This article first appeared in the December 2024 issue of ProPack.pro.

Sinclair, a global leader in fruit labelling technology, and Zespri, the world’s largest kiwifruit marketer, have joined forces to launch their newest and most innovative compostable fruit label.

The companies said the new label, named the Sinclair – T55 fruit sticker, marks “a significant step forward” in produce packaging and environmental responsibility.

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

It breaks down and fully biodegrades to become part of usable compost within 365 days. This demonstrates that the Sinclair – T55 fruit sticker is safely compostable, without leaving harmful residues in the environment.

With certification for its end-of-life performance – it has received the home and industrial ‘Finished Products’ certification from TÜV Austria and the home composting certification from
ABA and DIN CERTCO – the fruit sticker also maintains Sinclair’s high standards for automated, high-speed application in the packinghouse and throughout the supply chain.

According to Sinclair and Zespri, this is the highest-performing compostable label available, with application performance equivalent to conventional plastic stickers. It provides exceptional conformity to adhere securely to fruits and vegetables, allowing essential product information – origin, variety, PLU and barcodes – to be displayed with branding.

Sinclair senior marketing manager Duncan Jones told ProPack.pro, “The label is constructed from a certified compostable film. A fruit label has three components – adhesive, label material, and inks. Sinclair – T55 has home compost certification for the finished label construction, not just components.

“Our goal for a home compostable label began about 15 years ago, and we are on our 5th generation, which finally meets all current global composting standards and has ABA, DIN CERTCO, and TÜV Austria home compost certification.

“It also meets composting standard AS 5810, making it a minimal packaging alternative that can help reduce plastic packaging waste. Certification from the Australasian Biobased Association (ABA) demonstrates its environmental performance and suitability as an environmentally conscious choice to remove plastic packaging from the supply chain.

“Its performance is equivalent to conventional labels, which in the past has been a challenge due to the nature of compostable materials.”

Jones said the Sinclair – T55 fruit sticker offers the fresh produce industry and retailers with the opportunity to reduce plastic packaging.

“It’s a significant achievement as it currently meets single-use plastics legislation globally. We now offer a proven packaging solution to help reduce reliance on plastic packaging, but still provide the benefits consumers and retailers require,” he said.

“As a certified compostable label, it also provides essential consumer point of sale information – produce variety, origin, brand, etc. – as well as ensures retailer information – PLU, barcode, etc. – can be displayed for checkout efficiency and/or product traceability.

“Our business has been focused on fresh produce labels for more than 40 years and this remains our focus. We are already receiving other enquiries from the packaging industry due to the uniqueness of this achievement in developing this certified compostable label.”

Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake said, “Our collaboration with Sinclair reflects our commitment to embracing more sustainable practices across our 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”.

Sinclair – T55 is available in Australia and New Zealand, with Zespri confirming it is transitioning to label all its kiwis to Sinclair – T55 in the next 12 months.