Sinclair says it continues to pursue sustainability innovation and collaboration in the fresh produce industry, such as its certified compostable T55 PLU sticker.
M. Scott Howarth, director of research and development for Sinclair, recently shared progress updates in developing environmentally responsible labeling solutions. The company also participated in the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Learning Lounge panel discussion, “Sustainability’s Shifting Landscape,” where Howarth joined fellow experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sustainability in fresh produce.
The T55 PLU sticker has been in development for over 17 years and is certified for both home and industrial composting. Ongoing partnerships with customers such as Zespri Group helped with the trial and development of T55, according to a news release. This was key to developing the T55 compostable sticker application and adhesion performance, which is equivalent to conventional PE/PP PLU stickers, the company said.
“At Sinclair, we believe that sustainable innovation must be practical, scalable and supported by rigorous certification,” said Wil Murray, senior director of operations for Sinclair. ''The T55 label is a major milestone in our mission to provide environmentally responsible solutions that meet the real-world needs of our customers and their consumers.”
To ensure global applicability and compliance, Sinclair said it works closely with regulatory bodies and international certification organizations, adding that the T55 PLU sticker has achieved multiple certifications, including:
- EN 13432 (European compostable packaging standard).
- NFT 51-800 (France).
- AS 5810-2010 (Australia).
Sinclair said these certifications provide assurance to retailers, producers and consumers that the product meets internationally recognized compostable standards.
The adoption of compostable materials remains closely linked to the availability of supporting infrastructure and the pace of legislative development across markets, the release said. Sinclair said it continues to monitor regulatory trends and collaborate with industry stakeholders to advocate for the development of composting facilities and policies that support the wider use of compostable packaging.
In addition to product innovation, Sinclair said it is focused on raising awareness and supporting the transition to sustainable packaging within the fresh produce sector. By providing guidance to stakeholders and promoting clear communication throughout the value chain, the company aims to contribute to more informed decision-making and a broader understanding of the role that compostable solutions can play in reducing packaging waste.