AWA details how technology can drive sustainability

https://www.labelandnarrowweb.com/exclusives/awa-details-how-technology-can-drive-sustainability/

Publish Date: 2026-02-02 10:40:00

Source Domain: www.labelandnarrowweb.com

Sustainability remains one of the label and package printing industry’s hottest trends in 2026. There is no slowing down, either. Leading suppliers are exploring how they can best utilize technology to drive a positive environmental impact.

During the AWAVirtual Insights Forum, held January 30, sustainability was front and center. In order for true circularity to take place, there has to be a value proposition throughout the supply chain. Technology must also assist in these efforts.

Smart technologies, namely RFID, could shape the future of sustainable packaging. There exists a possibility of a world where every label has a digital identity. With those capabilities, the label and package could provide users with a significant amount of information – where the package was made, where it should go next in the recyclability chain, and how consumers should recycle the product.

“When we think about technologies and portfolios at Avery Dennison, we have the materials and digital capabilities with RFID,” says Pascale Wautelet, vice president, global R&D and sustainability, Avery Dennison. “For us, it was logical to say there is an opportunity to leverage the strengths of our portfolio and technology to bring the digital to the physical.”

Creating a digital identity for a product can unlock the foundation for a circular infrastructure. The label can then provide access to all the information regarding the product throughout the supply chain. The industry is seeking full item level transparency and visibility, which can be key for fresh products. Beyond recyclability, consumers can utilize this technology in their homes. A simple scan of a label can start smart reordering of items, the sharing of healthy recipes, how to recycle the package, and more.