The collaboration combines Tipa’s home compostable label technology with Coveris’ production capabilities to deliver sustainable labelling solutions ahead of approaching regulatory deadlines in multiple markets
Coveris and Tipa Compostable Packaging have entered into an exclusive agreement to manufacture and market compostable labels for fresh produce in the UK.
The move is in response to increasing market demand and tightening regulatory requirements for compostability of produce stickers.
According to a statement, the partnership combines Tipa’s recently announced home compostable labels, which demonstrate high elasticity and excellent resistance to moisture, with Coveris’ high scale production capabilities and extensive market knowledge, validating the applicability of the stickers for a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
”Following extensive 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,” the statement read.
Tipa’s new film offers resistance to moisture while remaining flexible, allowing the stickers to securely adhere to produce that often has wet or varied surfaces.
This durability enables consistent application across items such as apples, citrus, kiwifruit and avocados, without compromising compostability.
“We are proud to partner with Tipa to introduce a new compostable labelling solution for the fresh produce sector,” commented Will Mercer, Coveris’ paper business unit R&D director.
“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,” he noted.
The collaboration is designed to deliver a scalable, sustainable solution for retailers, packers, and growers seeking to meet both consumer demand and regulatory requirements.
Deadlines mandating the use of compostable stickers on fresh produce are approaching in the EU, New Zealand and Australia.
In the UK, the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the UK Plastics Pact support the market transition toward compostable solutions for this application.
This shift reflects a growing recognition of produce stickers as a source of plastic pollution in organic waste streams, the groups said.
“This partnership is about more than labels – it’s about eliminating unnecessary plastic from the food system,” said Gary Tee, vice-president global converting at Tipa.
“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,” Tee added.
