DayMark Safety Systems recently announced that our DissolveMark™ food labels have been reviewed and accredited by two leading, independent third-party testing laboratories. The DissolveMark labels are designed to dissolve in any temperature of water in less than 30 seconds, leaving no adhesive residue behind that could harbor harmful bacteria.

Also, we were certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) transfer system. When a product earns FSC certification and the right to bear the FSC label, it means that the forest products used to make paper—or in this case, food labels—have been sourced in a more sustainable, socially responsible, and economically viable manner.

While we are very proud to have earned these accreditations and certifications, we believe it is important that our partners in the food service industry as well as all the customers we serve know more what these awards mean to them.

By doing this, we are also helping our partners and their customers do their share and show their commitment to promoting sustainability, protecting the environment, as well as human health. Some refer to this as a “value chain,” indicating we are all working together to promote the same socially responsible goals and objectives.

But, let’s take a closer look at these certifications and accreditations to better understand what they mean to you.

The Ashkin Group accreditation

Stephen Ashkin of The Ashkin Group, a leading consultant advocating green and sustainability initiatives, has independently reviewed the results from accredited independent third-party testing laboratories, including Bureau Veritas and IPS Testing, that verify the following about our DissolveMark labels:

• These labels disintegrate when subjected to human or mechanical agitation in water; this means there is no waste of any kind that might end up in landfills.
• There is an absence of lead and phthalates in the labels; phthalates, often called plasticizers, are used as solvents (dissolving agents) as well as adhesives. Exposure to phthalates has negatively affected the reproductive system of laboratory animals.
• These dissolvable labels and their packaging materials have no “heavy metals.” Heavy metals include such elements and compounds as lead, cadmium (high cadmium levels have been tied to learning disabilities in children), hexavalent chromium (which can cause respiratory problems), and mercury.

The Ashkin report also specifies that the DissolveMark labels have been screened to ensure there are no restricted substances or “substances of high concern for human and environmental health” used in the manufacturing of the labels.

Forest Stewardship Council Certification

The Forest Stewardship Council is a non-profit organization committed to encouraging the responsible use and management of the world’s forests. The FSC transfer system is one of its key certifications and is quite an honor to receive because it is considered the “gold standard” designation for wood harvested from forests.

Importantly, FSC certification means DayMark has established a “chain of responsibility” regarding the wood materials used in our products, including:

Forest materials have been sourced in a more sustainable manner so that there is less social and economic impact on the communities that depend on these forests for their livelihood.

We have taken steps to protect the air and water in these communities and surrounding areas.

On a more global basis, we are working to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Through each step in the supply chain, including the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of paper-related products to the end customer, DayMark has proactively ensured that the forest products used meet FSC claims and credentials.

Our company takes these additional steps for a variety of reasons. They show that we are dedicated to protecting the environment we all share, and, most importantly, protecting human health. However, finding solutions that are in the best interests of our partners and end-customers is our leading motivation. In fact, DayMark’s ultimate goal is to see this “value chain” spread throughout the entire food service and paper industries. 

For more information on our DissolveMark food labels and how DayMark is dedicated to protecting the environment, contact a DayMark representative.