Z1RO, a European startup developing alternative materials for sustainable packaging, has been selected as a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2026, organised by Packaging Europe. The company is competing in the Start-Up – New Materials category with its innovative moulded fibre packaging made from non-wood biomass.
Z1RO develops packaging materials using fallen leaves, hemp, European bamboo and agricultural residues, offering an alternative to conventional plastic packaging and virgin wood pulp. Its technology uses part of the natural lignin present in plants as a binding component, reducing the processing required to produce moulded fibre materials.
The company’s finalist entry, Tobacco White, combines fallen urban leaves and European bamboo to create recyclable packaging with a distinctive natural texture. According to Z1RO, the material can achieve up to 80% lower CO₂ emissions compared with conventional plastic packaging.
One of the technology’s main advantages is its compatibility with existing wet moulded fibre production equipment, potentially facilitating industrial adoption without requiring manufacturers to invest in entirely new production lines.
Throughout 2026, Z1RO has conducted industrial trials in several European countries and secured supply agreements for bamboo and hemp. The startup is also working on three B2B pilot projects in the cosmetics, electronics and consumer goods sectors, with the aim of progressing towards commercial production.
The winners of the Sustainability Awards 2026 will be announced on 11 November, during the Sustainable Packaging Summit, taking place in Utrecht, the Netherlands.