Footprint has acquired Transcend Packaging’s ‘PE-free’ hot and cold cup, lid and straw solution, designed to serve as a recyclable and home-compostable alternative to plastic-lined paper cups.
While the polyethylene linings of conventional paper cups compromise their recyclability, Footprint’s cup and lid solution uses a mineral-based coating. This is said to make the cup home-compostable and recyclable in existing waste streams without affecting its performance.
Reportedly, the format has been independently tested against standards for recyclability, compostability, and material composition.
“Cups are used every day, everywhere, and too many still depend on plastic to perform,” said Corey Berends, chief executive officer of Footprint. “This PE-free cup platform gives Footprint a proven technology we can scale globally at a time when customers need solutions that support emerging regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.
“This acquisition clearly demonstrates our commitment to creating a healthier planet and healthier people.”
Footprint and Transcend will enter a manufacturing partnership to support customer continuity across Europe and meet growing demand for practical alternatives to plastic-lined cups. Transcend will manufacture cups for Footprint customers from its facility in Wales, while continuing to serve customers in the UK and Ireland.
Footprint plans to scale the new packaging through its Poland facility in line with plans to expand across Europe, then North America. The company hopes to bring the technology to more customers, markets and end uses.
Transcend Packaging’s co-founders, Lorenzo Angelucci and Gabriel Fysh, will join the leadership team at Footprint.
Angelucci will lead the company’s European business as president, Europe. Fysh will serve as managing director, Business Development Europe, with a focus on customer adoption and commercial growth.
“I’m proud to join Footprint at a moment when the company is investing in the future of sustainable packaging,” said Angelucci. “Transcend developed a strong solution, and Footprint has the manufacturing platform, customer reach, and mission-driven focus to take it further.
“We can support customers across Europe with better cup solutions that work in everyday use and help reduce the impact of single-use packaging on the planet.”
In similar news, Smart Planet Technologies previously unveiled a biopolymer version of its EarthCoating barrier coating – combining a biobased PLA resin with a ‘specialized mineral blend’ to produce both compostable and recyclable paper cups.
Notpla also announced that it has commenced a three-year R&D programme, funded by Horizon Europe, to develop a disposable coffee cup with a natural, home-compostable coating. Fourteen partners from across Europe and Africa will undertake real-world performance testing, consider the scalability of its manufacturing methods, and comply with European regulations and end-of-life treatments.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ultimate guide to packaging innovation in 2026
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: what to know in 2026
Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation
No comments yet