There are many reasons to choose decorative foiling, including the incredible impact it can have on consumers. However, some businesses are apprehensive about using it, especially with a new global focus on sustainability. They believe a long standing myth that the process makes materials non-recyclable. This is not the case, and there are actually a range of application methods to choose from. In addition, you can select sustainable foils to make your decorations really eco-friendly.
The myth
The problem people have with foiling is they lump everything in one category. They believe it is all the same as the traditional stamping method. This is incorrect, and there are actually lots of processes now with some key differences. So, it is important to look at each one to weigh up the sustainability.
It is also important to keep the difference in materials in mind. Originally people were limited to using foil laminated paper or board. The problem here is the materials would also have a layer of plastic. You could not separate the two, so it meant that whatever substrate you were using, it was no longer recyclable.
However, modern foils for processes like hot or cold foil transfer and digital foiling are very different. There is still a plastic carrier, but it does not get transferred. Only a very thin layer of foil transfers to the substrate. This is far greener than using laminated paper or board.
Sustainable
There are two crucial things that make newer foiling processes better. Firstly, sustainable foils won’t have an impact on recyclability. The foil is so thin and there is no plastic carrier, so materials will still be suitable for repulping. In fact, in many cases the foils dissipate entirely during this process. Research also shows that the foil doesn’t have a massive impact on the quality of recycled materials.
Secondly, leading manufacturers like KURZ have taken a big step forward with the sustainability of their products. They make it so that the plastic carriers for the foils are also recyclable. As a result, there is almost zero waste for end users to worry about.
Education
So, the vital thing here is to improve people’s knowledge. This goes for businesses as well as consumers. The former should know that foiling is incredibly broad now, with different techniques and lots of materials to choose from. Consumers should also realise that they can still recycle materials, as long as they don’t have the plastic film.
Talk to us about sustainable foils
If you are thinking about foiling, we have the perfect services for you. Our knowledge is extensive, so we can pass it on to all clients to help you choose the right options. We’ll work with you to achieve the look you want whilst also making sure you have an eye on sustainability and the environment.
So, if you want to learn more about decorative foiling and sustainable foils, speak to us. We’re in the perfect position to advise you, whatever you have in mind for the foil.