Baika Processing, a leading company in the Mexican avocado sector, has taken a decisive step toward sustainability by becoming the first packing facility in the country to use compostable PLU labels on this fruit. This advancement represents a significant shift in how the relationship between operational efficiency and environmental commitment is perceived within the agribusiness sector.

From its first months of operation, Procesadora Baika México clearly defined its goal: to reduce the generation of solid waste from labeling without compromising the quality standards demanded by the market. This led to the joint development with Sinclair, an international provider of labeling solutions, with the strategic support of Avocados from Mexico.

During technical meetings with Sinclair, Baika expressed its intention to actively collaborate on concrete environmental initiatives. According to Omar Cervantes Avilés, packaging manager at Procesadora Baika, the objective was clear from the outset: “We wanted to go beyond efficient operations; we set out to innovate with impact, and this led us to seek a truly compostable label.”

A functional and internationally certified label

The solution came with the T55 label, initially designed for fruits like kiwifruit and specifically adapted for avocados. Starting in April 2025, operational tests were conducted to verify its functionality, including adhesion and durability on the fruit under real-world packaging conditions. The results were entirely satisfactory.

In addition to its technical performance, the T55 label boasts key international certifications: it complies with the European Union's EN 13432 standard for industrial compostability, is FDA-approved for food contact, and has been validated by regulatory authorities in China. These certifications confirm that the label can degrade naturally and safely in industrial composting systems, leaving no toxic residue or microplastics.

Environmental impact and long-term vision

After validating its technical feasibility and agreeing on commercial terms, Baika placed its first formal order at the end of May 2025. Since then, implementation has been gradual and consistent. With an average monthly consumption of 6,700,000 labels, the company used more than 60,000,000 labels between September 2024 and May 2025. This substitution has resulted in a substantial reduction of plastic waste from conventional labeling.

For Cervantes, this achievement doesn't mark the end of an era, but rather the beginning of a new direction: “We know that our consumers and clients value products that respect the planet. With the T55 label, we are taking another step towards a responsible and replicable packaging model.”

By integrating technological innovation with environmental responsibility criteria, Baika Mexico reaffirms its leadership in the avocado industry and positions itself as a benchmark for positive transformation in the agri-food chain. The implementation of compostable labels is not just a technical advancement; it is a declaration of principles about the future of packaging in Mexico.