Eco-packaging disruptor Transcend Packaging grows EU footprint with Italian paper straw production

Eco-packaging disruptor Transcend Packaging grows EU footprint with Italian paper straw production

• New facility will enhance sustainable paper straw production to help brands switch from plastic to paper ahead of single-use plastic legislation
• Transcend will have capacity to produce 2 billion paper straws per year at its factory in Ala, near Trento, Northern Italy
• Product offerings will include sustainable paper straws for both quick service restaurants and on-pack straws for drinks brands

26th September 2020 – Today, UK-based sustainable packaging company, Transcend Packaging, announced it is growing its European presence by expanding into Italy with an additional production facility, dedicated to producing sustainable paper straws for both quick service restaurants and on-pack straw customers.

Transcend is a global pioneer in sustainable packaging and the first major producer of paper straws in the UK and Italy. Over the past two years, Transcend has established itself as Europe’s leading producer of paper straws, and an innovator in helping brands make their packaging more sustainable.

Transcend’s Italian factory will have capacity to produce up to two billion paper straws per year, nearly 40M per week, consisting of both quick-service-restaurant and u-bend Industrial straws™. These will be produced at the new location in Ala with contracts from major brands already signed.

Transcend will operate the facility in partnership with ICIS Group, an established packaging company with a successful track record of working with major international brands. This partnership will allow businesses across Europe to source paper straws made within the EU before the July 2021 deadline.

With demand from leading brands and consumers for enhanced sustainably growing, the facility is ideal for Transcend and ICIS to provide high-quality, locally produced products, rather than European businesses having to import straws from Asia. These straws are manufactured using FSC certified sustainable paper and food safe inks creating the ideal sustainable alternative to imported straws which may not meet EU regulatory standards.

“With Brexit approaching, we want to reassure our partners of the strength of our supply chain across Europe. The part of Italy we’re expanding to offers easy access to Northern Europe, specifically Germany and Austria, so the location offers excellent trade links.” Lorenzo Angelucci, CEO, Transcend Packaging said.

Businesses in the EU will be subject to a new single-use plastics ban from 2021. Having a team on the ground in Italy places the company in a stronger position to support businesses through this transition.

Angelucci continued: “European businesses are in a race against time to meet the new regulations on single-use plastics and replace their plastic straws. It is our ambition to support as many businesses as possible in their transition to paper straws in time to meet this deadline. Partnering with ICIS will expand our reach even further, and our customers are prepared to reap the benefits of our new partnership and production capabilities.”

Antonio Ratti, MD of ICIS/GM of Transcend Italy concluded: “Transcend is the leading European paper straw manufacturer and we at ICIS are delighted to be part of this. Being able to produce

Italian-based sustainable products has such importance in our business and we are excited to deliver to European customers. We’re delighted to welcome Transcend to Italy and look forward to working together.”