Stemilt Transitions Select Apple Programs to Certified Compostable PLU Labels

Stemilt Growers has begun a phased transition to certified compostable fruit labels, using Sinclair’s T55 labeling solution.

Stemilt, a fifth-generation, family-owned tree fruit grower, packer and shipper based in Wenatchee, Washington, is transitioning select apple varieties to Sinclair T55. Developed by global fruit-labeling provider Sinclair, T55 is independently certified for both home and industrial composting.

Why Compostable Fruit Labels Matter

Unlike conventional fruit labels, certified compostable labels are designed to break down under appropriate home or industrial composting conditions. When labeled fruit or peels enter food waste, conventional labels can remain as unwanted material. Certified compostable labels, by contrast, are designed to compost alongside organic waste, helping reduce contamination and support cleaner composting streams.

Details of Stemilt’s Transition

The transition will take place in phases, beginning with nine apple varieties packed at Stemilt’s facilities in Wenatchee and at Douglas Fruit in Pasco, Washington. The initial phase is expected to transition approximately 57% of PLU labels to Sinclair T55, with additional varieties and programs planned as the rollout continues in 2027.

“It’s a practical improvement that aligns with our long-term commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Brianna Shales, marketing director at Stemilt Growers. “With Sinclair T55 already proven with growers in other markets, we felt confident this was the right time to begin the transition here in North America.”

Compostable Labeling on Display at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show

Stemilt will feature the transition in its Fresh Ideas Showcase with an artistic representation of compostable labels. Sinclair will showcase its composting and T55 solutions at booth 3333. The displays will give attendees an opportunity to learn how the label is designed to perform at the end of its life and speak with both teams.

Sinclair T55 is independently certified for home and industrial composting by TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO and the Australasian Bioplastics Association. The certifications confirm that T55 meets recognized international composting standards, including EN 13432, NF T51-800 and AS 5810. The labels can be disposed of through suitable organic waste streams for home or industrial composting.

For Sinclair, Stemilt’s transition demonstrates how certified compostable labeling can be introduced while maintaining the high-speed application performance required in packinghouses. It also offers a practical example of how growers can address packaging waste while supporting organic waste recovery.

“Our founder, Tom Mathison, built this company on the belief that we’re caretakers of the land and environment for a short time and have to leave it better than we found it,” Shales said. “Labeling has been part of our story since we put our name on fruit in the early 1980s. We see this transition as an opportunity to maintain the benefits of fruit labeling while improving what happens to that label at the end of its life.”

“Sinclair T55 is engineered to deliver the high-speed application, adhesion and reliability packinghouses depend on, with the added benefit of certified end-of-life performance,” said Duncan Jones, senior marketing manager at Sinclair. “We’ve seen strong adoption in New Zealand, Europe, South Africa and South America, and Stemilt’s transition is an important step for North America. It demonstrates that growers can move toward certified compostable labeling without compromising packinghouse performance.”

IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show Booths:

• Stemilt Growers: Booth 2847
• Sinclair: Booth 3333

About Stemilt Growers

Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer and shipper of tree fruit owned and operated by the Mathison family. Its mission is to cultivate people and delight consumers with its World Famous Fruits. Stemilt is a leader in sweet cherries and organic tree fruits, as well as a key supplier of apples and pears.

The company promotes environmental sustainability and social responsibility through its Responsible Choice® program, established in 1989.

About Sinclair

Established in 1982, Sinclair provides managed fruit and vegetable labeling solutions in more than 40 countries, including labels, machines and service. Its certified compostable, food-safe labels are applied to fruits and vegetables using automated, high-speed labeling systems designed for packinghouse efficiency. The solutions support brand visibility and consumer engagement while helping retailers and growers meet sustainability and compliance goals.