Striving for the best: Recycling at Schmincke with AD Circular
Just 20 percent of the world’s used label liners are currently recycled, meaning that massive amounts of high-quality materials left over from the production of pressure-sensitive labels end up being wasted. Though complex to tackle, the problem represents a clear opportunity for the label industry to become more sustainable.
Through our AD Circular program, we are making that process easier. We collect used label liners from member companies across Europe and work with trusted recycling partners to handle the rest. By enabling the recycling of these valuable materials, we are contributing to creating a circular economy where nothing goes to waste.
We recently spoke with program member Schmincke about why they joined AD Circular and how the program helps them achieve their sustainability goals.
Founded in 1881 and based in Erkrath, Germany, Schmincke is one of the leading companies in the market for artists' colors. They produce oil, acrylic, watercolors, pastels, gouache, pigments, and colors for linoleum printing. In 2022 they were named one of the strongest brands in Germany at the German Standards Brand Awards.
Around 80% of Schmincke’s tubes, dispensers, jars, plastic bottles, buckets, and spray cans, as well as commercial packaging and some exclusive promotion sets, are labeled with self-adhesive materials. Unique to Schmincke is that they print their labels on demand in-house. This process allows them to ensure their labels are always up to date. It also alleviates supply chain complications, saves time and costs, and results in a lower CO2 footprint due to less waste and transport. Finally, it also enables them to uphold their quality standards; producing fine artist colors is a sensitive process that sometimes requires ingredient updates or adaptations to how labels are printed and applied.
