Coveris and TIPA to deliver home compostable produce labels

Coveris and TIPA Compostable Packaging have entered into an exclusive agreement to manufacture and market compostable labels for fresh produce in the UK, responding to increasing market demand and tightening regulatory requirements for compostability of produce stickers.

This 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 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.

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 fruits, kiwis, and avocados, without compromising compostability. As a dedicated packaging partner with expert capabilities, experience and knowledge of the produce sector, Coveris is trusted to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for many leading brands and retailers. The partnership highlights a shared commitment to sustainability.

‘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.’

This collaboration delivers 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 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.

‘This partnership is about more than labels—it’s about eliminating unnecessary plastic from the food system,’ said Gary Tee, VP of 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.’