Zespri is introducing compostable labels for its kiwifruit for the European market. From the winter season, all fruit grown in Europe for France will be labelled for home composting. In the rest of the European market, kiwifruit will be labelled with industrially compostable labels.
Zespri will be supplying all Kiwis in Europe from this winter season with compostable labels labelled. This step reflects the company's commitment to more sustainable practices throughout the global supply chain.
„Zespri has been exploring the use of sustainable labelling options for fruit for several years. In this context, our labels are of great importance as they give our customers the assurance that the fruit they are buying is authentic, safe and high quality Zespri kiwifruit. The labels are approved for industrial composting and none of their components - including glue and printing inks - have a harmful impact on the environment. Naturally, the labels fulfil all EU food safety regulations. With the introduction of compostable labels in the winter season, we are reaching a milestone in our goal of ensuring that all our packaging is 100 per cent recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. The new labels will withstand the humidity and refrigeration required to maintain fruit quality across our global supply chain just as well. We know that consumers continue to expect progress towards more environmentally friendly packaging. We are therefore delighted to be able to offer a home compostable label for all fruit grown in Europe this season in France and an industrially compostable label in other European markets.“
Giorgio Comino, Zespri Executive Officer - Europe and North America
The introduction of the labels that can be used in home compost in France and industrially compostable labels in other European markets is the next step in the test, which the company started at the beginning of 2022. All legal requirements will continue to be met. The compostable labels may not be introduced for all fruit grown in New Zealand in the next 2023 season due to limited stock availability.
„This not only fulfils the legal requirements, but also gives us the opportunity to analyse how these labels are performing throughout our supply chain. We are gathering feedback from our customers and consumers on this.“
Giorgio Comino
Source: Zespri
