Zume and Solenis Expand Partnership to Speed Adoption of Eco-friendly Food Packaging

Zume and Solenis announced they are ramping up their partnership to produce a comprehensive sustainable, PFAS-free packaging line, including hot cup lids, bowls, egg cartons, protein trays, and more. The molded fiber packaging replaces single-use plastics and expanded polystyrene foam (EPS).

The two companies combine unique capabilities. Zume brings their patented molded-fiber manufacturing system, and Solenis contributes expertise in functional additives and surface coatings.

The products come at a pivotal time for the food packaging industry. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an agreement with manufacturers of PFAS to voluntarily phase-out sales of certain PFAS used in food packaging in the United States over three years, beginning in January 2021.

PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.

PFAS Dangers and Risks

• Do not break down in the environment
• Move through soils
• Contaminate water sources
• Build up in fish and wildlife

To accelerate the move from PFAS, the two companies announced last year they are releasing the recipe and manufacturing process as open-source information for other packaging manufacturing companies to adopt.

IMAGE CREDIT: Zume

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