Reducing your plastic waste could not only help save the environment, but it could also help you save dollars!!
Retailers have always felt the pressures of keeping operational costs low in order to keep their prices competitive. Due to increasing awareness of the plastic crisis, many of today’s retailers have the added pressure from consumers to reduce plastic waste and to incorporate more sustainable practices. Now, there’s a solution for retailers that will allow them to reduce their plastic consumption and waste, and potentially cut costs by up to 20 percent.
Are you still using vinyl labels and shelf talkers?
Many grocery retailers are still using traditional vinyl shelf talkers and labels that are intended to be displayed temporarily. Most retailers have no idea that traditional vinyl labels and shelf talkers are produced from long-lasting, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) resin. Basically, the same material swimming pool liners and shower curtains are made from. According to Plastics Smart Guide, PVC is one of the least recyclable plastics due to additives. Potentially harmful substances are also created by its disposal. This single-use plastic is 100 percent petroleum based and can remain in landfills from 450 up to 1,000 years.
Each week supermarkets consistently print thousands of shelf talkers for weekly sale items and/or new labels. With nearly 38,000 supermarkets in the US alone, carrying an average of over 30,000 items per store this amounts to A LOT of plastic waste!
Make the Sustainable Switch. Ditch the Vinyl!
By switching to Eco-friendly Composite Material labels and/or shelf talkers retailers can now reduce their plastic waste without sacrificing the quality or convenience of having a water-resistant adhesive talker or label. Composite Material is made from 80 percent biodegradable and renewable resources by weight. Making it a much more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional vinyl adhesives. Composite Material is primarily paper-based with a light plastic lining allowing it to look, feel, and work just like vinyl, only short-term. Because it decomposes in as few as 5 years, it enables retailers to help reduce the amount of plastic left on the planet by up to 995 years, and the amount of plastic they use and dispose of by up to 80 percent!
Furthermore, many retailers have reported savings up to 20 percent after making the switch from vinyl! To learn more about how switching from vinyl to composite material can reduce operational costs read, “5 Reasons Retailers Switch from Vinyl to RTI Composite Material.“
Make a Commitment to End Plastic Pollution
A whopping 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans every year literally creating plastic garbage islands! This is a BIG problem. Thankfully, thousands of individuals and hundreds of companies around the world, both large and small, are starting to take notice of this growing problem and have decided to make changes. Companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s are pledging to reduce or phase out plastic straw use. These are small reductions in the overall plastic problem. But, even the smallest commitment can make a big difference.
If you would like to reduce your companies carbon footprint and cut your plastic consumption, switching to Eco-Friendly Vinyl Alternative Composite labels and shelf talkers is a great place to start. Join the growing group of retailers that are committed to being good stewards to our planet. Make a pledge to reduce your use of plastic and join the campaign to End Plastic Pollution today.
