GILBERT, Ariz. — Sustainable packaging company Footprint has acquired a recyclable and home-compostable polyethylene (PE)-free hot and cold cup platform from Transcend Packaging, along with next-generation paper lid and straw solutions.

The acquisition expands Footprint’s portfolio of alternatives to traditional plastic-lined paper cups and strengthens its European manufacturing capabilities as demand grows for more sustainable single-use packaging solutions.

Scaling PE-Free Cup Production in Europe

Footprint said it will begin scaling production of the PE-free cup solution through its manufacturing facility in Poland, with plans to expand availability to North America in the future.

During the transition period, Footprint will work with Transcend through a manufacturing partnership to maintain customer supply continuity.

Transcend’s facility in Wales will continue producing products for Footprint customers in Europe, while Transcend maintains service for customers in the UK and Ireland.

Replacing Plastic Linings in Paper Cups

Traditional paper beverage cups commonly use polyethylene plastic coatings to prevent leakage and provide liquid resistance. However, these plastic linings can make cups more difficult to recycle through existing recycling systems.

Footprint’s PE-free cup and lid technology replaces conventional plastic lining with a mineral-based coating designed to support recycling or home composting while maintaining required performance for hot and cold beverages.

The company said the solution has undergone independent testing for:

• Recyclability
• Compostability
• Material composition

The PE-free cup platform has also received industry recognition, including a Gold Award at the 2025 Environmental Packaging Awards in Europe.

Expanding Sustainable Packaging Portfolio

Footprint said the acquired cup, lid and straw technologies provide a complete solution for the global beverage cup market.

The company’s CEO Corey Berends said the acquisition provides a proven technology platform that can be scaled globally as brands face increasing pressure to reduce reliance on plastic packaging.

The move supports Footprint’s broader strategy of developing fiber-based packaging solutions designed to replace conventional single-use plastic products.

Transcend Founders Join Footprint Leadership Team

As part of the transaction, Transcend Packaging co-founders Lorenzo Angelucci and Gabriel Fysh will join Footprint’s European leadership team.

Angelucci will become President, Europe, leading Footprint’s European operations.

Fysh will serve as Managing Director, Business Development Europe, focusing on customer adoption and commercial expansion.

Footprint said the combined capabilities of Transcend’s technology development and Footprint’s manufacturing platform will help accelerate adoption of sustainable cup solutions across European markets.

Last Updated on 22/07/2026 by Jota Machinery