To know what’s driving innovation in labels, look to the vastly broader packaging market where the overwhelming influencer remains sustainability.

The Labelexpo Americas tradeshow held in mid-September proved a showcase for labels and related products that are likewise centered on sustainable improvements. New products included inks, recycled-content label films, and substrates engineered to optimize rigid container recycling.

Notably, the environmentally minded upgrades do not detract from labels’ mission to engage and inform consumers.

Wood labels? Low-carbon, super-efficient metallized decoration that’s highly sustainable?  These and three more breakthroughs appear in the accompanying slideshow gallery.