Enviromental
Our Sustainable Cosmetic Label Design
At The Naked Chemist, sustainability isn’t just skin deep.
It’s in every detail, down to the label on your bottle.
While clean beauty is often judged by what’s inside the jar.
We believe that what wraps around it deserves just as much attention.
That’s why we’ve made conscious choices in designing, printing, and sourcing our product labels.
After all, even the most minor component can leave a lasting impact on the environment.
Let’s peel back the layers and examine what makes a label truly sustainable.
And how The Naked Chemist is setting a new standard.
Contents
Why Labels Are a Big Deal
Labels might seem insignificant, but they can make or break a product’s recyclability. Plastic coatings, chemical-heavy inks, and toxic adhesives can contaminate recycling batches.
A sustainable skincare brand can have the cleanest formula in the world, but if the label is wrong, it compromises the whole package.
That’s why we do things differently.
Our Sustainable Labelling Philosophy
At The Naked Chemist, we treat labels like ingredients—with care, consciousness, and integrity. Here’s what we prioritise:
Low-Tox, Earth-Friendly Inks
Most conventional labels use petroleum-based inks that release volatile organic compounds (VOCS) during printing. These VOCS contribute to air pollution and harm both people and the planet.
Instead, we opt for low-toxic, VOC-free alternatives. Where possible, we use soy—or vegetable-based inks, which are biodegradable and safer to produce.
These plant-based inks not only reduce chemical runoff during manufacturing, but they also look beautiful and vibrant without compromising on safety.
Uncoated, Recyclable Label Materials
Glossy or plastic-coated labels might look sleek, but create severe recycling headaches. These laminated materials are often non-recyclable, non-biodegradable, and shed microplastics.
That’s why we choose uncoated, paper-based cosmetic label design is fully recyclable and designed to break down naturally.
These materials have a lovely, tactile finish that matches our minimal aesthetic and aligns with our ethos of keeping things simple and honest.
Recyclable and Compostable Options
We’re constantly testing biodegradable and compostable label alternatives from plant fibres and agricultural waste. While not all are fully compatible with the regulations for skincare labelling yet, we’re keeping a close eye on developments. We are ready to switch when they meet our quality and compliance standards.
Non-Toxic Adhesives
Most people don’t think about glue, but we do. Many traditional label adhesives are synthetic, aggressive, and challenging to wash off, interfering with recycling.
We use removable, water-based adhesives that are gentle on the environment and don’t leave harmful residue. These glues allow labels to peel away easily, making containers cleaner and more recyclable.
Minimalist, Low-Waste Design
Our label design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about environmental impact. We print only what we need and avoid using excessive inks, colours, or finishes. Fewer ink layers mean less energy and fewer materials used in production.
This clean design reflects our brand identity and ensures we’re not printing waste just for shelf appeal.
Small-Batch, Locally Printed
We work with local New Zealand printers who align with our sustainability values where possible. This reduces our carbon footprint by reducing shipping and supports ethical business practices within our community.
Small-batch printing also gives us flexibility and helps avoid unnecessary overproduction.
Labels That Match Our Philosophy
Sustainable skincare isn’t just about biodegradable jars or refillable options—it’s about integrity. Every detail matters. That includes a humble label.
At The Naked Chemist, we believe your skin—and the Earth—deserve better. That’s why our cosmetic label design and packaging is as thoughtful as our formulas.
From the ink we print with to the glue that holds it all together, we’re proud to say: nothing toxic, unnecessary, and hidden.