Fiber-based frenzy: Zume and Transcend tackle plastic pollution in molded pulp partnership

14 Jul 2022 --- Zume and Transcend Packaging, which claims to be Europe’s first major producer of paper straws, are joining forces in a multi-million dollar deal to replace billions of pieces of plastic with molded fiber alternatives. Notably, the companies aim to provide paper-based lids to quick service restaurants (QSRs) like McDonald’s and Starbucks to replace plastic lids on hot beverages.

Earlier this year, Zume launched compostable coffee lids made from bagasse, a pulp made from sugarcane, in Europe.

Zume CEO and chairman Alex Garden tells PackagingInsights: “Zume aims to provide companies with a road beyond plastic. This partnership with Transcend will expand our capacity further to incite change and replace plastic with an economically viable solution that performs like plastic without the harms of plastic.”

“For global brands, maintaining the status quo with plastic use is no longer a viable strategy. The proof will lie in the hands of brands who put a plan in place and see it through.”

Plastic alternatives for QSRs
Some 2.5 billion single-use coffee cups are discarded globally every year, but only around 1% are recycled – leaving the rest to pile up in landfills or spill into waterways, stresses Zume.

A reported 2.5 billion single-use coffee cups are discarded globally every year, but only around 1% are recycled.“The lids and coming molded fiber products will launch across Europe serving QSR customers in QSR, grocery, fast-moving consumer goods and other markets,” asserts Garden.

“The multi-million-dollar deal will see one of the largest specialist molded fiber production facilities created in Europe.”

“Site assessments regarding the exact location are currently being conducted, with the aim of being fully functional by mid-2023,” he adds.

Working with the “industry first” lid
Garden highlights that Zume has “the world’s most advanced molded fiber technology” that is fully automated, fiber agnostic and produces quality products.

“Molded fiber is the natural alternative to plastic in several applications and well-positioned to meet both brand preferences and emerging legislative and regulatory requirements.”

“Transcend Packaging will begin launching molded fiber products throughout Europe with Zume’s market-leading technology,” he adds.Molded fiber can be the natural alternative to plastic for numerous applications, the partners believe.

Molded fiber expansion
Aiming to improve access to high-performing compostable packaging, the companies are building one of the largest molded fiber production facilities in Europe and uniting their product catalogs which span bowls, plates, to-go boxes and more.

“As we look ahead to scaling into new markets and international production in the early part of 2023, we knew it was vital to select a company matching our ethos and mission while providing the logistical infrastructure and capabilities to make this vision come true,” says Lorenzo Angelucci, CEO at Transcend Packaging.

“There is a bright future for [environmentally] sustainable packaging that is aligned with current and pending legislation, as more brands challenge their current assumptions and look for creative alternatives.”

“The ‘snap lids’ for hot beverages are the first in a series of molded fiber products that will be launched across Europe. Under the partnership, Transcend will be the exclusive distributor of Zume’s molded fiber lids in Europe, and Zume’s global customers will have access to Transcend’s catalog of products,” concludes Garden.

Zume previously partnered with ABB Robotics to support the transition away from single-use plastic in the foodservice sector.

By Natalie Schwertheim

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