Coveris and TIPA Launch Home Compostable Labels for UK Produce

The exclusive agreement presents a scalable, sustainable solution in response to increasing market demand and tightening regulatory requirements.

Image: Coveris

Coveris and TIPA will manufacture and market the compostable labels in the UK, which can be applied to a wide range of fruits and vegetables, the companies said in a press release.

The partnership combines TIPA’s recently announced home compostable labels – which feature high elasticity and excellent resistance to moisture – with Coveris’ high scale production capabilities and extensive market knowledge.

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 said it is trusted to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for many leading brands and retailers. 

Image: Coveris

A Scalable, Sustainable Solution

The partnership highlights a shared commitment to sustainability that is designed to deliver a scalable, sustainable solution for retailers, packers, and growers seeking to meet both consumer demand and regulatory requirements.

Will Mercer, Coveris’ Paper Business Unit R&D Director, explained: “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.”

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,” pointed out Gary Tee, VP Global Converting at TIPA. 

“Our certified home-compostable label material delivers on performance and, equally as important, gives brands a sustainable option," Tee added. "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.”