"It is estimated that $10B to $20B worth of single-use plastic packaging will convert to molded fiber": ZUME

Molded fiber is a type of biodegradable raw material that is renewable and usually wood-based. In our case, the molded fiber packaging consists of moldable fibers such as bagasse (sugarcane fiber), bamboo, wheat, straw and blends of various grass fibers. 

Agricultural waste long held promises of finding second life as an environmentally friendly material, but the technology had not yet existed to make use of it at scale. Zume’s proprietary machinery converts agricultural byproducts, such as bagasse from the production of sugar, into fully compostable single-use plastics replacements.

The use of molded fiber based solutions allow us to offer sustainable packaging at the same price, or less, than plastic. Our sustainable molded-fiber products also hold up in delivery transit, microwaves, and refrigerators - performing equally or better than plastic. Zume’s molded fiber products mirror the adaptability and durability characteristics of plastic utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing technology and material science - which is why it's a great alternative to plastic. 

 

Valued at $340B, the single-use plastic packaging industry is ripe for innovation. The global trend toward increased sustainability is driving growth in molded fiber solutions as a leading sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.  Projections vary, but in coming years it is estimated that $10B to $20B worth of single-use plastic packaging will convert to molded fiber, and Zume intends to use it’s superior equipment and products design and technology advantages to drive this conversion in the most accelerated pace possible to meet the demand as countries like India continue putting sustainability laws in place.

 

Zume’s proprietary software and professional services integrate brand owners, manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors. The patented system drives efficiencies and cost savings by matching brand owners with a reliable source of molded fiber products that are produced at scale. 

 

Zume’s packaging is the premier anti-leak sustainable molded-fiber product that holds up in delivery transit, microwaves, and refrigerators - performing equally or better than plastic at competitive cost. Zume’s food packaging is specifically designed to physically stabilize perishable food products, which is especially important when food is in transit for delivery.  The standard shelf life for fiber based products alone is six months to ensure structural integrity and minimize degradation due to the effects of hysteresis that has been well studied and documented.  The ZUME product line has been engineered in a manner that does not require coatings to achieve barrier properties.  

 

Packaging is one of the most damaging sectors to the environment and plastic pollution costs $13 billion in economic damage annually.  There is a tremendous runway for plastic packaging disruption as plastic production has outpaced that of almost every other material and corporations are supplying single-use plastic at record pace. Nearly every brand in the world has a plastic reduction commitment but change has been slow due to a lack of competitively priced alternative solutions available at scale. Zume is selling our machines and products to 20+ countries around the world and just added Russia. Zume has industrial partnerships now in India, the US, and now across the UK and EU. It’s very inspiring to see the enthusiasm for sustainability that will carry us into the future and continued growth.

 

Our motto is “For a country, by a country, in a country” meaning our system is very robust and is adaptable to the available Agro Residual for the region.  This creates the perfect closed-loop solution for growing the food product, converting the waste to a molded fiber container and then composting the container to use to grow more product.  Throughout Zume’s R&D initiatives, we have not encountered a fiber we can not convert into a product with the patented Zume technology.

 

Zume’s process is a fully closed-looped system. We repurpose agricultural waste from sources such as bagasse, bamboo, wheat, and other organic fibers for our sustainable packaging which significantly reduces water use, energy use, and carbon emissions in production. After use, the compostable packaging breaks down into organic material and can be re-used to regenerate soil or other organic matter. Zume’s solution not only takes single-use plastics out of circulation but is certified for compostability so when buried in the ground, it's gone in 90 days instead of sitting in landfills. 

 

Zume values our partnerships in India and sees great growth potential in the region. Initially, Zume and Satia Industries will deploy more than 2,000 tons of self-sealing, sustainable molded-fiber products to be manufactured and marketed during the first year of the partnership. Satia Industries plans to enhance its expertise and expand its product offering basket through this association with Zume by providing customized molded fiber packaging solutions across multiple industries such as food, consumer packaged goods, electronics, cosmetics, healthcare, and pharma.

 

Parason is constructing a greenfield factory where the Zume manufacturing technology will be deployed. With this deal, Parason joins a network of Zume manufacturing partners around the globe, expanding the availability and market share of Zume sustainable goods that replace plastics and styrofoam. As part of this partnership, Parason is helping Zume further optimize stock preparation and other auxiliary systems that complement Zume’s core manufacturing technology.

 

There are always challenges associated with bringing products to market at scale. But, Zume is able to bring our molded-fiber sustainable packaging to market at scale because of our proprietary software that integrates brand owners, manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors. Our patented system drives efficiencies and cost savings by matching brand owners with a reliable source of molded fiber products that are produced at scale, giving brands an alternative to single-use plastics.

 

Consumer plastic packaging alone is a $340 billion industry and includes 190 million tons of single-use plastic a year. That’s why nearly every brand has a plastic reduction commitment, yet change has been slow due to a lack of competitively performing alternative solutions. Zume sells their sustainable packaging directly to brands, restaurants, helping them keep their commitments to reduce plastic waste.

As trends toward convenience/delivery accelerate, food companies and restaurants are actively seeking better packaging solutions and providers in an effort to improve food quality, customer experience and cost, making Zume’s customers and target audience world-leading food manufacturers and food retailers.

 

The cushioning and protective benefits of molded fiber products have been long studied and documented.  The current ZUME technology may be suited for limited applications based on size and the value of the product to be stored.  Zume does plan to explore new technologies that would be better suited to service this market with a superior, cost-effective solution in the future.

 

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