Why Paper Wash-Off Labels Are the Future for Brewers and Bottling Lines
Everyone talks about sustainable packaging and reusable bottles these days, but anyone who actually operates bottle-washing lines knows that the reality is more complex.
A reliable wash-off label can be the difference between a returnable bottle passing smoothly through the line or a bottling machine coming to a halt after a few days due to blockages.
At Etivoet, we have conducted research into wash-off labels, and one conclusion is clear: paper provides the dependable and sustainable solution.
Performance in Practice
Predictability is essential for brewers and bottling facilities. A label must adhere firmly during transport and handling but release completely when the bottle enters the washing system. In practice, plastic labels often cause problems: they sink, clump together, and block pipes or filters.
Paper wash-off labels behave differently. They release in a controlled manner, float with the water flow, and leave no adhesive residue or paper fragments behind. The result is a cleaner washing process, reduced downtime, and lower maintenance costs—measurable benefits for every link in the supply chain.
The Technology Behind Etivoet’s Solution
Etivoet has developed a patented neutralisation structure that determines when and how the label releases.
By carefully selecting specific paper types, coatings, and printing techniques, the label is optimally adapted to the chemical and thermal conditions of the washing process.
We conduct long-term testing—at three, six, nine, twelve, and even eighteen months—to understand how ageing, humidity, and temperature affect the label. As Mathias Marichael, Wash-Off Expert at Etivoet, explains:
This knowledge forms the foundation of our expertise, allowing us not only to know what works, but also why it works.
Furthermore, paper reduces CO₂ emissions and fits perfectly within the principles of the circular economy.
Research and Collaboration as Drivers of Progress
Etivoet works closely with partners such as VT Logics and Bring Back to continuously test the technology under real production conditions. These collaborations provide valuable insights for both brewers and bottling facilities, contributing to the ongoing professionalisation of the returnable bottle system.
This evolution is also driven by the European PPWR regulation, which emphasises reusability and recyclability. Internationally, the trend is the same: in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Brazil, paper is already the standard for washable labels in the beverage industry.
Conclusion
Paper wash-off labels are not a compromise—they are an advancement. They reduce environmental impact, improve the efficiency of washing lines, and enhance the reliability of the entire reuse process.
At Etivoet, we believe in solutions that are proven to work, developed through research, experience, and continuous innovation.
Together, we make circular packaging not just an ambition, but a reality.
