ABB and Zume partner to phase-out single use plastics

ABB has signed a framework agreement to collaborate with California-based packaging firm Zume in a bid to end their reliance on single-use plastics.

Manufacturers are facing mounting pressure from consumers and policymakers to find alternatives to single-use plastic packaging. Increases in conscious consumption habits often means new packaging needs to be sustainable, while being easy to mould and as cost-effective as traditionally plastic products.

Read more: The pandemic has increased "conscious consumption" habits

Zume has developed and patented a manufacturing process to make compostable packaging for anything from food and groceries to cosmetics and consumer goods.

This material is made from sustainably harvested plant material left over from agricultural production, including bamboo, wheat and straw.

Plant material, in general, uses significantly less water and energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the production and disposal of plastic packaging. Unlike plastic, plant-based material is 100% biodegradable and simply breaks down after use.

ABB will supply robotic cells that will enable Zume’s production of sustainable packaging on a global scale, helping to reduce reliance on single-use plastics which will automate the entire process.

The firm claims the automation process will allow for the company to significantly scale-up operations, increasing its environmental footprint.

“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,” said Sami Atiya, president of ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation.

“Today, robotic automation is expanding possibilities, making the world more sustainable through more efficient production that reduces energy use, emissions and production waste. Our collaboration showcases what is possible when organisations that are committed to pursuing a low-carbon society work together.”

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A pilot project has been installed by Zume and ABB at Satia Industries Limited, one of India’s largest wood and agro-based paper manufacturers, creating a facility of 10 manufacturing cells that will process 20 tonnes of wheat straw daily creating 100% compostable packaging for a range of industries.

Other planned pilot installations include Parason Group, a leading global pulp and paper machinery supplier, also based in India and Jefferson Enterprise Energy, the first 100% renewable energy powered compostable packaging factory, based in Texas, USA.

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