Detroit, August 9th 2023 – Accu-Label International Inc., worldwide leader in eco-friendly fruit labeling technology, announces it has the first paper-based fruit sticker to be accepted by the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA). Earlier this year, the CMA announced the allowance of specific paper-based stickers into acceptance. Accu-Label has successfully proven that its proprietary paper-based fruit stickers fully meet the requirements described under CMA’s Plastic Elimination Strategy. Through scientific testing and collaboration with CMA, Accu-Label’s paper-based fruit stickers have also been tested for disintegration in both a lab setting by the Organic Waste Systems (OWS) and in real-life at a CMA compost test site. Unlike plastic fruit stickers, Accu-Label’s paper-based fruit stickers are undetectable in the compost and pass CMA’s disintegration requirements, which is less than 10% recoverable, and leave no visible residue.
By adopting paper-based fruit stickers, the industry can resolve a decades-long problem where plastic contaminated food waste is accepted into the site and thus devalues the compost. Otherwise, food waste with plastic stickers is rejected at the compost site and ends up in a landfill where it creates a massive amount of methane gas, one of the most potent greenhouse gasses on the planet.
“The CMA’s leadership in this initiative has been outstanding. The acceptance of paper-based produce stickers into compost sites is a sensible solution that can and should be implemented by the entire industry of growers, marketers, and retailers alike. With countless hours researching, testing, and verifying our paper-based sticker, we are excited to keep pushing the envelope on helping the entire industry move to more sustainable solutions,” stated Joe Sleiman, President of Accu-Label.
Accu-Label’s paper-based fruit stickers are not new; founded in 2001, these stickers are the standard offering for our set of global customers. The paper-based fruit stickers are not only cost effective, but have an industry-leading application rate, and are the responsible choice for stakeholders that are looking to reduce single-use-plastics.
“We are thrilled to have a composter-friendly produce sticker option for our network. Plastic stickers are everywhere and are a huge burden to compost manufacturers. These stickers are difficult to remove and can contaminate the finished compost. Accu-Label’s hard dedication to provide a better alternative is vitally important and we applaud Accu-Label for their great work. They have raised the bar for the industry, which is what we need to make organic recycling the best it can be,” said Janet L. Thoman, the Compliance Director of the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA).
Global Paper-Based Solutions
It is not just the USA making changes to fruit stickers. Our Paper-based fruit sticker is also accepted globally. For example, Europe is mandating a compostable or pulp-based sticker. Canada has issued its first formal reading regarding PLU stickers and has stated that they will require all Plastic PLU stickers to be compostable. While we agree with the statement, we strongly believe that our paper solution is the correct material to be used and will be continuing our development and Research & Development in this area. How can a consumer determine if they’re buying fruit with a plastic or a paper PLU? Or one that’s compostable or not compostable? Our advice is simple. We’re asking consumers to choose paper stickers and if they are unsure, to confirm by performing the RIP-it ™ test. If it rips easily when torn, it’s likely a paper sticker.
About Accu-Label Inc.
Accu-Label has an established network of global partners which promises its commitment to provide customer value through innovation and service. For the last 22 years, Accu-Label has been offering Sustainably sourced Paper PLU stickers. The vision from day 1 was to offer a Paper sticker that went up against the more widely used but not eco-friendly plastic counterpart. After years of research and development, we came up with a proprietary formula that has met the industry’s needs and more. Accu-Label is a division of Ag-Tronic Control Systems Inc., which offers custom automated solutions to the industry.
For more information contact:
Rod Baeini [email protected]
