Hotpack and HZ Corporation launch joint paper packaging venture

Hotpack, a packaging solution provider headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, has announced a joint venture with HZ Corporation, a Malaysia-based manufacturer specializing in paper-based foodservice packaging.

The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of paper-based packaging solutions. The venture is set to increase manufacturing capabilities by combining the strengths of the companies while supporting customer requirements and responding to the demand for environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

Abdul Jebbar PB, managing director and CEO at Hotpack, says: “This is a major step in Hotpack’s journey toward building a truly global sustainable packaging ecosystem. With Hotpack’s expansive market presence across the Middle East and HZ Corporation’s footprint across Southeast Asia, the combined entity is positioned to capture significant demand across multiple high-growth regions.”

He highlights that the partnership would bring together complementary strengths in manufacturing, innovation, and market access. 

“By combining Hotpack’s operational scale and global distribution network with HZ Corporation’s expertise in paper-based foodservice packaging, we are creating a strong platform to deliver high-quality, certified sustainable solutions to customers across the world,” he adds. 

“It also supports our long-term vision of expanding access to practical and scalable alternatives that help businesses meet evolving sustainability requirements.”

Targeting plastic reduction

HZ Corporation develops dry molded fiber technologies and paper-based foodservice packaging. The joint venture’s initial product portfolio will include paper cups, folding cartons, paper bags, and related foodservice packaging products developed to assist businesses transitioning to sustainable packaging formats.

Initial product commercialization will focus on quick-service restaurant chains, coffee brands, airlines, catering companies, and food delivery platforms. This confronts regulatory and consumer pressure to cut plastic packaging.

Donald Yap, CEO at HZ Corporation, says: “This joint venture is the culmination of a shared belief that sustainable packaging must be both technologically advanced and commercially viable at scale. By pairing our manufacturing expertise and regional market access in Southeast Asia with Hotpack’s global distribution network and brand equity, we are building an ecosystem that can meaningfully accelerate the shift away from plastic across multiple industries and geographies.”

“We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration creates for expanding the reach of high-quality paper-based packaging solutions into new markets. Together, we can support customers seeking reliable, certified alternatives that align with changing regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.”

The companies say that the products manufactured under the partnership are certified to internationally recognized standards, including FSC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, and the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit 4-Pillar audit framework, with eco label certification for compostability where applicable.

Last year, Hotpack invested US$100 million to build a food packaging manufacturing facility in Edison, US. The plant is the company’s first site in the US, spanning 70,000 square feet.