South Asia

Swizett Packaging embarks on digital journey

Adyasha Sinha — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 07:39:47 +0000

Digital printing 31 January 2025

Swizett Packaging embarks on digital journey

The Indian converter meets the ever-increasing need for shorter-run jobs with its new Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230.

Established in 2021, Swizett Packaging is one of the leading
Ahmedabad-based packaging companies with deep roots
dating back to 1990. Founded by Jiteen Vadgama, the
company initially started as a graphic design venture.
Over the years, Vadgama’s vision evolved into a thriving
packaging enterprise, employing approximately 50 individuals and operating from a modern 10,000sqft facility divided into a carton manufacturing and digital label units.

Reflecting on the company’s growth, Vadgama, director at
Swizett Packaging, explains: ‘Our commitment to quality and
precision has been instrumental in carving out a niche in the
competitive packaging industry.’

With a long-standing history in pharmaceutical packaging
Swizett has a unique understanding of its unique requirements which has paved the way for expansion into other sectors, including nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides and perfumes.

Investment for greater efficiency and precision
A significant milestone for Swizett Packaging was the acquisition of the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230. In response to the growing demand for smaller, more personalized orders, especially in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors, Swizett chose this machines for high-quality print and efficient operation.

Vijay Kamat, national product manager for industrial print at
Konica Minolta, shares: ‘Designed to meet the growing demand for smaller, medium-sized print jobs with rapid turnaround times, the AccurioLabel 230 offers on-demand full-color printing, sampling capabilities, variable data and graphics customization, fixed-price printing and compatibility with a wide range of substrates. Additionally, it comes equipped with software packages for color management and job composition.’

The label line, installed at Swizett, is a 4-color narrow web digital press with 330mm maximum width printing. With a speed of 23.4m/min, it accommodates most coated and uncoated papers as well as PP and PET media. It also features text thinning for small fonts, especially useful in pharma labels. Additionally, the machine is capable of printing pre-printed media, including overprinting flexo white pre-printed on clear PP labels.

Changing market dynamics
Swizett Packaging can now offer its customers greater flexibility in order volumes, allowing brands to experiment with seasonal promotions, limited editions and product variations.

‘With the rise in small and medium businesses, boost in the
start-up ecosystem and the popularity of “Make in India” initiative, smaller runs are increasing,’ explains Vadgama, adding that larger SKUs are also on the rise, driven by brand owners expanding their presence in rural India and boosting exports.

‘When quality customization is the only challenge left, the
AccurioLabel 230 is the perfect answer,’ says Vadgama.

Kamat agrees: ‘Digital printing’s flexibility and efficiency make it a natural fit for start-ups and smaller businesses, enabling them to quickly produce a variety of SKUs in smaller quantities. In the world of luxury packaging, start-ups are increasingly embracing Konica Minolta’s products, driven by the need for digital features like variable data printing, security elements, track-and-trace capabilities and augmented reality.’

Expanding product portfolio
Vadgama explains that the AccurioLabel 230 has enabled Swizett to expand its product offering and has allowed it to serve a wider range of clients.

‘We’re now equipped to handle orders of all sizes, offering
unmatched flexibility,’ he shares. ‘One notable area of growth has been the roll label segment, which has flourished thanks to this technological investment. To complement our expanding product line, we have also invested in finishing equipment from India-based RK Label Printing Machinery. Its RK-IFP 350 model features an intermittent rotary flexo coater with die-cutter, a flatbed hot foil stamper and a slitter rewinder with visual inspection.’

We keep adapting to the changing
needs of our clients, which is key to
maintaining strong relationships.

These additions have boosted Swizett’s production capacity and further reaffirmed its commitment to quality and precision.

Keeping an eye on the future
Looking to the future, Vadgama reveals that the company is
actively exploring new technologies that would further reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.

‘Sustainability is the new mantra at Swizett. We believe that
it’s our responsibility to minimize our environmental impact while providing exceptional products and services. And we believe we will be able to deliver on both the parameters with our investment in our new AccurioLabel 230,’ concludes Vadgama.

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Cosmo First marks new expansion

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 14:17:11 +0000

Cosmo First, a global manufacturer of specialty films for packaging, labeling, lamination, has conducted a groundbreaking Bhoomi Pujan ceremony at Auric City, Bidkin in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (erstwhile Aurangabad) district in Maharashtra, India as part of its expansion plan.

The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony included traditional Indian rituals and prayers, symbolizing an auspicious beginning for this new venture. It featured the ceremonial groundbreaking and holy Puja, marking the formal commencement of the site development.

The ceremony, held at plot number 3, sector 25, Auric City, Bidkin, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, was attended by Ashok Jaipuria, Yamini Jaipuria, Pankaj Poddar and the Cosmo First leadership team, underlining the importance of this strategic expansion for the manufacturing company.

The strategic location was chosen for its promising industrial infrastructure and potential for future development. The Bidkin Industrial Area (BID) is a transformative project in India’s journey to become a global manufacturing powerhouse. This expansion in Bidkin represents a crucial step in Cosmo First's growth trajectory facility is expected to enhance the company's operational capabilities and create value for all stakeholders.

Pankaj Poddar, group CEO of Cosmo First, said: ‘This Bhoomi Pujan reflects the growth of our company and the potential of this industrial area. By establishing our presence in Auric City, Bidkin, we are not just expanding our operational footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to Maharashtra's industrial development. This new facility represents our vision for the future and our dedication to creating sustainable value for our stakeholders while contributing to the local economy through employment generation and community development.’

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Avery Dennison drives innovation with AD InsightX

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:28:20 +0000

Substrates & adhesives 29 January 2025

Avery Dennison drives innovation with AD InsightX

Avery Dennison has launched AD InsightX studio as a co-creation platform and an experience center for the packaging industry in Pune, India.

AD InsightX was formally launched in May 2024 in Pune. Industry leading packaging designers, recyclers and label industry stakeholders attended the inauguration.

Avery Dennison embarked on the Make in India journey in 1997. It has operations in Pune, Greater Noida, Kolkata and Bengaluru. The event took place in its Pune facility, which also houses its R&D and Innovation Lab, Converting College and Knowledge Centre, I-Lab, Graphics Lab and now, AD InsightX.

Avery Dennison created this facility as a way to tap into the fast and continuously evolving brand and consumer preferences led by the Millennials and Gen Zs. Now, more than ever, there is a thriving market to introduce new, innovative functional packaging formats.

AD InsightX also aims to address the unmet needs and challenges of the fast-growing premium packaging, security and anti-counterfeit products market. Additionally, through this studio, Avery Dennison wants to enable brands and customers to achieve their sustainability goals. With the tagline ‘Unlock your imagination’, AD InsightX has been designed as a facility where customers, brands, ecosystem enablers, industry experts, partners and thought leaders can ideate together and solve some of the biggest challenges in the market.

‘This facility embodies our commitment to innovation, leadership and collaboration,’ says Saurabh Agarwal, vice president and general manager, Avery Dennison, South Asia. ‘AD InsightX is not just Avery Dennison’s achievement, but it is a thriving opportunity for the industry and partners involved to meet and co-create. Together, we look forward to setting new benchmarks for the industry and contributing to innovative and sustainable advancements.’

‘We were lacking a platform to integrate these efforts of industry partners and create something transformative. Today, we aim to establish an inclusive industry platform accessible to all. It is a secure, collaborative space for ideation, prototyping, continuous learning, mutual challenge and heightened expectations. Why now? Because this space is rapidly evolving,’ Agarwal adds.

The facility has been developed with technical and digital capabilities, including neuromarketing, to enable the shift from reactive to proactive strategies. This will facilitate the rapid creation of minimum viable products and enable swift progression from problem identification to solution generation.

Visitors can walk into the ‘zen-like’ spaces in AD InsightX and see, touch and feel several ‘live’ and ‘ideated’ concepts across aesthetically curated zones. Another experience will be the journey of how the physical world connects with the digital world. A team of Avery Dennison experts has been trained to lead curated workshops or collaborative sessions.

Open collaboration is essential, especially for sustainability, as it requires collective effort. This initiative is a good start

Priyanka Singla, director of segment development and head of sustainability, Avery Dennison South Asia, says: ‘We are industry forerunners in pressure-sensitive labels (PSL) and our endeavor is to continuously elevate the humble label into a problem solver. The PSL label has been a catalyst in many industry segments such as food, liquor, pharma, personal care, e-commerce, home care, retail and industrial, where we have partnered with brands to solve their business challenges. From enabling reuse of bottles, to making products counterfeit-proof, helping launch premium products with textured substrates, or co-creating new packaging formats, we have done it all. We remain cognizant of the fast-evolving Indian consumer. Through AD InsightX, we aspire to partner with brands and the packaging ecosystem to offer world-class packaging experiences.’

AD InsightX

Visitors were invited to tour AD InsightX, which is divided into four zones – sustainability, functional labels, premiumization and brand protection.

Avery Dennison’s sustainability zones highlight innovative products focusing on sustainable sourcing and practices like reducing, reusing and recycling. Visitors witnessed live demonstrations of the company’s new wash-off labels, enabling liquor brands to reuse glass packaging. Linerless labels were also demonstrated as sustainable products.

The functional labels zone highlights products designed to enhance usability and convenience. Attendees viewed examples such as hanging labels, wraparound labels with micro-perforations for multi-unit packs, layered labels for additional information and resealable labels for food applications.

The premiumization zone demonstrates how brands can distinguish themselves by creating labels that enhance the visual and sensory experience of their products. Visitors discovered how textures and special effects on labels can elevate brand impressions.

The inauguration event was attended by industry-leading packaging designers, recyclers and label industry stakeholders

The zone includes a testing shelf that simulates a supermarket experience, complete with an eyeball tracker. This device monitors the eye movements of ‘consumers’ standing in front of the shelf, providing valuable data on which designs or packaging styles capture attention.

The data enables brands to analyze consumers’ subconscious gaze. By placing various designs on the shelf, valuable insights are generated to help brands determine which design attracts the most attention. This product is currently in development and aims to empower brands to make more informed decisions about their packaging.

Brand protection zone features anti-tampering and anti-counterfeiting products. For example, attendees witnessed multiple anti-counterfeiting technologies, including film that shows ‘OK’ when shone a light on, otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

AD InsightX includes Esko’s 3D visualizer, a virtual reality packaging software helping brands assess their design’s visual impact in a simulated supermarket environment. The software permits the customization of supermarket layouts and offers multiple lighting options. It also replicates special effects, materials and finishes on labels, including glossy or matte textures.

The setup includes a screen, on which decision-makers can view digital and physical prototypes, along with database analysis to craft distinctive packaging designs.

Attendees also visited I-Lab, an intelligent laboratory, where Avery Dennison showcased multiple applications of RFID inlays, including supply chain, warehouse and retail applications.

I think this is a great initiative from Avery Dennison. It brings valuable insights and ideas from people with diverse backgrounds

Ashwini Deshpande, co-founder Elephant Design, says: ‘I believe that when we consider innovation, technology, or substrates in the print and packaging industry, it must ultimately benefit the end consumers. And it must benefit the Earth that we want to last for a long time. I saw a lot of innovations today that are going to do just that. I believe we all come with the small pieces of jigsaw puzzle, and together we can make the big picture. And that’s the story of Elephant Design as well. And I think that’s what I saw today. And I’m very excited about the future possibilities.’

Rajay Rasaikar, founder of Trash Co, comments: ‘It is important for a company to spearhead collaborative events. Currently, everyone works in isolation within their own facilities. Open collaboration is essential, especially for sustainability, as it requires collective effort. This initiative is a good start. Moving forward, it will encourage more collaboration and serve as a platform for sharing ideas and launching new projects.’

Hardik Walia, co-founder and head of R&D at Lucro Plastecycle, adds: ‘I think this is a great initiative from Avery Dennison. It brings valuable insights and ideas from people with diverse backgrounds. For example, we don’t always understand designers’ perspectives, and designers may not know what recyclers consider important. Bringing everyone together on one platform is a fantastic step. More initiatives like this are needed to create meaningful products.’

Harveer Sahni, chairman Weldon Celloplast, summarizes the event: ‘I have visited many global plants, and this one is way ahead. There is a need to bring more stakeholders and educate and inform on what a fantastic facility we have here. A very informative and satisfying visit. Kudos to Avery Dennison team for handling this visit well.’

The day ended with curated sessions on topics such as sustainability, brand protection and premiumization. L&L attended the sustainability session with representatives from the packaging recycling industry.

Participants discussed the current issues the industry is facing, such as difficulty in removing adhesive, multi-layer packaging and matrix recycling.

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Cosmo Specialty Chemicals achieves ISO certification

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:23:01 +0000

Cosmo Specialty Chemicals, a 100 percent subsidiary of Cosmo First and manufacuturer of a range of adhesives, masterbatches, and coating chemicals, has successfully achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system.

The certification, issued in December 2024, recognizes the company's commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the design, development, manufacturing, and delivery of adhesives, coatings, and masterbatch products at its MIDC Area facility in Waluj, Aurangabad.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification demonstrates Cosmo Speciality Chemicals' dedication towards consistent delivery of high-quality products, and customer satisfaction through efficient quality management with a culture of continuous improvement of operational processes while meeting regulatory requirements and international standards.

‘This certification is testimony to our ongoing commitment to quality management and customer satisfaction,’ said Raj Sharma, business head at Cosmo Speciality Chemicals. ‘It validates our systematic approach to ensuring product quality and reinforces our position as a trusted manufacturer in the chemical industry.’

The certification is valid until December 17, 2027, subject to successful completion of annual surveillance assessments.

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TPH Orient group establishes itself in labels and packaging

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:51:05 +0000

Conventional printing 27 January 2025

TPH Orient group establishes itself in labels and packaging

TPH Orient Group has expanded its portfolio to include fl exo and digital presses for the growing demands of the labels and packaging industry.

Labels & Labeling sat down with Rishab Kohli, managing director of the TPH Orient group, at the company’s 20-acre facility in Faridabad, Delhi NCR.

Founded in 1946 as a newspaper printing machine supplier, India-based The Printers House (TPH), better known by its brand name Orient, has evolved significantly over the years.

The company was originally founded by Rishab Kohli’s grandfather, KD Kohli, as a newspaper printing press provider, and over time, the elder Kohli began importing the latest printing equipment, providing qualified engineers for installation and training the crew for operations and maintenance. KD Kohli then began manufacturing small offset presses and Rishab Kohli emphasizes that in doing so, his grandfather became the first person in India to produce a letterpresses domestically.

Rishab Kohli, managing director of the TPH Orient group

Later, Rishab Kohli’s father took over the company and led it into manufacturing web offset printing machines for commercial print applications.

When Rishab Kohli took over the business in 2020 due to the unfortunate illness and subsequent death of his father, it was already thriving. Before stepping into his current role, he had worked as an investment banker in New York.

Today, TPH Orient has become a diversified group of companies, operating in six different industries including printing and packaging, defense and aerospace, chemicals, inverters and batteries, with solar energy being its largest vertical.

This presented a clear gap in the Indian market in the in-line flexo market, which has very few flexo providers and relies heavily on imports

Rishab Kohli explains that while his father focused solely on web offset printing, Rishab Kohli, along with his board of directors, took the company in a new direction. One of Kohli’s key collaborators was a former CEO for a large multinational and an executive for Cargill Foods, who is now a director on the board. Together, they expanded the business tenfold, which gave the company free cashflow to enter new market segments. With this growth, Kohli and his team analyzed new opportunities, leading to a decision to enter the labels and packaging segment.

He highlights that the technology for producing labels and packaging is familiar territory for the company, thanks to its long-standing expertise in press manufacturing.

Bridging the gap

The company entered the labels and packaging market with two technologies – flexo and digital. Kohli claims that Orient is the only company in India to manufacture in-line flexo technology with sleeves. The X-Press Flex Series flexo press offers web widths ranging from 330mm to 1,500mm.

The company’s unique selling point is its faster, wider presses and sleeve technology.

‘This was significant because, after a certain width, cylinders are no longer viable, and even label printers are transitioning to wider formats such as 650mm and 670mm. This presented a clear gap in the Indian market in the in-line flexo market, which has very few (domestic) flexo providers and relies heavily on imports. We saw the potential in meeting this demand with high-quality service support, as the sector requires significant investment in service engineers and infrastructure,’ he explains.

The second technology Orient developed for the label market was a digital inkjet machine, which took time to perfect. The digital inkjet machine is branded as the Orient Jet L&P Series and comes in both UV LED and water-based technologies.

‘Digital printing requires significant capital investment and expertise, and building this capacity takes time. Fortunately, India’s vast pool of talent, particularly from trading backgrounds, offers access to skilled professionals. We are optimistic about developing a company that can scale this technology effectively in the near future,’ Kohli says.

The digital presses web width ranges from 270mm, 330mm and can go as wide as 1,000mm and 2,000mm. The presses handle a wide range of substrates, including paper, film and labelstock. With a UV LED press, customers can print on several substrates, while water-based presses limit the substrate options but are becoming increasingly important due to food safety regulations.

The Orient Jet L&P Series digital press comes in both UV LED and water-based technologies

‘Many in the industry are shifting from UV LED to water-based printing because UV LED is not food-safe. We are currently investing heavily in developing water-based, high-resolution (1,200 DPI) packaging machines that can print on film and labels, which could be a game-changer in the market,’ Kohli notes.

Orient has partnered with two UK-based firms to develop the software and hardware for the ink delivery system. Kohli underlines that the company was able to create India’s first fully homegrown ink delivery system.

The company manages both waveform matching and ink delivery system creation in-house, supported by a dedicated lab at its factory. This allows Orient to control both the production and servicing of its presses without relying on external vendors, providing a major advantage.

The company developed a digital press specifically for labels and packaging, aiming to compete with global leaders. Kohli’s strategy focuses on import substitution, aiming to offer domestic alternatives to major European and Chinese brands.

‘The specifications of our presses are comparable to other brands, with similar speeds and materials. The goal was to provide an Indian solution to the flexo and digital printing market, matching the quality of international competitors while maintaining self-sufficiency in service and production,’ he says.

Expanding global footprint

Orient has an extensive global network of 60 agents. This presence gives the company a significant advantage, as many of its agents have longstanding relationships in the printing industry. For example, his agent in Europe has previously represented several American and Chinese brands, giving it a solid foothold in the market. The company has sold machines to over 40 countries worldwide.

Kohli aims to expand India’s market share for its presses, as the majority of sales currently come from international markets.

He emphasized that his target market is global, with strong representation in Europe, where Orient has an office.

The goal was to provide an Indian solution to the flexo and digital printing market, matching the quality of international competitors while maintaining self-sufficiency in service and production

Each technology —flexo and digital—has its own dedicated team. Kohli notes that established agents have shown a keen interest in promoting both of his flexo and digital offerings.

He mentions that by this time next year, Orient also anticipates making significant strides in the US market with a new agent.

Although he already has an agent in the US, this new partnership would further strengthen the company’s presence in the region.

Fostering innovation

Kohli explained that his initial passion within the business came from digital printing, which was the fi rst area he delved into. Growing up, he was surrounded by industry experts owing to his father’s extensive network in the industry.

He recalls how these industry connections shaped his understanding, as he often socialized with these professionals, learning firsthand about the nuances of digital printing and the intricacies of the trade. His deep-rooted exposure allowed him to grasp essential concepts in printing early on.

He described his management style as hands-off when it comes to the day-to-day operations of the individual teams. Revenue targets are set by Kohli, but the team is responsible for managing its own sales and marketing strategies. Meanwhile, his focus is on exploring innovative aspects of the business and keeping up with new trends.

At the upcoming Labelexpo India 2024 and Labelexpo Europe 2025, Orient will showcase Orient X-Press flex 450mm 8-10-color dual servo flexo press, which he described as the most advanced machine ever made by an Indian manufacturer. Also running live will be the Orient Jet L&P series 7-color 330mm digital label press.

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Reifenhäuser marks a successful Labelexpo India 2024

Akanksha Meena — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:17:02 +0000

Reifenhäuser India Marketing (RIMPL) has reported that the company achieved noteworthy success in both sales and brand visibility within the rapidly evolving packaging and labeling sector during Labelexpo India 2024.

The event proved to be a valuable platform to engage with industry professionals, key partners, and potential clients, highlighting the capabilities of the advanced converting and labeling technologies RIMPL represents from its global suppliers.

The company reported that it saw high demand for Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel 230 press known for its productivity offering print speed of 23.4m/min on tack paper. The press also offers continuous printing up to 1000m along with compact footprint and instant production.

In addition to its presence on the exhibition floor, RIMPL hosted an exclusive networking dinner party at Stellar Gymkhana during Labelexpo which gathered the industry veterans, leaders and customers from the converting sector.

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Avery Dennison launches new range of labels

Adyasha Sinha — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 07:01:53 +0000

Avery Dennison South Asia has launched a new range of premium labels in collaboration with Letra Graphix, Pragati Pack India and Janus International. This latest offering includes a portfolio of textured substrates for premium labeling, specifically designed to elevate consumer experiences through unique surface textures and patterns.

The new label range is tailored for key industries, including wine and spirits, food and beverages, and luxury beauty segments. The company aims to redefine packaging by enhancing shelf appeal, driving brand differentiation, and catering to the aspirational demands of consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, through this new label launch.

The labels are developed with sustainability in focus.

Speaking on the launch, Saurabh Aggarwal, vice president and general manager at Avery Dennison South Asia, said: 'Innovation lies at the core of Avery Dennison’s philosophy. As part of our motto, ‘Making Possible’, we believe in the powerful connection between intellect and imagination, science and technology, and the physical and digital. Launching our premium labels range is a step forward in addressing this philosophy and represents our dedication to redefining what’s possible in the labeling world. By combining innovative design with a commitment to sustainability, we empower brands to stand out on shelves and connect with consumers in meaningful ways.'

Avery Dennison’s India team's commitment to sustainability and innovation drives every initiative it undertakes. By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the company aims to create products that meet its customers' needs and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. From reducing environmental impact to fostering circular economies, Avery Dennison continues to reshape industries for the better.

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Huhtamaki India and Embassy of Finland host the second Think Circle forum

Akanksha Meena — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:31:50 +0000

Huhtamaki India, provider of primary consumer packaging and decorative labelling, and part of Huhtamaki Oyj, a Finland based global food packaging company, has concluded the second edition of Think Circle at Embassy of Finland in New Delhi.

The event, organized in partnership with the Embassy of Finland, and knowledge partner Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) kicked off with an exclusive, closed-door roundtable and featured a presentation of the new 'Design for Recycling Guidance for Films and Flexible Packaging.' These guidelines, developed and launched by the CII-India Plastics Pact’s (IPP) initiative in December 2024, mark a pivotal moment in advancing a circular economy for flexible packaging in India.

The event witnessed participation from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and other leading industry players, think tanks, policymakers, and innovators, highlighting the untapped opportunities in revolutionizing India's packaging ecosystem.

As part of the event, a panel discussion titled ‘Redefining the circularity of flexible packaging in India,’ featured an lineup of panelists, including Chinmaya Dandekar, general manager – packaging and sustainability, Godrej Consumer Products, Rashi Agarwal, chief business officer, Banyan Nation, Vishal Poojara, procurement and packaging sustainability, ASEAN region, Mondelez India, Sanjay Gupta, head of packaging, DS Group, Snigdha Berry, Corporate Affairs, Nestlé; and Dhananjay Salunkhe, managing director of Huhtamaki India. The session was moderated by Ruturaj Kamthekar, vice president, strategic business development and marketing, Flexible Packaging at Huhtamaki.

The presentation of design guidelines was one of the landmark moments of the event. Flexible packaging dominates India’s plastic usage, accounting for 73 percent of all plastic packaging. Further, the market is projected to grow to USD 12.72 billion, with a CAGR of nearly 11 percent from 2021-2025, according to the company. Its widespread application spans essential categories, including 93 percent of food products, 84 percent of personal care items (units sold), and 98 percent of homecare related products. However, the packaging sector faces significant hurdles in recyclability due to the widespread use of multilayered, non-recyclable materials. The newly introduced guidelines provide technical and feasible inputs to organizations, supporting them in transitioning to recyclable flexible packaging. These guidelines aim to increase awareness and promote the use of mono-material designs, restricting harmful pigments like carbon black, and advocating for recyclable barrier layers.

Dhananjay Salunkhe, managing director at Huhtamaki India said: ‘We are proud to host the presentation of these design guidelines for flexible packaging in India. The country faces challenges with effective plastic waste management and is at a critical juncture in redefining its packaging practices. These guidelines are a crucial step toward creating a circular economy by ensuring flexible packaging is designed for recyclability. At Huhtamaki, we are committed to collaborating with partners to raise awareness and support the widespread adoption of recyclable packaging, contributing to a more circular future.’

Think Circle is a forum fostering open discussions on challenges and opportunities in achieving circularity within the packaging value chain.

Commenting on the collaboration, HE Kimmo Lähdevirta, ambassador of Finland to India, said: ‘Finland has long been at the forefront of circular economy innovation, pioneering sustainable solutions that transform how we design, use, and recycle materials. For Finland, circular economy is a tool for achieving sustainable development, combatting climate change, saving natural resources, and improving the state of the environment, all while generating economic growth and jobs. This event reflects Finland’s commitment to partnering with Indian companies and stakeholders to advance the circularity of flexible packaging in India. By combining Finnish expertise in sustainable design with India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, we can create solutions that set new benchmarks for sustainability and inspire change globally.’

Seema Arora, deputy director general, Confederation of Indian Industry, said after the event: ‘CII’s work on sustainability supports Indian industry in a range of areas. Where plastic packaging is concerned, a key challenge for the FMCG industry in India is to create recyclable options for flexible formats. Through the India Plastics Pact, CII provided an enabling platform to collaboratively develop a design guide for films and flexible packaging. The guidance document, co-created with stakeholders across the plastic packaging value chain will help brands and convertors move towards a uniform design practice for flexible packaging placed on the Indian market.’

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UFlex collaborates with IIP Delhi for recycling awareness

Adyasha Sinha — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 13:10:09 +0000

India-based flexible packaging multinational UFlex has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) Delhi to promote recycling, circular economy and sustainability. As part of this collaboration, UFlex has set up an interactive ideation zone on the IIP campus for students, professionals, and the public to learn about sustainable practices.

The association between UFlex and IIP Delhi aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia, fostering a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of packaging and the role of innovative technologies in driving recycling efforts. The initiative encourages young minds to explore sustainability challenges and find solutions to shape a greener future.

The ideation zone is made using recycled materials, including multi-layer plastic and aseptic packaging waste. It exemplifies the practical application of circular economy principles in sustainable infrastructure and transforms flexible plastics into a sustainable future. UFlex recycles nearly 30,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste across Poland, Mexico and India.

As part of this collaboration, UFlex will engage industry leaders and sustainability experts in workshops and seminars to educate students on recycling, advanced technologies and the role of R&D in driving sustainability within the packaging industry. These sessions will also emphasize the importance of integrating R&D into academic curricula to prepare future professionals for leadership roles in sustainable packaging innovations.

During the inauguration of the ideation zone, Jeevaraj Pillai, director of sustainability at UFlex, said: 'UFlex’s partnership with IIP Delhi is a significant step in promoting the importance of recycling and sustainability. At UFlex, we recognize that education is a powerful tool in driving change within the packaging industry. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire future packaging leaders and professionals to adopt the principles of the circular economy and sustainable innovation, helping to create a more sustainable and responsible future.'

Dr Tanweer Alam, additional director, IIP Delhi, stated: 'We are excited to partner with UFlex to provide our students with the opportunity to engage with industry experts and learn about the latest in recycling and sustainability. This collaboration aligns with our mission to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to address the evolving demands of the packaging industry and make a lasting impact.'

The inauguration ceremony was attended by UFlex's management and leadership team, the academic team and sustainability advocates. The company shared that this event will begin a long-term commitment by UFlex and IIP Delhi to foster education, awareness and innovation in recycling and sustainability.

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3 weeks 1 day ago

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UFlex collaborates with IIP Delhi for recycling awareness

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The company has set up an ideation zone on the IIP campus, for students, professionals and the public to learn about sustainable practices.

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The company has set up an ideation zone on the IIP campus, for students, professionals and the public to learn about sustainable practices.

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South Asia

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Konica Minolta expands in India

Adyasha Sinha — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 08:54:51 +0000

Konica Minolta Business Solutions India has made a pivotal strategic realignment of its office presence in Mumbai and Kolkata. The move will consolidate resources to optimize talent deployment and market responsiveness.

The company's new corporate offices in Andheri, Mumbai, and Salt Lake, Kolkata will serve as comprehensive business hubs, supporting critical functions, including sales, business development, technical pre-sales, service infrastructure and human capital management. These facilities are essentially talent incubation platforms that bridge global technological expertise with local market potential.

The strategic move recalibrates the company's commitment to deepening its market presence and enhancing its operational capabilities across key metropolitan centers, focusing on the high potential and business prospects in the given territories and taking a concentrated approach to addressing market demands.

Commenting on the rationale behind the strategic move, Katsuhisa Asari, managing director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions India, said: 'These new corporate offices represent more than mere physical expansion. They are strategic command centers designed to accelerate our technological capabilities and deepen our engagement with the Indian market. These offices are engineered as innovation laboratories where global knowledge meets local potential. We are creating an employer value proposition that attracts top-tier technological talent by offering unprecedented opportunities for professional growth, cross-cultural learning, and technological innovation.'

Adding a global perspective, Shinichiro Oka, executive vice president and executive officer responsible for corporate human resources, corporate general affairs, corporate secretarial, crisis management and precision medicine business at Konica Minolta, said: 'India represents a transformative inflection point in Konica Minolta's global strategy, offering not just growth but a potential redefinition of our global competitiveness. Our investment in Mumbai and Kolkata is a strategic bet that will be the fulcrum for capturing emerging growth. Beyond expansion, this fundamentally reimagines our global technological architecture through the lens of Indian innovation.'

Complementing the operational strategy, Susmita Dutta, chief human capital officer in India, shared that Konica Minolta India has ranked among 'Great Places to Work', emphasizing this initiative's talent and development aspect. 'With this geographical expansion, our new corporate branches will provide platforms for talent development, knowledge exchange, and professional growth. We are creating ecosystems that hone holistic development pathways, integrating technological skill-building, cross-functional exposure, and alignment with emerging digital transformation trajectories.'

The expansion runs in tandem with Konica Minolta’s global sustainability guidelines. The new offices are designed to minimize environmental impact and embody eco-conscious workspace principles. By establishing these robust operational centers, Konica Minolta aims to reinforce its position as a leading provider of technological products and services, bridging global expertise with local market insights and driving digital transformation across India.

Posted date

3 weeks 5 days ago

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Konica Minolta expands in India

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The company opens two new offices in Mumbai and Kolkata.

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The company opens two new offices in Mumbai and Kolkata.

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South Asia

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Adyasha Sinha

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