Compliance & Sustainability
Sustainable Labeling & UK Regulations (2025)
A compliance-first guide for operations, procurement, and sustainability teams. Learn how linerless labeling reduces waste, improves reporting, and prepares you for the UK and EU regulatory landscape.
Compliance Signals
Why Sustainable Labeling Is a Procurement Priority
UK packaging regulation now influences budgets, supplier choices, and reporting requirements. EPR makes packaging waste a cost line, PPT adds scrutiny to plastic-heavy formats, EU PPWR signals tighter rules for UK exporters, and Natasha's Law requires full ingredient and allergen labelling on PPDS foods. Linerless media reduces material use and simplifies your packaging data trail.
Fewer material streams
No backing liner means less packaging waste to track and report.
Operational waste reduction
Up to 40% more labels per roll reduces roll changes and disposal volumes.
Compliance-ready documentation
Single-material constructions simplify declarations and internal audits.
The 2025 Regulatory Landscape (UK + EU)
This is not legal advice - use it as a practical summary for internal teams. Always validate requirements with your compliance lead or advisors.
Natasha's Law (PPDS Allergen Labelling)
PPDS foods must carry full ingredient lists with allergens emphasised. Grab-and-go labels need space for longer, changing recipes.
Read the PPDS guideUK Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
EPR shifts packaging costs to producers and users, increasing the importance of accurate packaging data and material reduction.
Read the EPR overviewUK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)
PPT increases scrutiny on plastic-heavy packaging. Review label construction and supplier documentation to understand exposure.
Explore PPT considerationsEU PPWR (Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation)
EU reforms affect UK exporters and supply chains. Compostable produce labels and recyclability rules are tightening.
See PPWR highlightsCompliance Actions You Can Take Now
Use this checklist to align operations, procurement, and sustainability reporting.
Map your label formats
Document widths, materials, adhesives, and use cases by site or line.
Audit PPDS templates
Ensure ingredients lists and allergen emphasis fit on-pack for grab-and-go items.
Reduce packaging waste
Prioritise linerless where continuous media can replace die-cut formats to remove liner waste.
Request material declarations
Maintain up-to-date supplier documentation for audits and reporting.
Validate printer compatibility
Ensure linerless-ready cutters and platen rollers are in place before rollout.
Pilot before full rollout
Start with one station or site and track waste, uptime, and consumables.
Related Resources
Natasha's Law & PPDS Labelling Guide
A practical summary of UK allergen labelling requirements and PPDS definitions.
EPR Regulations 2025: What UK Label Buyers Need to Know
How EPR reshapes packaging reporting and why linerless reduces waste lines.
Case Study: UK QSR Chain Eliminates 12 Tonnes of Label Waste
How a 500+ location chain removed liner backing waste and reduced roll changes.
EU PPWR Rules: Compostable PLU Labels
Produce sticker requirements and the case for compostable linerless constructions.
Linerless Savings Calculator
Estimate waste reduction, roll changes, and ROI in minutes.
Roll Compatibility Matrix
Match roll widths and cores to your printer fleet.
UK Linerless Market Briefing (PDF)
Competitive snapshot and positioning angles for UK procurement teams.
FAQ
Sustainable labeling questions, answered
Does Natasha's Law affect linerless label formats?
Do linerless labels reduce packaging waste reporting?
Will linerless labels work in standard thermal printers?
How should we validate compliance for food-contact labels?
How do we start a linerless pilot?
Ready to reduce waste and simplify compliance?
Request a free sample pack and we'll confirm printer compatibility and the right adhesive for your operation.