Labels 101
Got beautiful bottles with pesky labels?
Gorgeous bottles are floating around everywhere and although glass is easily the most recyclable packaging option, it’s still a process that requires energy and produces waste. Removing labels and reusing or refilling your bottles is much better for the environment in every way. I actually find the removal of labels an extremely therapeutic process - it clears your mind of all the clutter and gives you something simple yet rewarding to focus on!
Not all labels are equal and sometimes it takes a few tries to get it right - sometimes I seriously wonder what is put into the adhesive to make it so stubborn! Despite the companies’ best efforts to stop my repurposing ways I have succeeded in removing all of the various types of labels, including glass etching!
Label Adhesives
First we must talk about adhesives and how they can very from removable to permanent to semi permanent, with lots of grey area in between. Some adhesives are water soluble and some are not, so a lot of the removal process is trial and error. Be warned that my advice is all just based on my own experience and my background in the packaging industry. And yes, I know there is probably some super easy option like a chemical solvent but the point is to be living as toxin-free as possible, so I have not tried one of those for that reason!
Label Finishes
The other point I need to make is that there are many different finishes on labels. Matte or Gloss varnish are water soluble and recyclable, whereas Matte or Gloss lamination is a thin layer of plastic that get printed on and laminated over the paper to make it waterproof and look more high end. Then there is uncoated, which is what I have chosen for Bare Refillery’s labels because it is the most environmentally friendly and, with the combination of the semi-permanent adhesive I chose, they should also remove fairly easily and composted or recycled. There are many other options for paper stock and other printing specifications but I’m not going to bore you too much/also don’t want to nerd out on my past job too much!!
So without further ado...
Plastic & Poly Labels
Plastic and poly labels are generally easy to remove unless they are laminated with multiple layers, in which case they can leave behind a layer of plastic which will need to be scraped off - the best tool is an aluminum can lid or sharper edge jar lid (a razor blade is dodgy, so try to avoid using one!).
Recommendations:
Don’t buy them in the first place or try removing them prior to soaking or washing them as you may get it off all in one go! Start at a corner and slowly pull on a 45° angle and be careful not to tear or separate the layers! If any adhesive is kicking around afterwards, try some lemon oil to remove it. Start with 3-5 drops on dry area and use a dry cloth to rub vigorously and repeat if necessary. Avoid soap and water as it actually gunks plastic and poly adhesive up more
Paper Labels
Paper labels should be easier to remove than plastic or poly, but sometimes the type of adhesive used can actually make them much worse. And some have an additional plastic layer, which makes them harder to remove in one go.
Recommendations:
First I determine if there is a plastic layer that needs to be removed. Once I know we’re dealing with paper only I throw it in the dishwasher or sink for a soak. I prefer the sink because if you miss the window after the dishwasher finishes its cycle then the bottle has a chance to dry and you’ve got to soak it all over again! When it’s wet take your can lid (seriously it works so well because it’s thin enough to hug the contours but rigid enough to hold onto) and scrape... this doesn’t take long at all but you may need to use the lemon oil trick for the last of the glue.
Etched & Printed Glass Labels
Etched or printed glass is usually found on high-end bottles that house skincare or supplements and are great because often they have beautiful well made pumps or spray tops that could easily be used many more times! You don’t have to remove these labels, as they’re often quite lovely, but if you want a clean slate, it is totally doable!
Recommendations:
Get ready for some elbow grease! Or if you have a wire wheel on hand in the garage that works too (be careful though, I nearly removed my fingers and that just isn’t the way I want to go). Usually I use a scrubbie from Norwex called a Spirinet - in fact I actually use this for many different scrubbing jobs as it’s safe on all surfaces (it doesn’t scratch) and it’s stainless so it doesn’t rust! With small circular movements press firmly and watch as the etching/printing flakes off! Some bottles that are printed in a light colour may have a double hit (2 coats) of colour, so will be tougher but consider it your arm workout for the day!
Happy repurposing, and please leave a comment with how your label removable went or ask any questions!