In response to negative comments in the news about produce labeling, Sinclair issued the following statement:
We take our approach to our environmental responsibilities seriously and are working to ensure our products and working practices are sustainable.
1. We have a 100% fully certified compostable label available today that complies with the EN 13432: 2000 packaging standard and EU Packaging Directive (94/62/EEC). All label components together - face stock, adhesive and inks - are OK compost and Seedling certified by TÜV Austria, an accredited independent certification body. Sinclair EcoLabel® was in development for over ten years before launch in June 2019 and through its certification is proven to:
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- Breakdown and compost within 12 weeks in industrial composting conditions
- Physically disintegrates and breaks down into carbon dioxide, water and inorganic compounds.
- Have no adverse effect on soil or plants in compost
2. Food safety is a paramount consideration when combining packaging and fresh food
3. Along with our environmental responsibilities, the needs of our customers naturally remain very important to us. We understand that plastics are a part of everyday life and are used to provide protective packaging, food-safety, branding and critical point-of-sale data for retailers and consumers. Our efforts are and will be, ongoing to offer more sustainable fresh produce labelling
options.
Colin Woodward, CEO/President of Sinclair, says: “Sinclair is committed to its sustainability programme, providing the fresh produce industry with viable and environmentally friendly label solutions and we actively work with employees, customers and professional bodies, such as Freshfel and PMA to achieve this aim.”
4. The WRAP UK Plastic Report 2018/19 is an essential report for UK Business, and we support their considered approach to reducing the impact of environmental plastic in the UK. Working with organisations like WRAP, and European organisations such as FRESHFEL (of whom we are members), is vital for positive change and is critical to the education of businesses and consumers to ensure that we cut through misinformation.
5. Fresh produce labels have a purpose and are functional in providing necessary commercial data and product distinction for retailers and consumers. Firstly, it ensures fresh produce is priced correctly at checkout, ensuring all growers are rewarded fairly for producing quality fresh produce. Secondly, a fresh produce label is a minimal packaging solution and removes the need for further packaging. Thirdly the label data can assist with trace-back should there be a food safety concern.
6. We are aware of the questions surrounding home composting, and Sinclair is conducting home composting trials with Sinclair EcoLabel in different home composting conditions. The temperature in a garden compost heap is lower and less constant than in an industrial composting environment. Composting in a garden is a more complicated, and a slower-paced process. Home composting trials
will take time and remain an ongoing study during 2020.
For more information: 
Duncan Jones
Sinclair International
Tel: +44 (0) 1603 72 6135
Email: duncanj@sinclair-intl.com
www.sinclair-intl.com