Zume will use robotic cells from ABB to support the production of sustainable packaging on a global scale and minimise the use of single-use plastics
ABB robots will automate production to help make Zume’s packaging a cost-effective alternative to single-use plastics. (Credit: ABB)
ABB Robotics has collaborated with Zume to develop 100% compostable packaging using plant-based agricultural material.
Under the deal, Zume will use robotic cells from ABB to support the production of sustainable packaging on a global scale and minimise the use of single-use plastics.
Over the next five years, ABB will integrate and install over 1,000 moulded fibre manufacturing cells (MFC), including nearly 2,000 robots at Zume customer’s sites across the globe.
ABB is said to leverage its programme management capabilities and automation experts in its network of Global Solution Centres to allow the scale, modularity and speed needed to launch the solutions.
According to ABB, the solutions will hold the potential to manufacture millions of pieces of sustainable packaging per annum.
Zume produces its packaging material using sustainably harvested plant material left over from agricultural production, including wheat, bamboo and straw.
ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation president Sami Atiya said: “Automating production of Zume’s sustainable packaging with ABB robots makes this a viable and economic alternative to single-use plastics.
“With Zume, we have the potential to remove trillions of pieces of plastic from the global marketplace, preserving scarce resources and supporting a low carbon world.”
To produce compostable packaging for anything ranging from food and groceries to cosmetics and consumer goods, Zume has developed and patented an advanced manufacturing process.
Using MFC’s automation, speed and scalability, each site is expected to process 71,000 tonnes of agriculture material per annum.
Zume chairman and CEO Alex Garden said: “Using ABB’s global automation experts to develop and integrate automation solutions for our customers will revolutionise packaging and demonstrate what sustainable manufacturing can look like.”
Zume and ABB have installed a pilot project at India-based wood and agro-based paper manufacturer Satia Industries to create a facility of 10 manufacturing cells for the processing of 20 tonnes of wheat straw daily. It is used to produce 100% compostable packaging for various industries.