Zume

Zume

Compostable packaging for food supply chain

Overview

Zume creates sustainable packaging for the food supply chain, offering premium compostable packaging to replace single-use plastics. It serves food and beverage companies, restaurants, and retailers by designing and manufacturing compostable food containers and other eco-friendly packaging, and it also produces durable face masks as part of its product line. The company works by selling these products directly to businesses and through partnerships, often under long-term contracts, leveraging technology to optimize materials, performance, and supply chain logistics. Zume differentiates itself by combining technology-driven design with a focus on environmental impact, providing practical, scalable compostable packaging solutions rather than generic green claims. Its goal is to help businesses operate more sustainably while contributing to a healthier planet.

About Zume

Simplify's Rating
Why Zume is rated
D-
Rated D- on Competitive Edge
Rated D- on Growth Potential
Rated D- on Differentiation

Industries

Food & Agriculture

Industrial & Manufacturing

Social Impact

Consumer Goods

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$471M

Headquarters

Camarillo, California

Founded

2018

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Global $580B plastic industry presents massive addressable market for sustainable substitutes.
  • Established partnerships across 25+ countries provide immediate distribution channels for products.
  • Compostable products serve diverse sectors: food, beverage, healthcare, cosmetics, consumer goods.

What critics are saying

  • Genera acquired Zume's assets in 2026, eliminating independent operations and IP control.
  • Zume ceased operations June 2023 after burning $445M, leaving partnerships defunct.
  • Genera's Pivot technology undercuts compostable positioning, outcompeting former Zume partners globally.

What makes Zume unique

  • Zume's molded fiber technology converts agricultural waste into compostable packaging alternatives.
  • ABB partnership deploys 2,000 robots across customer sites for automated production.
  • Patented manufacturing system enables cost-effective transition from plastic without disrupting operations.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Funding

Total Funding

$471M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

3 Rounds

Notable Investors:
Series C funding is usually for startups that are doing well and are looking for more money to fuel major growth, such as acquiring other companies, expanding into global markets, or launching new product lines. Investors typically include larger venture capital firms and private equity.
Series C Funding Comparison
Above Average

Industry standards

$50M
$50M
Medium
$62M
SeatGeek
$100M
Oura
$375M
Zume

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

-1%
Business Wire
Feb 5th, 2024
Genera Continues Expansion with Acquisition of Zume Assets

Genera has acquired the assets of molded fiber manufacturer and equipment supplier Zume Inc, continuing its expansion into food and consumer products.

Recently Posted Jobs

Sign up to get curated job recommendations

There are no jobs for Zume right now.

Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today

We update Zume's jobs every few hours, so check again soon! Browse all jobs →