Sinclair and Zespri partner on compostable label

Sinclair BB #:156770, a global leader in fruit labeling technology, and Zespri BB #:141270, the world’s largest kiwifruit marketer, are proud to announce the launch of the newest and most innovative compostable fruit label.

This innovative product marks a significant step forward in produce packaging and environmental responsibility.

Key Features of the Compostable Fruit Sticker:

Certified compostable
The home and industrial ‘Finished Products’ certification from TÜV AUSTRIA and the home composting certification from ABA and DIN CERTCO demonstrate that the Sinclair – T55 fruit sticker is safely compostable, breaking down and biodegrading completely without leaving harmful residues in the environment.

Consumer convenience and minimal packaging
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.

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

The highest-performing compostable label available, application performance is 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.

Quotes from Company Leaders:
Colin Woodward, CEO of Sinclair, commented on the launch: “We are thrilled to introduce the highest-performing
compostable fruit sticker certified by TÜV AUSTRIA, ABA and DIN CERTCO as a ‘finished product’. 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, echoed these sentiments: “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. We intend to change all of our fruit to this fully home compostable label with the transition to take place over the next year.”

Jiunn Shih, Chief Marketing, Innovation & Sustainability Officer at Zespri, added: “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. We’re proud to have worked closely with Sinclair on this innovative development.”

The certification process
The certification process involved rigorous testing to ensure the sticker’s compliance with stringent compostability criteria. The TÜV AUSTRIA, ABA, and DIN CERTCO certifications are recognized globally, providing assurance to consumers and retailers, that this compostable fruit sticker meets the highest environmental benchmarks.

Sinclair and Zespri invite industry partners, retailers, and consumers to embrace this groundbreaking product and join in the movement towards environmentally conscious fresh produce labeling. For more information about the compostable fruit label and the companies’ ongoing sustainability initiatives, please visit sinclair-intl.com and zespri.com.

About Sinclair:
Sinclair is a leading provider of innovative labeling solutions for the fresh produce industry. With a focus on sustainability, quality, and customer service, Sinclair offers a range of products designed to meet the diverse needs of growers, packers, and retailers worldwide. Committed to environmental stewardship, Sinclair continues to develop cutting- edge technologies that promote sustainable practices in produce labeling.

About Zespri:
Zespri is 100 percent owned by current and former kiwifruit growers and has a global team of 900+ based in Mount Maunganui and throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas. Our purpose is to help people, communities and the environment thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit, and we work with 2,800 growers in New Zealand and 1,500 growers offshore to provide consumers with fresh, healthy and great-tasting Zespri Green, Zespri RubyRed and SunGold Kiwifruit. In 2023/24, we supplied 164.2 million trays of kiwifruit to consumers in more than 50 markets, and recorded global operating revenue of USD$2.483.9 million (NZ$ 4.21 billion). Zespri is committed to sustainability, with areas of improvement identified right through the supply chain including our pledge that by 2025 we will use 100 percent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging, do more to help the environment, and work with our partners to be carbon positive by 2035.

Sinclair media contacts:
EU & Rest of World
Duncan Jones
Senior Marketing Manager
duncanj@sinclair-intl.com
+44 7970 725 752

North America
Wil Murray
Senior Director of Operations
wilm@sinclair-intl.com
+1 (559) 260-6854

New Zealand
Tom McLaughlin
Regional Market Manager,
Jenkins Freshpac Systems
tom.mclaughlin@jenkinsf ps.co.nz
+64 21 830 182

Zespri Media contact:
Anna Cross
Communications Lead
anna.cross@zespri.com
+64 27 316 7777