FAQ
How many colors can I print in?
Most jobs are printed digitally, so as many colors as you want.
How do I set up the art?
Contact the office, and I will send you an art setup sheet.
Do you sell custom labels?
Yes. We can print your art in whatever size or shape you need.
What is the minimum amount of labels I can print?
The minimum quantity we can print is 500 and yes, you can print multiple versions to reach that minimum.
Do you have custom shapes?
You betcha. You can order any size or shape. If you’re looking for a particular size in a square, rectangle or circle we’ll have it or something close. For special shapes we can make a new die which you can use over and over. Labels come on rolls or individual/sheeted..
Do you sell removable stickers?
No.
Are stickers made of plastic?
A very large number of stickers are made of plastic. We discourage the use of plastic stickers except in special circumstances. Why? Click here to find out more.
The reality is many of us want a strong and long lasting sticker that will not scratch, will last a few years and when it is not needed any longer, it will simply disappear and not cause environmental harm. Our EarthFirst PLA® stock is kind of like plastic in that it does not absorb oil or water and is super durable and will last a long time (as long as it’s not exposed to high heat).. But it scratches more easily than a plastic laminated sticker because we Do Not put a plastic protective lamination topcoat on the label since putting a plastic lamination on a made-from-plants label defeats the ability of the stock to break down in an industrial compost. So it’s hard to have the best of both worlds. You can have the super durable plastic sticker that is toxic to the environment or the not as scratch-resistant made-from-plants label.
Is adhesive recyclable?
There are labels with adhesive that allows the label to easily come off during the recycling process. Unfortunately we can only get that type of adhesive on Plastic stickers. If there was an actual closed loop for recycling plastic on a national scale we would embrace this. But there is not. So we normally discourage this.
Are receipts recyclable?
We offer a recyclable receipt paper. You must be prepared to order large quantities.
Is the liner recyclable?
The 100% recycled sticker with 100% Recycled liner is recyclable along with regular paper. All other sticker stocks have a silicone backed liner which can be recycled depending on the capabilities of the recycler. The excess liner at our press is recycled. We’re currently looking into a program where our clients could mail the liner to a recycler.
Why does compostable stock scratch more easily than plastic labels?
After printing, we apply a water-based varnish flood coat onto a compostable stock. Plastic labels are printed and usually laminated with a clear coat. Because we’re concerned about the ability of the label to compost, we print the majority of small print runs (under 200,000) on our digital presses which print using toner ink – this means the toner ink on the labels isn’t as durable as if it was printed on a flexographic press using soy-based inks. However the toner inks are compostable. The fact that these are not as scratch resistant as a plastic label is a branding opportunity: An opportunity to let our customers know that their company is committed to a better planet. For example: “Label made from plants not plastic.”
How small can a sq code be?
The minimum size of a square code, also called QR code, should be 1 x 1 inch or 2.5 x 2.5 cm.
What is paper made from?
Traditionally, paper is made from trees. As a sustainable printer, we do not want to contribute to deforestation, losing the few ancient boreal forest remaining and contributing to the extinction of so many species. That is why we focus on alternatives to paper products or high recycled-content products.
Do you sell wood stickers?
Yes, if you mean stickers made from brown Kraft Paper stock. We also offer recycled kraft stickers.
No, if you mean stickers which are made to look like wood. Unless you want to create art that looks like wood and then have us print your own ‘wood stickers’.
Are stickers made out of wood?
96% of the paper labels we sell are made out of post and pre-consumer waste products. Post and pre-consumer waste is paper waste paper from industrial use and recycled office paper. Originally, that paper was made from trees. So yes, technically they were made out of trees.
What are CBD labeling requirements?
You should state suggested use without making therapeutic or medical claims. The Poison Prevention Act of 1970 https://www.cpsc.gov/Regulations-Laws--Standards/Statutes/Poison-Prevention-Packaging-Act should not be violated. The following information should be displayed:
identity statement
statement of quantity of contents
name and place of business
distributor statement
material facts
warning or caution statements
and all ingredients
batch or date code
net weight
Do you print on seed paper?
We used to, but no longer do. Unfortunately, the seeds in the paper present an uneven surface which makes it difficult to print without crushing the seeds. And it’s a mess dealing with broken seeds on the press. Talk with Green Field Paper Co.
How does composting work?
There are two different compost methods, which one to use depends on the material to be composted. The EarthFirst PLA® stock is Certified Compostable for industrial composting. Most home composts don’t get hot enough to break down industrial compostable ware, like PLA cups or flatware or our labels. So they need to go to a commercial compost.
What is a compost pile?
A designated, open site outside, in your garden or field where you place organic waste (banana peels, potato skin, etc.) and compostable materials like our dissolvable stickers. The sun, water, air and worms will break down the materials and return it back to earth. Ah, wouldn’t it be great, if everything would break down like that?
Why is recycling important?
Recycling has many environmental benefits — for the planet and for all of us living on it. To name a few: conservation of forests and habitats, to save energy and water. When we recycle, we minimize landfill activity. And let’s not forget, it is also more cost effective and makes your company look good. Recycling varies around our country. There is no national law, no cohesive national policy on recycling. We think that this is irresponsible and in need of change. Until then, please find out about your local recycling law and procedure.
Here’s another view point:
Why do we not have a nationwide recycling program? This way of thinking is short-sighted and unsustainable. It ignores the fact that everything we do has an impact on the world around us, and that the waste we create today will have consequences for generations to come. If we are to truly protect the natural beauty of our country and preserve it for future generations, we must learn to think differently about waste and the environment. We must embrace practices like composting and recycling, which help us to reduce our impact on the earth and create a more sustainable future for all.
DESCRIPTIONS
Direct thermal printer
Direct thermal is used to print things like receipt paper. Ink is embedded in the paper stock and the printer draws the ink out with heat.
Thermal transfer printer
Thermal transfer printers use an ink ribbon or cartridge to print onto the label as soon for deli labels.
Write on Sticker
If you plan to write on your labels, please let us know, before you have us provide you with a quote. Some labels accept writing better than others. We can put a imprintable varnish on the labels which will help with writing on them. But some pens and pencils do not work as well as others. You can write on the the EarthFirst PLA® stock more easily with a Sharpie than a pen but the writing needs time to dry. Paper labels tend to work better when writing on them. The fact is that you need to test the stock you’re interested in first, before printing,
Good to write on are:
Uncoated Vellum, Water Soluble, Brown Kraft Paper and Regular Paper.