With a deadline set for July 2025, New Zealand is on a path to phase out plastic produce labels, transitioning to home-compostable alternatives. This move aligns with a global shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions, reflecting consumer demand for environmental responsibility. Sinclair, a leading entity in fruit labeling technology, alongside Zespri, has introduced a home-compostable produce label to the international market. This innovation, a result of extensive research, is designed to endure prolonged refrigeration and decompose in home compost settings.
Tom McLaughlin of Sinclair highlights New Zealand's proactive stance in implementing sustainable packaging regulations, positioning the country as a global frontrunner. Currently, France and New Zealand are the only nations with legislation governing the use of plastic labels on produce, with certain regions in Belgium and potentially some Australian states considering similar measures. McLaughlin emphasizes the importance of global collaboration to ensure a seamless transition to compostable packaging, underscoring the critical role labels play in the supply chain, from brand identity and food safety to ensuring growers receive recognition for high-quality produce.
Despite the challenges, including the higher cost of producing and purchasing these eco-friendly labels, McLaughlin asserts the necessity of this shift for both environmental sustainability and consumer information. Jenkins Freshpac Systems, a local entity, has taken up the mantle as a significant distributor of these compostable labels within New Zealand, marking a significant step towards sustainable packaging solutions in the produce industry.
Source: Waikato Times