To make this transition seamless, Asepto held a round of talks with the Netherlands-headquartered Tembo BV to accelerate the process.

In light of the government’s decision on single-use plastic ban to be effective from 1 July to phase out plastic straws, the F&B industry is under pressure to find a suitable replacement. To help companies meet these demands, Tembo and UFlex-Asepto have co-developed 100% renewable and recyclable paper straw solutions that will be food grade, moisture-resistant and made from sustainably-sourced papers.

Ashwani Kumar Sharma, president & CEO, Aseptic Liquid Packaging Business, UFlex, said, “We have a mission that our partners should not lose even a single-day of production, post the prohibitions on the use of single-use plastic in India. We are moving at a lightning speed to help our customers. Being the fastest-growing Indian brand in aseptic liquid packaging, with year-on-year growth of 100% in the last four years, it is our responsibility to offer quick solutions which are eco-friendly and sustainable. With this U-shaped paper straw, we will showcase our commitment for a greener environment, changing the dynamics of the industry.” 

Martin Grandjean, business development director, Tembo Paper BV, said, “We understand the urgency from UFlex-Asepto and in pursuance to that our team, took cognisance to speed up the process to help them achieve setting up the plant in the proposed time and start production. We will extend all possible support to Asepto to facilitate the installations and help them realise their dream of having a line that shall have both manufacturers and consumers contributing to waste reduction.”

This proactive step from UFlex-Asepto to launch U-shaped paper straw, in sizes of 145-mm and 165-mm, for its aseptic cartons, will enable its clients to continue manufacturing and selling beverages and dairy product options in aseptic portion packs with environment-friendly paper straws.