Zume will provide its advanced moulded fibre manufacturing capabilities and professional services, while Solenis will supply its expertise in functional additives and surface coatings that increase the strength and functionality of Zume’s fibre recipes
Zume and Solenis want to help global food brands replace their plastic and foam packaging with a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. (Credit: Solenis)
Zume, a US-based provider of sustainability solutions, has partnered with speciality chemicals producer Solenis to introduce a new line of 100% PFAS-free packaging, replacing plastic and styrofoam with a sustainable alternative for foodservice applications.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known for their grease- and water-resistant properties, are widely used chemicals commonly found in food packaging.
Solenis said the moulded fibre packaging can be composted, but PFAS do not degrade naturally and can leach from containers and move through soils, polluting drinking water sources and destroying the circularity profile of moulded fibres.
Zume will provide its advanced moulded fibre manufacturing capabilities and professional services, while Solenis will supply its expertise in functional additives and surface coatings that increase the strength and functionality of Zume’s fibre recipes.
The partnership aims to expand PFAS-free moulded fibre solutions to replace entire categories of single-use plastic without unsafe chemicals.
Solenis CEO John Panichella said: “Our partnership with Zume showcases the deep expertise of both of our companies in packaging production and design.
“Bringing together our technical talents, we can create truly sustainable food packaging without sacrificing the quality and performance of packaging containing PFAS.”
Zume CEO and chairman Alex Garden said: “Development of an economically viable solution for brands to transition from plastic and foam packaging is the goal of the collaboration.
“Our patented moulded fibre manufacturing equipment system and technology enable us to offer sustainable packaging at the same price or less than plastic.
“This partnership with Solenis advances efforts to eliminate single-use plastic and enables brands to keep commitments to stop using PFAS.”
Furthermore, Zume and Solenis outlined a technology roadmap to develop solutions, including hot cup lids, bowls, plates, premium egg cartons, coffee cup lids, protein trays, and yoghurt cups.
Both firms intend to help food brands replace their plastic and foam packaging with a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
The latest partnership builds on other breakthrough work from both companies that brought the packaging firms together to expedite the removal of PFAS with the open-source guide to PFAS-free packaging for food producers and CPG brands.