Kiwifruit supplier picks up annual prize for its innovative use of Sinclair’s T55 home compostable stickers
Kiwifruit brand Zespri has been named Product of the Year in Italy in recognition of its new home compostable label.
The T55 stickers are supplied by Sinclair and were rolled out from the middle of 2025 onwards.
The supplier picked up the award in the fruit category at a ceremony in Milan, where it was commended for its contribution to protecting the environment.
Each year, more than a trillion plastic stickers are produced around the world, creating an estimated 25,000 tonnes of plastic waste that takes decades to decompose.
Zespri’s stickers, which were the first to fully break down in home compost within months, can be safely placed with the kiwifruit’s peel in a normal food waste bin.
“We had the important task, in Italy, of communicating this significant step for the brand and our industry to consumers throughout 2025,” commented Emanuele De Santis, Zespri’s marketing manager for Italy and the Mediterranean.
“Being awarded today as Product of the Year in the fruit category is a great achievement that demonstrates our commitment and the constant innovation of our global and local cross-functional team.”
The awards were presented based on the votes of more than 12,000 consumers, who are provided with independent research to assist their judgement in each category.
