate performance before wider implementation. |
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SATO's own commitment to responsible packaging At SATO, we believe responsible packaging starts with ourselves. The packaging used to ship our products—including consumables, printers, hand labellers and spare parts—has been reviewed to align with the applicable requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). We publish a PPWR Declaration to provide transparency for customers, partners and procurement teams. |
Frequently asked questions
Does the PPWR affect labels?
Yes. A label applied to a product or its packaging forms part of the packaging system. Its material, adhesive, ink and construction should therefore be considered when assessing recyclability, reuse and material compatibility.
Can SATO help us choose suitable label materials?
Yes. Our specialists can recommend materials and constructions suited to your packaging, operating environment, print requirements and sustainability objectives.
Do we need to change all our labels?
Not necessarily. The right approach depends on the packaging material, application and recycling or reuse process. SATO can review your current construction and recommend alternatives where needed.
Can one label be suitable for every packaging material?
No. Compatibility depends on the substrate, adhesive, wash or recycling process, temperature and required durability. A fit-for-purpose assessment is essential.
Speak to our experts
Preparing for the PPWR does not have to be complicated. Whether you are redesigning packaging, introducing reusable containers or reviewing your current labels, SATO can help you identify the most appropriate solution.
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