Biodegradable Paper Stickers: All you need to know

We’re going to talk about our favorite sustainable sticker option: biodegradable paper stickers. What they’re made from, the environmental impact, and much more. If you’re interested in biodegradable paper stickers, read on to learn all you need to know about them.

What are biodegradable paper stickers made from?

Paper is mostly made from wood, taken from trees. The paper we use for biodegradable paper stickers is made primarily from sugarcane (95%) with a little hemp and linen (5%). Different manufacturers will use different inks to print biodegradable paper stickers, but Sticker it uses a UV-cured ink that saves energy and contains fewer solvents compared to alternative inks. The inks we use have a GREENGUARD Gold Certification.

What is sugarcane?

Sugarcane is a species of grass used to produce about 70% of the world’s sugar. During processing, sugarcane leaves behind a byproduct called bagasse. This fibrous residue remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract sugar.

Bagasse can be turned into printable paper by mixing it with a bit of hemp and linen.

The life cycle of biodegradable paper stickers

To help you understand the complete life cycle of biodegradable paper stickers, we’ve created an infographic. Enjoy!

Is sugarcane eco-friendly?

This is a complicated question.

The short answer is yes. It’s much more environmentally friendly than paper made from wood.

Here’s the longer answer…

Sugarcane is a water-intensive but fast-growing crop. That means managing social and environmental risks is key to sustainability. Bagasse, the byproduct used for paper, is often wasted or burned for electricity. Using it for biodegradable paper is far more sustainable than using wood pulp.

We call this a reclaimed resource. That means fewer trees are needed, and we reuse waste that would otherwise be burned or dumped in a landfill. Since deforestation is a growing global issue, finding alternative materials like this is critical.

With bagasse, you can keep using high-quality disposable products knowing they come from a more sustainable source.

The best part?

When your customers are done with your stickers, they can compost them instead of throwing them in the trash.

Read what the difference is between eco-friendly and biodegradable stickers.

Pros and cons of sugarcane paper material

Pros

• Environmentally friendly
  
• Biodegradable
  
• Compostable
  
• Vegan
  
• Beautiful matte white finish
  
• Low cost
  

Cons

• Splash resistant, not waterproof
  
• Indoor use only
  
• Less tear resistant than plastic
  
• Only available in matte finish

Typical uses of these stickers

These stickers are great for:

• Product packaging
  
• Eco-conscious branding
  
• Handmade or artisanal goods
  
• Temporary indoor labeling
  
• Compostable food packaging

What do biodegradable paper stickers cost?

Here’s a quick comparison of average prices:

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On average, biodegradable paper stickers are less than 20% more expensive. It’s a great option to help protect the planet.

Backing paper – the problems

The backing paper, also called a release liner, is a silicone-coated paper.

This is the layer you peel the sticker off of. The silicone helps you remove stickers easily so they’re quick to apply.

Nearly every sticker in the world uses this kind of backing paper. The problem is that it’s difficult to recycle.

It’s possible, but challenging, because the silicone must be removed first. The printing industry is actively working on solutions. While this part of the sticker isn’t yet ideal, the sticker material and adhesive are eco-friendly, and we’re committed to finding better options.

If you have any questions or want to tell us how you use biodegradable paper stickers, leave a comment below. If you're curious about other sustainable sticker options, check out our article on environmentally friendly stickers.