Footprint, a global materials science technology company focused on creating a healthy planet, announced a partnership with f'real foods, the purveyors of on-the-go, blend-it-yourself (BIY) shakes and smoothies, under which the companies will leverage Footprint’s fiber-based solutions to develop a sustainable replacement for f’real’s signature dairy cup.

f'real’s patented in-store blending system, which blends delicious, authentic milkshakes and smoothies at the touch of a button in about a minute, can be found in more than 20,000 locations around the world, including convenience stores, colleges and universities, theaters, and military bases. As part of its sustainable packaging goals, f’real is transitioning away from single-use plastics and moving towards fully recyclable and responsibly sourced packaging. In the U.S. specifically, the company aims for 100% of its packaging to meet these criteria by 2025. 

Footprint’s team will consider several design factors as they create this molded fiber cup to ensure it works seamlessly with f’real’s current and future equipment – including its powerful mixing technology – while providing an enjoyable drinking experience for consumers. The cups will also utilize Footprint’s Print-to-Fiber Technology– an award-winning flexographic print process for molded fiber cups – to highlight the f’real brand. This innovative process delivers high-quality, color-rich printing on the fiber surface while eliminating the need for a separate plastic label on the product. 

“Footprint’s engineers are always up for a challenge and are focused on perfecting the intricate design and engineering of this cup, which we look forward to bringing to market,” said Footprint co-founder and CEO Troy Swope. “Working with customers like f’real allows us to highlight the significant science and engineering that goes into Footprint’s solutions while reinforcing our commitment to collaborating with customers to develop a product tailored to their unique needs.” 

Footprint will begin extensive testing this month to ensure that the design of the plastic-free dairy cup meets all design expectations. 

About Footprint
Footprint has a clear vision to create a healthier planet and healthier people. Phase one of our mission is to provide solutions that eliminate single-use and short-term use plastics in our food chain. Footprint’s team of engineers use plant-based fiber technology to design, develop and manufacture biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable products that compete with plastic’s cost, and exceed its performance. Footprint is rapidly expanding into new categories with customized and patented solutions for customers. Footprint’s products have already led to a global redirection of millions of pounds of plastic waste from entering the air, earth, and water working with leading global consumer brands. Footprint was founded in 2014, by former Intel engineers, Troy Swope and Yoke Chung. The company employs more than 2,700 employees, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, and Asia.