'We are proud' to announce a significant new partnership that will transform the products available on grocery store shelves.

Two leading packaging companies have joined forces to offer consumers fresher fruits and vegetables while cutting down on plastic usage. Coveris, a European packaging company, and TIPA Compostable Packaging have teamed up to produce home-compostable labels for U.K. produce as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste.

The collaboration responds to growing retailer demand for sustainable packaging and new regulations that require compostable stickers. Coveris chose TIPA's material after evaluating various options, emphasizing that the labels can stick effectively to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The film remains flexible and adheres securely even on wet or textured surfaces like apples, citrus, kiwis, and avocados, without compromising its compostable nature.

Conventional produce labels are typically made from plastics derived from fossil fuels. Compostable alternatives help curb plastic pollution, contributing to healthier communities and easing the load on composting facilities.

This partnership adds to a wider trend of corporate initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste, including innovations in biodegradable materials from plant sources and efforts to replace traditional packaging with more sustainable solutions.

"We are proud to collaborate with TIPA to bring a new compostable labeling solution to the fresh produce market," said Will Mercer, Coveris' Paper Business Unit R&D Director. He noted that combining TIPA's materials with Coveris' printing technology created a high-performance label that meets environmental, operational, and legislative requirements.

The labels also help retailers, growers, and packers comply with upcoming regulations mandating compostable produce stickers in regions such as the EU, New Zealand, and Australia. A 2024 study in Environmental Science & Technology highlighted that produce stickers are among the most common contaminants found in composting facilities.

Gary Tee, Vice President of Global Converting at TIPA, explained that the partnership is focused on "eliminating unnecessary plastic from the food system." He added that the home-compostable material offers strong performance and provides brands with a sustainable alternative that prevents conventional labels from entering organic waste streams.

Author: Sophia Brooks