Futamura and Bio4life develop compostable label for fresh produce

UK film manufacturer Futamura and Dutch labelstock producer Bio4life have developed a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) label designed as an alternative to conventional plastic stickers used on fresh fruit and vegetables.

The label combines Futamura’s NatureFlex cellulose films with Bio4life’s BioTAK certified home compostable adhesive. The companies say the resulting label is suitable for both home and industrial composting and can be used on produce including apples, citrus fruits, avocados and kiwis.

Conventional produce stickers commonly use fossil-based plastic films and non-compostable adhesives. Futamura and Bio4life say these can enter organic waste streams when consumers dispose of stickers with fruit and vegetable skins, creating potential contamination during waste processing.

NatureFlex films are cellulose-based and derived from responsibly managed wood pulp. They are available in clear, white and metallised formats, with the companies highlighting their printability, machineability and resistance to oils and chemicals.

The development comes ahead of the planned implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) on 12 February 2028. The companies say the fresh produce industry has a limited window to trial and test compliant labelling solutions ahead of the requirements.

Gerard Benthem, sales manager at Futamura, commented: “Compostable fruit and vegetable labels are a great innovation that supports a truly circular economy. Bio4life and Futamura have a shared vision for the future of labelling, and we hope to help brands and retailers’ transition away from conventional plastics to renewable and compostable label materials.”

Marcel de Oude, co-owner of Bio4life, stated: “Our home compostable adhesive technology BioTAK is designed to work hand-in-hand with renewable home compostable substrates like NatureFlex. This partnership showcases how collaboration can accelerate the shift toward packaging that supports a circular economy. We’re proud to bring this innovation to market with Futamura.”