Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers about eco-friendly stickers, labels, and sustainable printing.
Most jobs are printed digitally, so as many colors as you want.
Click here to view the art setup sheet.
Yes. We can print your art in whatever size or shape you need.
The minimum quantity we can print is 500, and yes, you can print multiple versions to reach that minimum.
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.
Yes, paper and plastic. But we'll suggest paper or plastic.
Yes, however we discourage the use of plastic stickers except in special circumstances. Find out more.
The reality is many of us want a strong and long-lasting sticker. Our EarthFirst PLA® stock is like plastic in that it does not absorb oil or water and is super durable. It's made from plants and is Certified Industrial Compostable.
Yes, with our EarthFirstPLA stock.
No. There are paper and plastic labels with adhesive that allows the label to easily come off during the recycling process. If there was an actual closed loop for recycling plastic on a national scale we would embrace this.
In our experience, direct thermal receipts are not, and they have a bunch of chemicals and BPAs that make them pretty nasty. We avoid this.
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.
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, the fact that these are not as scratch-resistant as a plastic label is actually a branding opportunity: an opportunity to let your customers know that your company is committed to a better planet. For example: "Label made from plants, not plastic."
The minimum size of a QR code should be 1 x 1 inch or 2.5 x 2.5 cm.
Traditionally, paper is made from trees. As a sustainable printer, we do not want to contribute to deforestation, losing the few ancient boreal forests 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.
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 your own art that looks like wood and have us print it.
96% of the paper labels we sell are made out of post and pre-consumer waste products — paper waste from industrial use and recycled office paper. Originally, that paper was made from trees. So yes, technically they were made from trees.
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. Talk with Green Field Paper Co.
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, flatware, or our labels — so they need to go to a commercial compost facility.
A designated, open site outside — in your garden or field — where you place organic waste (banana peels, potato skins, etc.) and compostable materials like our dissolvable stickers. The sun, water, air, and worms will break down the materials and return them back to earth.
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, saving energy and water, and minimizing landfill activity. 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.