Zespri Kiwifruit to feature compostable labels in European markets

Person on quad bike with Zespri branded bin filled with kiwifruit on front.

Zespri has confirmed that all of its kiwifruit in Europe for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere supply season will feature compostable labels, including trialling a home compostable label in France. 

Giorgio Comino, Zespri Executive Officer - Europe and North America, says the move reflects Zespri’s commitment to embracing more sustainable practices across the global supply chain.

Exploring more sustainable fruit label options has been an area of considerable focus for Zespri over a number of years, with our labels providing an important assurance to our customers that the fruit they are purchasing is authentic, safe and high-quality Zespri Kiwifruit. 

Approved for domestic compost and industrial compost respectively, none of the labels’ components – including adhesive and inks – has any harmful impact on the environment and naturally, they meet all EU food safety regulations.


As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that all of our packaging is 100 percent recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025, we’ve been exploring compostable labels that can withstand the humidity and refrigeration necessary to preserve fruit quality within our global supply chain.  

We know consumers want to see us make progress towards more environmentally friendly labels and we’re really pleased to be able to have a home compostable fruit label on our European-grown fruit in France this season, and industrial compostable ones for the balance of European markets. 

 

Giorgio Comino, Zespri Executive Officer

Europe and North America