Zume and ABB Partner to Deploy 2,000 Plastic-Reducing Robots

The Challenge of Plastic Waste and Zume's Innovative Solution

The pervasive issue of plastic pollution is a significant global concern, with many nations struggling to effectively reduce, reuse, and recycle. Single-use plastics represent a particularly detrimental environmental problem, and Zume is actively developing a sustainable and economically feasible alternative to conventional plastics. This development also signifies a remarkable transformation for Zume, demonstrating a successful pivot in its business strategy.

Initially founded as a robotics company specializing in pizza production – featuring advanced robotic arms – Zume underwent a shift in focus after co-founder Julia Collins pursued climate-friendly food initiatives. Subsequently, the entire company redirected its efforts towards addressing environmental challenges.

Zume’s commitment to sustainability remained strong even after Collins’ departure, and the company has gained recognition for its plant-based alternatives to plastics since acquiring Pivot in 2019. Now, Zume is launching a comprehensive campaign against plastics, supported by a substantial expansion and a new partnership with ABB, a leading industrial technology company.

Urgency and Collaboration

“Considering projections that by 2050 our oceans may contain more plastic than marine life, a swift transition away from single-use plastics is paramount,” stated Alex Garden, Chairman and CEO of Zume, highlighting both the importance and the time-sensitive nature of their work. Recently, Zume established an agreement with ABB to deploy a large number of robots to facilitate its mission, though the financial specifics of this collaboration remain confidential.

ABB will provide robotic cells to enable the large-scale production of Zume’s sustainable packaging, thereby lessening the dependence on traditional, single-use plastics. The plan involves integrating and installing over 1,000 molded fiber manufacturing cells (MFC), potentially including up to 2,000 robots, at Zume’s customer locations globally within the next five years.

“The automation of Zume’s sustainable packaging production through ABB robots establishes a viable and cost-effective alternative to single-use plastics,” explained Sami Atiya, President of ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation. “Together with Zume, we have the potential to eliminate trillions of plastic items from the global market, conserving valuable resources and fostering a low-carbon economy.”

Atiya continued, “Robotic automation is broadening possibilities, making the world more sustainable through more efficient production that minimizes energy consumption, emissions, and waste. Our partnership exemplifies the impact of collaboration between organizations dedicated to a low-carbon future.”

A robot, despite containing some plastic components, collaborates with Zume to reduce plastic waste. Photo: ABB

Addressing a Critical Environmental Issue

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the UN Environment Program (UNEP), which identifies single-use plastics as a major environmental threat. Approximately 60% of all plastics produced since the 1950s have ended up in landfills or the natural environment. Furthermore, the economic and environmental viability of plastic recycling is often questionable, as recently explored by NPR’s Planet Money.

A shift towards compostable and biodegradable materials presents a logical solution. To this end, Zume and ABB implemented a pilot project at Satia Industries, a prominent Indian manufacturer of wood and agro-based paper products. This facility, equipped with 10 manufacturing cells, processes 20 tons of wheat straw daily, producing 100% compostable packaging for various industries.

Unlike plastic, plant-based materials are fully biodegradable and decompose naturally after use.

“Our collaboration with Zume and ABB allows Satia Industries to meet and surpass client expectations for high-performing, affordable, and reliable products that are sustainably manufactured and easily composted,” stated Dr. Ajay Satia, CMD Satia Industries. “Beyond adding substantial value to our company, we contribute to environmental preservation by providing sustainable solutions that enable our customers to transition to more modern, reliable, and customized products.”