Coveris and TIPA join forces on new compostable produce labels

Flexible and paper packaging specialist, Coveris, has entered a new exclusive agreement with TIPA Compostable Packaging to deliver home-compostable produce labels.

The companies have joined forces to manufacture and market compostable labels for fresh produce in the UK, responding to increasing market demand and tightening regulatory requirements for the compostability of produce stickers.

The partnership combines TIPA’s recently announced home compostable labels, designed to provide high elasticity and excellent resistance to moisture, with Coveris’ high-scale production capabilities and market knowledge, to validate the applicability of the stickers for a wide range of fruits and vegetables.

Following detailed testing of available market options, Coveris selected TIPA’s home-compostable label material for its superior performance and applicability across a wide range of fruits and vegetables.

TIPA’s new film boasts high resistance to moisture while remaining flexible, allowing the stickers to securely adhere to produce that often has wet or varied surfaces.

The durability of the solution reportedly enables consistent application across items such as apples, citrus fruits, kiwis, and avocados, without compromising compostability.

Will Mercer, R&D director of Coveris’ Paper Business Unit, says: "We are proud to partner with TIPA to introduce a new compostable labelling solution for the fresh produce sector.

“By combining TIPA’s expertise in compostable materials with Coveris’ advanced print technology and understanding of the produce supply chain, we have developed a high-performance label that meets environmental, operational, and legislative needs. Aligned with our ‘No Waste’ strategy, we are focused on developing sustainable packaging and reducing waste in all its forms.”

In the UK, the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the UK Plastics Pact are influencing the market transition toward compostable solutions for fresh produce stickers.

Deadlines mandating the use of compostable stickers on fresh produce are also approaching in the EU, New Zealand, and Australia.

The shift reflects the growing recognition of produce stickers as a source of plastic pollution in organic waste streams. A recent study identified them as one of the three most persistent contaminants in composting facilities.

Gary Tee, vice president of global converting at TIPA, comments: “This partnership is about more than labels – it’s about eliminating unnecessary plastic from the food system.

“Our certified home-compostable label material delivers on performance and, equally as important, gives brands a sustainable option. Partnering with Coveris allows us to combine expertise and provide a solution that removes conventional plastic labels from the organic waste stream and supports upcoming regulations.”