Sinclair and Zespri launch compostable fruit label

Fruit labeling technology company Sinclair and kiwifruit marketer Zespri have launched a new compostable fruit label, marking a step forward in produce packaging and environmental responsibility, according to a news release.

Key features of the compostable fruit sticker include:

• Certified compostable — The home and industrial finished products certification from TÜV Austria and the home composting certification from ABA and Din Certco show that the Sinclair-T55 fruit sticker is safely compostable, breaking down and biodegrading completely without leaving harmful residues in the environment, the release said.

• Consumer convenience and minimal packaging — The compostable sticker provides a minimal packaging solution that reduces consumer waste compared to other packaging, the companies said. It can be disposed of in-home compost bins along with fruit peels and other organic waste, simplifying consumer waste management.

• Durability with performance — With certification for its end-of-life performance, the fruit sticker maintains Sinclair's standards for automated, high-speed application in the packinghouse and throughout the supply chain.

The compostable label's application performance is equivalent to conventional plastic stickers, the release said, providing conformity to adhere securely to fruits and vegetables, allowing essential product information — origin, variety, PLU and bar codes — to be displayed with branding.

"We are thrilled to introduce the highest-performing compostable fruit sticker certified by TÜV Austria, ABA and Din Certco as a ‘finished product,’" Sinclair CEO Colin Woodward said in the release. "This is a unique achievement, and the industrial and home certification is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and our dedication to supporting the fresh produce industry with environmentally conscious solutions. We believe this compostable label sets a new standard in produce packaging, reducing plastic waste and helping create a more sustainable future."

Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake said the company's collaboration with Sinclair reflects its commitment to embracing more sustainable practices across its global supply chain.

"Exploring more sustainable fruit label options has been an area of considerable focus for Zespri over a number of years with our labels providing an important assurance to consumers that the fruit they are purchasing is authentic, safe and high-quality Zespri Kiwifruit," Te Brake said in the release. "We intend to change all of our fruit to this fully home compostable label with the transition to take place over the next year.”

“We know consumers want to see us make progress towards more environmentally friendly labels and this compostable sticker not only meets their expectations but supports our sustainability goals by reducing plastic waste," Zespri’s Chief Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability Officer Jiunn Shih said in the release. "We’re proud to have worked closely with Sinclair on this innovative development.”

The certification process involved testing to ensure the sticker's compliance with stringent compostability criteria, the companies said. The TÜV Austria, ABA, and Din Certco certifications are recognized globally, assuring consumers and retailers, that this compostable fruit sticker meets the highest environmental benchmarks, according to the release.