A week subsequent to the announcement by UFlex-Asepto to set up India’s first and world’s fastest-speed line to manufacture U–shaped paper straw at its Sanand plant in Gujarat, a team from Tembo BV which is helping the former set up the line, visited Asepto on 25 April 2022 at their Noida office. In order to make this transition seamless, Asepto held a round of talks with Netherlands headquartered Tembo BV to accelerate the setup process.

In light of government’s decision on SUP (single-use plastic) ban to be effective 1 July, 2022 to phase out plastic straws, the F&B industry is under tremendous pressure to find a suitable replacement. To help companies meet these demands and not generate plastic waste, Tembo and UFlex-Asepto have co-developed 100% renewable and recyclable paper straw solution that will be food grade, moisture-resistant and made from sustainably sourced papers.

On the visit of Tembo BV team, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, president and chief executive officer, 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 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 YoY 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.”

Sharing details on the visit, Martin Grandjean, business development director, Tembo Paper commented, “We understand the urgency from UFlex-Asepto and in pursuance to that our team took cognizance 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 realize 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 145mm and 165mm, 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.