> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.packagingeurope.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Finalist Interview: Z1RO’s moulded fibre packaging from non-wood biomass - URL: https://www.packagingeurope.com/finalist-interview-z1ros-moulded-fibre-packaging-from-non-wood-biomass/ - Published: 2026-10-30T11:04:43.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-30T11:04:43.000Z - Author: Packaging Europe staff writers - Tags: #homepage-features, Sustainability, Rigid Packaging [**Z1RO**](https://z1ro.eu/?ref=packagingeurope.com) **has been nominated as a finalist in the Start-Up New Materials category of the 2026 Sustainability Awards. The company’s founder Alexander Sobolenko tells us more about the project and outlines next steps.** ![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/2026/10/ziro_alexander.png) Alexander Sobolenko, founder at [Z1RO](https://z1ro.eu/?ref=packagingeurope.com) **You’re a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2026\. Congratulations! To start off, could you summarize your entry in less than 50 words?** Z1RO develops biodesigned moulded fibre packaging from non-wood biomass: fallen leaves, hemp, European bamboo and agricultural residues. Our materials run on existing wet moulded fibre lines. They give brands in cosmetics, electronics and premium goods an alternative to plastic and virgin wood pulp, with a distinctive natural texture. **Why do you think the judges were impressed with your entry? What is innovative about your project and its impact on packaging sustainability?** We think the judges saw a material innovation designed for industry from day one. Moulded fibre is one of the fastest-growing alternatives to plastic, but it still depends almost entirely on wood pulp. Many newer bio-based options are expensive, hard to scale or require new equipment. Z1RO widens the raw material base instead. We work with several European non-wood feedstocks rather than one “miracle” fibre. Our biomass engineering approach keeps part of the plants’ natural lignin and uses it as a binding component. This reduces processing intensity compared with conventional pulping. It also keeps the materials compatible with the moulded fibre infrastructure manufacturers already operate. For a converter, adopting Z1RO is a material change, not a factory rebuild. The second point is design. Each feedstock gives the finished part its own visual and tactile character. Our finalist entry, Tobacco White, combines urban fallen leaves and European bamboo to create a distinctive natural texture suitable for premium packaging. Beyond aesthetics, the material is fully recyclable and offers up to 80% lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional plastic packaging. By using locally sourced circular feedstocks instead of relying primarily on virgin raw materials, we also reduce dependence on primary resources. For premium brands, sustainability becomes an integral part of the product experience rather than a compromise. As PPWR pushes the packaging value chain to diversify raw materials, we believe this combination of feedstock flexibility, industrial compatibility, and premium aesthetics is what makes the project relevant. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/2026/10/Ziro2.jpeg) **Can you tell us about the ongoing development of your project: industry reception and next steps?** Our focus in 2026 has been on moving from laboratory development towards industrial validation and commercial readiness. Throughout the year, we conducted industrial trials in several EU countries, successfully processing our materials on existing moulded fibre production equipment, including automated systems. These trials demonstrated the compatibility of our formulations with established manufacturing processes and their potential for integration into existing production infrastructure. In parallel, we secured two raw material supply agreements covering bamboo and hemp, strengthening the foundations for a reliable and scalable European supply chain. Market response has been equally encouraging. We currently have three B2B pilot projects underway in the EU, spanning cosmetics, electronics and FMCG. One particularly meaningful example is a premium French brand that approached us to develop an exclusive material texture. This reflects a growing interest in materials that combine environmental performance with distinctive aesthetics and brand identity. Our progress has also gained recognition within the European innovation ecosystem. We were recognized as a Deep Tech Pioneer by Hello Tomorrow and won a pitch competition at VivaTech 2026, receiving the Tech for Change recognition. Looking ahead, our priority is to translate this technical and commercial validation into scalable business operations. We are advancing towards repeatable industrial production, working with our pilot customers to establish the first commercial applications, and expanding our intellectual property portfolio. To support this next stage, we are raising a €500,000 round and actively exploring joint development opportunities with European brands and packaging manufacturers. Our longer-term ambition is to establish a decentralized production model built around technology licensing and regional manufacturing partnerships. This would enable manufacturers in different markets to convert locally available biomass into high-value packaging materials, bringing circular material innovation closer to where resources are generated and products are made. **The winners of this year’s Sustainability Awards are due to be announced on the 11th November at the Sustainable Packaging Summit, taking place from the 10th\-12th November in Utrecht, Netherlands. The Summit mobilizes leaders of the FMCG value chain, policymakers, NGOs, recyclers and investors to collaborate, remove barriers and identify opportunities on the road to sustainable transformation.** **To learn more or register, visit:** [**https://www.packagingsummit.earth**](https://www.packagingsummit.earth/?ref=packagingeurope.com) **If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:** [***The ultimate guide to packaging innovation in 2026***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-ultimate-guide-to-packaging-innovation-in-2026/13821.article?ref=packagingeurope.com) [***Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: what to know in 2026***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-packaging-and-packaging-waste-regulation-in-2026/13960.article?ref=packagingeurope.com) [***Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/report-the-ultimate-guide-to-global-packaging-sustainability-regulation-in-2025/12733.article?ref=packagingeurope.com) [***Strategic learnings from the Sustainable Packaging Summit***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/strategic-learnings-from-the-2025-sustainable-packaging-summit/13750.article?ref=packagingeurope.com)