By the Biotat Team · June 2026
As part of our sustainability journey, some Biotat labels are now produced using ocean-bound recycled plastic material. It's a change we're genuinely proud of, and we wanted to take a moment to explain what it actually means.
What is ocean-bound plastic?
Ocean-bound plastic isn't plastic that's been pulled out of the sea. It's plastic waste that's at serious risk of entering the ocean, collected before that happens.
The material in Biotat's labels comes from beach and land regions in Asia, where formal waste management infrastructure is limited. This plastic would, in all likelihood, have ended up in the sea. Instead it's collected, chemically recycled, and fed back into a certified supply chain.
The label material is produced by UPM Raflatac under their Ocean Bound PP C-PCR product line. 85% of the face film originates from recycled sources, and the material is ISCC PLUS certified, meaning the chain of custody from collection point to finished label is independently verified.
Why labels?
Biotat has always tried to make responsible material choices. Our labels have been printed on recycled, degradable, tree-free stock since day one. This is the next step in that same direction.
Labels are easy to overlook. But at the volumes we operate, the material choice adds up. Cumulatively, it matters.
The certified material performs identically to standard polypropylene, so nothing about the product changes. The formulations are the same. The performance is the same.
What this means for tattoo artists
Your purchasing decision now contributes, in a small but real way, to keeping plastic out of the ocean. The tattoo industry has been moving toward more sustainable practice for years. Biodegradable barriers, compostable gloves. We're glad to be doing our bit on the packaging side.
What this means for clients
If you use Biotat products during a heal, the aftercare is unchanged. The ocean-bound plastic on Biotat labels is certified and traceable. It represents actual plastic that didn't end up in the sea.
A step, not a destination
We're not claiming this fixes everything. We're a manufacturing business making tattoo products, and we're working to make better decisions where we can. This is one of them.
We're continuing to look at every part of how our products are made, packaged and shipped, and we'll share more as that journey continues.
If you have questions about our materials or approach, reach us at support@biotat.com.
Explore the full Biotat range at biotat.com. UK-made, ISO 22716-certified, built for artists.
* Ocean-bound recycled plastic is currently used on selected Biotat® labels and is being rolled out across the range. Product formulations and performance are unchanged.