ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS
We closely monitor trends and innovations in sustainability and promote interesting initiatives. We work closely with raw material suppliers to find and develop alternative materials that are sustainably available to us.
But what sustainable materials are available for plant labels? And how do you select a sustainable label with the desired functional properties? We provide you with all the answers on this page and help you achieve the best results—also for the environment.
OVERVIEW – OUR SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
FlorAqua
Cellulose-based Cuna board made from renewable raw materials, consisting of three layers of fresh fibers. It is bleached, and a very thin water-repellent coating is applied to each side.
- FSC certified
- White on both sides
- Optimal for full-color printing
- High moisture resistance
Material also available without coating - Recyclable in conventional paper recycling streams
- Compostable and biodegradable according to EN13432
B500
FSC®-certified recycled cardboard that is coated on both sides with a thin layer of bioplastic (PLA) made from renewable resources (starch).
- Good moisture and weather resistance
- Good stability
- Suitable for durability
- Good for printing high-quality images
- Features a PLA coating made from a renewable plant-based raw material (sugarcane starch)
FSC certified - Recyclable in the plastic waste stream
RPS100
Material made from recycled polystyrene sourced from post-industrial waste.
- Excellent recyclability in the European market
- 100% recycled polystyrene
- Very stable
- High strength and rigidity
- Optimal for full-color printing
- 100% moisture resistant
- Recyclable in the plastic waste stream
RPP100
Made from 100% recycled polypropylene.
- High flexibility and stability
- Durable and long-lasting under outdoor conditions
- Well suited for printing high-quality images
- Optimal for full-color printing
- 100% moisture resistant
- Recyclable in the plastic waste stream
PERFORMANCE TEST OF SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR PLANT LABELS
We tested our sustainable materials under the most extreme usage conditions to measure their performance.
To simulate the growing conditions in a nursery as closely as possible, the labels were inserted directly into consistently moist soil for four weeks. The constantly high humidity and the presence of soil microorganisms exert extreme pressure on the materials. The most vulnerable point of a label is often the transition between soil and air, where bending or cracking frequently occurs.
During the test, the labels were evaluated based on three properties:
Moisture Resistance: How much moisture does the material absorb? It is desirable for the plant label to absorb as little moisture as possible, as this weakens the material.
Deformation: How much does the material deform under the influence of moisture and heat? When the fibers of the material absorb moisture, they expand in width. As a result, the material changes shape and looks less attractive.
Rigidity: How rigid does the material remain when inserted into the soil? The stiffer the plant label, the easier it is to insert into the ground.
The final results of the material test under the most extreme usage conditions after a duration of four weeks:
| Material | Moisture Resistance | Deformation | Rigidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlorAqua | ** | *** | ** |
| B500 | *** | **** | ** |
| RPS100 | ***** | ***** | ***** |
| RPP100 | ***** | ***** | ***** |
Legend: * Poor | ** Moderate | *** Satisfactory | **** Good | ***** Excellent
HELP IN CHOOSING SUSTAINABLE PLANT LABELS
The sustainable material with the lowest COâ‚‚ footprint does not necessarily have the least overall environmental impact. To determine this, renewability, biodegradability, and recyclability should also be considered, along with functionality.
Plants that are likely to stay in the greenhouse for a while need a durable, long-lasting label. Businesses with a fast turnover might prefer a material that is quicker to biodegrade.
Select a label type and label property to see immediately which label material could meet your requirements.
This is a recommendation. Please consult your Floramedia contact for more detailed information.
Our Tip
As a hang tag, FlorAqua works well with Twig. This is a registered and sustainable stick made from FSC birch wood, to which the label can be attached. The combination offers a recyclable and biodegradable alternative with a lower COâ‚‚ footprint.
Do you need help selecting a sustainable material?
GLOSSARY OF SUSTAINABILITY TERMS
Completely made from recycled polystyrene (RPS) or recycled polypropylene (RPP). Used plastic is collected, shredded, cleaned, and processed into new granulate. This process consumes less energy than producing new plastic from raw materials. Consequently, recycled plastic has a lower COâ‚‚ footprint than new plastic.
The extent to which a material breaks down over time under natural conditions. For example, this may occur due to composting in the presence of oxygen or through the action of bio-organisms such as bacteria and fungi, which convert the material into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.
Materials derived from natural raw materials such as cellulose and sugars, sourced from wood, corn, beets, sugarcane, or potatoes. Plastics can also be made from natural raw materials. Renewable raw materials differ from fossil resources like oil and gas in that they are, in principle, inexhaustible. Bio-based materials are renewable and continuously replenish over time—ranging from a few weeks (e.g., grass) to an entire lifespan (e.g., trees).
The amount of carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production and shipping of a plant label or any other product.
The extent to which a material can be reprocessed into raw material for the creation of a new product. For example, glass can be melted down into new glass without any loss of quality. Even when quality degradation occurs, the material can often still be reused, a process known as downcycling. For instance, plastic waste labels can be repurposed into flowerpots.
Plastic made from new granules derived from fossil resources, a process that requires relatively high energy consumption and results in higher COâ‚‚ emissions.
